I don't like how Rocky was manipulated

First, in Creed, it's doubtful that Rocky would train anyone else at that point. It's only because Rocky feels guilty for Apollo's death that he feels he owes it to Adonis.

Now, in Creed II, Rocky used his best judgement and advised Adonis to avoid fighting Viktor. As, turned out Rocky was right about everything. What happens next? Rocky travels across the country to apologize to Adonis. Then Mary Anne contacts Rocky. Rocky jumps through more hoops and is waiting at Mary Anne's house unbeknownst to Adonis. Why the trick: Is Adonis still mad and unwilling to speak with Balboa? It's unrealistic how subservient Rocky is to the Creeds.

I think a better approach would be for Adonis after his recovery, to go to Rocky and apologize. After all it was Adonis who had seeked out Rocky.