Warning: This post contains spoilers for the series finale of Cobra Kai.Cobra Kai co-creator Hayden Schlossberg reveals why one particular character did not win the Sekai Taikai tournament. Cobra Kai season 6 part 3 concluded in explosive style, culminating in the final of the Sekai Taikai tournament. Samantha LaRusso of Miyagi-do was poised to face long-time frenemy Tory Nichols in the semi-finals, battling for a chance to face Iron Dragon Zara Malik in the final. However, Sam made the decision to pull out the morning of the fight, advancing Tory to the final, where she would eventually beat Zara to win the tournament.
In a post on his official X/Twitter account, Schlossberg revealed that there was consideration among the creative team to have Sam win the tournament, but it felt more narratively satisfying and fulfilling to have Tory win. Explaining the logic, he spoke about the class difference, and how it felt right, and that “most people want the poorer kid to win.” Check out Schlossberg’s full comments below:
There was brief talk of Sam winning, but the story we went with was the one we felt was most fulfilling. At the end of the day, most people want the poorer kid to win. Unfortunately for Robby, Miguel is on equal economic footing.
The Show’s Conclusion Felt Satisfying & Hit The Right Story Beats
Sam’s Sekai Taikai decision made sense narratively; she understood that Tory needed the tournament more than her and deserved to be the one to take down Zara, given the bad blood between them. It was also in keeping with Sam’s character that she would step aside and let someone else have the spotlight, understanding that she had nothing to fight for, and her journey had reached its natural conclusion. While Sam winning the Sekai Taikai could have worked, it certainly felt more satisfying and realistic to have Tory, the strongest fighter in the dojo, claim victory.
Sam and Tory have been in conflict since Cobra Kai season 2, so it was good to see things end on a more positive note for the duo.
Schlossberg’s comments show the creators understood this, and knew that Tory’s journey to this point had been harder fought than Sam’s. Her hunger for victory made her the ideal choice. He also mentions that Miguel and Robbie were in similar situations, which perhaps made the decision more difficult. However, Miguel feels like the right choice, as he was the one there from the start, and was the sole Cobra Kai student in season 1. This makes his victory hard-earned, especially with his injury and the difficulties he had to overcome as an immigrant.
Our Take On Tory’s Sekai Taikai Victory
The Show Wrapped Up Its Character Arcs Very Well
Sam and Tory have been in conflict since Cobra Kai season 2, so it was good to see things end on a more positive note for the duo. In fact, Sam vs. Tory fights have happened far too often on Cobra Kai, and the show seemed to acknowledge this by keeping them apart in the final episodes. Ultimately, Sam’s selfless decision allowed Tory to shine and finally buried the hatchet between the two long-time rivals, wrapping up their arc in a positive way. This helped to make Cobra Kai‘s ending one of Netflix’s strongest.
Source: Hayden Schlossberg/X/Twitter
Cobra Kai
5/10
- Release Date
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2018 – 2024
- Network
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Netflix, YouTube Premium
- Showrunner
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Jon Hurwitz
- Directors
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Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman
- Writers
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Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley