The Cobra Kai season 6 trailer has seemingly revealed the return of Mike Barnes, whose role carries interesting implications for the Sekai Tekai. Played by Sean Kanan, The Karate Kid Part III villain finally returned to the franchise in Cobra Kai season 5, making appearances in two episodes. But while he wound up playing a crucial role in the final battle against Terry Silver in Cobra Kai season 5’s ending, his alliance was Johnny, Chozen, and Daniel was only seen as a temporary one.

Unlike Chozen, Mike Barnes never signed onto a long-term fight with Cobra Kai, nor was he associated with Johnny and Daniel’s dojo. Due to this, there were legitimate questions as to whether Sean Kanan would reprise his role again. For months, no confirmation on the actor’s involvement was offered. However, a split-second shot in the trailer for Cobra Kai season 6 has offered assurances that despite the lack of news on this front, Daniel and Johnny will soon cross paths with the “The Bad Boy of Karate” once more.

Cobra Kai Season 6 Suggests Mike Barnes Will Help Daniel & Johnny

Mike Barnes Is Observing Demetri’s Karate Training In The Cobra Kai Season 6 Trailer

At the 0:21 mark in the Cobra Kai season 6 trailer, a figure dressed in a red and black gi can be spotted standing atop the training platform at the Miyagi-do dojo. Upon closer inspection, the mystery character can be identified as Mike Barnes. In this particular shot, Barnes is seen watching Demetri train. Considering that this coincides with a story that calls for all of Johnny and Daniel’s students to get ready for the Sekai Taikai tournament, it’s fair to say that Mike Barnes is participating with that, at least on some level.

Although Mike Barnes has yet to meet the Miyagi-do and Eagle Fang students ahead of Cobra Kai season 6, it appears he’ll be assisting in their development nonetheless. That move makes sense, especially when considering his background. As The Karate Kid Part III established, Barnes was a national champion in karate. That distinction gives him experience that none of the dojo’s three senseis possess and puts him in a position to provide a unique perspective on competing on the biggest stage imaginable. With that in mind, Barnes can offer valuable advice not only to the students, but to Johnny, Daniel, and Chozen as well.

What Mike Barnes’ Red & Black Gi Could Represent

Mike Barnes Is Wearing A New Gi In Cobra Kai’s Universe

Arguably the most interesting detail regarding Mike Barnes’ presence in Cobra Kai is the gi he’s wearing. The red and black outfit doesn’t connect to any existing dojo in The Karate Kid’s world. As for what it could represent, it’s possible that red and black are the colors of the dojo that made Barnes the fighter he is today. After all, it’s important to note that Barnes was only hired by Terry Silver in The Karate Kid Part III to fight for Cobra Kai; the character had actually been trained elsewhere. The identity of that dojo has never been discussed, and could be officially named in-universe by Barnes in Cobra Kai season 6.

Will Mike Barnes Become Miyagi-Do & Eagle Fang’s Fourth Sensei?

Barnes Could Become An Official Sensei At The Dojo Or Serve As A Guest Instructor

Barnes being a part of their training supports theories that he will accept a position as the fouth sensei of Eagle Fang and Miyagi-do, alongside Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen. Such a scenario is technically plausible, but not confirmed by just his involvement in the students’ training. Rather, it may be that Barnes is only there as a guest instructor for an episode or two. As noted above, Mike Barnes’ status as a former national champion makes him someone that Daniel and Johnny may want their students to hear from. But, his role may not go beyond that. In other words, it’s too early to expect Barnes to enjoy a substantial role in their development.

Because Barnes’ role in the narrative is significantly smaller than those of Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen, the series is unlikely to turn him into an equal partner. But with Cobra Kai’s final chapter being an extended season, it’s not impossible that it finds a way to let Barnes earn an important role at the dojo. But while there’s a much greater likelihood that Barnes will just be a guest instructor, there is indeed a pathway toward Barnes becoming the fourth sensei and guiding the students all the way to the Sekai Taikai tournament. If that happens, Cobra Kai could even see him reunite with Kreese when their students clash on the mat.

Students That Have The Most To Gain From Mike Barnes’ Guidance

Tory And Kenny Could Be Trained By Mike Barnes

Having Mike Barnes on hand in Cobra Kai season 6 could lend itself well to the series, specifically to the arcs of some of the show’s teenage characters. Among those who would benefit greatly from Mike Barnes’ help is Tory Nichols; previously, it was speculated that Chozen would take Tory under his wing, but the show may opt to take a different direction. If Cobra Kai decides to make Chozen a mentor to a different character, such as Demetri, it could pair Mike Barnes with Tory, with whom he shares a lot of similarities.

Similar to Tory, Mike Barnes has a history as a hot-headed bully. He’s much calmer and rational now, but is still able to channel that rage in a fight, as evidenced by how he responded to Chozen’s attack at the furniture store. How he evolved between Karate Kid Part III and Cobra Kai season 5 could be relevant to any bond he develops with Tory. Learning from Mike Barnes could enable her to grow as a fighter without giving up what makes her so formidable.

For the same reasons, Kenny could also receive some meaningful tips from Mike Barnes. Kenny has no connection to Johnny and Daniel, who each have their own students to train. And, if it does wind up making Tory a pupil of Chozen’s, it could set aside some time for some Kenny-Barnes scenes. Having Terry Silver’s partner-in-crime in The Karate Kid Part III take over his role as Kenny’s mentor would be an interesting development.

Were Cobra Kai to take this route, whether it’s with Kenny, Tory, or a different member of The Karate Kid’s younger generation, it would make a heightened presence for Mike Barnes a necessity for season 6. If he helps one of them make it to the Sekai Taikai, it would be disappointing for him not to be on the sidelines with the other senseis, witnessing their progress for himself. Having this happen would add value to Mike Barnes’ story and complete his redemption arc.