Spoilers for the Season 6, Part 1 cliffhanger: Tory chooses Kreese because her mother’s death leaves her feeling alone and unprotected, and she believes she must look out for herself. Peyton List, who plays Tory, says Tory fears Daniel will ultimately put his daughter and family first. Winning the captain spot feels like a way to achieve something when she thinks she has lost everything; Kreese’s doubts about her new friendships help make Cobra Kai seem like an option.
Her mother’s death changes the decision
The immediate rupture comes during Miyagi-Do’s team-selection process. After Tory’s mother dies, Daniel stops the fight that was meant to decide whether Tory or Samantha would become captain. Tory leaves Miyagi-Do, and when she next appears at the Sekai Taikai, she has joined Kreese and Cobra Kai.
List described the loss to TVLine as changing everything. In her explanation of Tory’s perspective, grief combines with a fear that nobody else will protect her: Tory expects Daniel to prioritize his daughter and family, not Tory.
Why the captain spot matters to Tory
For Tory, the captain position is more than a title or a place on a team. List explained that Tory wants a win and a meaningful achievement at a moment when she feels she has nothing. That makes the choice personal and strategic as well as emotional: she is looking for something she can claim as her own.
#1 Best Overall
- Cobra Kai TV Show design. Officially licensed Cobra Kai merch. Show off your favorite show (and your favorite dojo) in this fun gear. Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy.
- Perfect graphic merchandise for fans of Karate, Karate Kid, Eagle Fang, TV Shows, Retro Movies, Martial Arts, Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, and Sporty Fashion. This fun gear is made for fans of the original movie and the show.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
“I have to look out for myself. Daniel is going to look out for his daughter and his family, ultimately, and he’s not gonna look out for me. I need to get this captain spot in order to have a win in my life and to actually achieve something now that I have nothing.”
That is List describing the character’s mindset to TVLine, not dialogue Tory says on screen. It helps explain why the interrupted captain decision matters so much to her.
Rank #2
- CUSTOM DESIGN - The mens Cobra Kai TV show series fan apparel features a bright, bold graphic, professionally printed for long-lasting color and print quality.
- DRAWSTRING WAISTBAND - The mens Cobra Kai TV show series black sleep pants includes a drawstring waistband for the perfect, easy adjustability.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED - The mens black Cobra Kai TV show series lounge wear sleep pants are officially licensed and 100% authentic, making it the perfect gift for fans!
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS - The mens Cobra Kai TV series Sleep Pants fan merchandise are made of 100% high-quality polyester and spandex material.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS - The mens black Cobra Kai TV show series sleep wear can be machine washed on cold with like colors and tumble dried on low for quick, easy care.
How Kreese makes Cobra Kai seem like an option
Co-creator and executive producer Jon Hurwitz says Kreese encourages Tory to question whether her new friendships are real and whether Miyagi-Do will give her a fair chance. His influence works on doubts already sharpened by grief and the failed captain decision; the interview does not frame Tory’s choice as a simple, sudden conversion to evil.
The distinction matters: List explains what Tory believes she needs, while Hurwitz explains how Kreese helps make leaving Miyagi-Do seem possible. Neither account makes Tory’s decision a verdict on whether her friends genuinely care about her.
Rank #3
- Includes Danny LaRusso posed in a crane kick, Samantha LaRusso, Miguel Diaz & Johnny Lawrence
- Includes 4 figures styled like Johnny Lawrence, Miguel Diaz, Samantha LaRusso & Danny LaRusso posed in the famous crane kick
- Each detailed figure stands over 2.5 inches tall and captures each character’s signature look
- Display-worthy package features fun details from the All Valley Tournament and more to discover
- For adults, fans, and collectors of Cobra Kai memorabilia
How the creators later framed Tory’s choice
In a later Netflix Tudum recap, co-creator Hayden Schlossberg said Tory is focusing on herself because she cannot handle the situation otherwise: “She’s focusing on herself, because if she doesn’t, she can’t handle it.” The recap describes her as vulnerable and angry. That retrospective view adds nuance to List’s explanation: Tory’s self-protective choice grows out of grief, rather than proving she has simply become a bad person.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where the cliffhanger sits in Season 6
Tory’s choice is the Part 1 cliffhanger, but Season 6 is complete. Netflix’s Season 6 guide says the final season has 15 episodes across three parts and that all three parts are available. The explanation here focuses on why Tory leaves Miyagi-Do; it does not treat the Part 1 decision as the end of her story.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cobra Kai TV Show design. Officially licensed Cobra Kai merch. Show off your favorite show (and your favorite dojo) in this fun gear. Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy.
- Perfect graphic merchandise for fans of Karate, Karate Kid, Eagle Fang, TV Shows, Retro Movies, Martial Arts, Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, and Sporty Fashion. This fun gear is made for fans of the original movie and the show.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
- Select your dojo: Choose from Eagle Fang, Cobra Kai or Miyagi-do and alongside your sensei, start training, recruiting and fighting to become the most powerful dojo and seal your destiny as the Grand Champion of the All Valley Tournament.
- Exciting Game Modes: Jump into Story Mode and immerse yourself in an exciting new storyline that will have you fighting your way to the All Valley Tournament, or play Cobra Classics and relive epic moments from the show, and more!
- 28 playable characters: Play as your favorite characters from the show’s expansive roster and make use of their special abilities and skills along your path to victory!
- Increase your powers: Collect chi and coins to increase your skills. Recruit new dojo members and let their strength bolster your own as you build your dojo into a powerhouse.
- Online vs. Tournament: Jump into online Tournament mode and compete in the All Valley Tournament. Fight your way to secure your legacy as the ultimate champion.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
