The possibility of Kreese crossing a line he can’t come back from just got stronger inCobra Kai. Despite being the most prominent villain inThe Karate Kidmoviesas well as its sequel series, there’s been a lingering perception that John Kreese isn’t without hope of redemption. His fondness for Johnny Lawrence, among other things, have proven that there’s humanity within Martin Kove’s character. That’s why there’s been a sense that perhaps Johnny can change him. However, it’s possible that Johnny will be the reason that Kreese becomes irredeemable.

Briefly, Kreese seemed to be on a better path. He stopped Terry Silver from forcing Tory to cheat in the All Valley Tournament and encouraged her to get out of the fight against Cobra Kai. But since then, Kreese has been back to his old ways. The influence he’s having on Kwon and his apparent role as the main villain ofCobra Kaiseason 6lowers the chances of Kreese seeking redemption. Further complicating things is a tease from theCobra Kaiseason 6 part 2 trailer, which hints at someone - possibly Kreese - taking the war with Miyagio-Do to the next level.

Knife in Cobra Kai Season 6

Could Kreese Try To Kill Johnny In Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2?

The Trailer Could Be Hinting At A Death In Cobra Kai’s Final Season

Toward the end of the trailer, someone can be seen flipping around a knife. The weapon can be clearly identified as the blade that Kreese found in the cave after passing a test given to him byKim Sun Yung. The obvious implication here is that Kreese is prepared to use the knife he acquired. As for who he’d want to use it on, Daniel LaRusso feels like a plausible option, but Cobra Kai’s previous setup points the finger at Johnny instead. After all, it shouldn’t be forgotten thatfiguratively killing Johnny was how he obtained the weapon in the first place.

8 Kreese Moments That Still Need To Happen Before Cobra Kai Season 6 Ends

John Kreese is shaping up to be Cobra Kai’s primary villain, and several things still need to happen to him before season 6 ends the show.

In season 4,Terry Silver exposed Johnny as Kreese’s “weakness.“Having this knowledge led to him beating a hallucination of Johnny and killing him, thus proving that Kreese had finally rid himself of his “weakness.” The knife being a reward for that could serve as foreshadowing for how it’ll ultimately being used. If it’s true that Kreese no longer has an emotional attachment to Johnny, then it’s possible that a heated conflict could push him that far. As he says in the trailer, he has “nothing to lose” now. The shot of the knife signals thatKreese’s limits are about to be put to the test.

Martin Kove as John Kreese in various stills from Cobra Kai season 6 (2024)

Kwon Could Also Explain Cobra Kai’s Knife Tease

Kwon Has Already Proven His Capacity For Violence

An alternative interpretation of the knife tease is that it’s a misdirect; theoretically, it could wind up in the hands of someone else, like Kwon. The brutality that was on display earlier inCobra Kaidemonstrates that he’s the most dangerous foe any of the teenage characters have faced yet. Given his recklessness, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where Kwon - tempted by Kreese’s negative influence - becomes angry enough to take up his mentor’s knife against one of his newfound rivals. The series actually killing off a main character feels unlikely, but one of its villains making the attempt isn’t unfeasible.

Cobra Kai

Cast

Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.

Brandon H. Lee as Kwon looking very determined in Cobra Kai season 6

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