Amid ‘Karate Kid’ Hype, YouTube Star Speed Recreates the Iconic Jaden Smith Scene in China

Published 04/02/2025, 10:46 AM EDT

via Getty

When it comes to blending comedy and chaos, IShowSpeed never misses. The internet personality, born Darren Jason Watkins Jr., sparked global buzz during his recent China tour. From scaling Fuxi Mountain’s perilous Love Ladder to performing a historic backflip on the Great Wall - complete with his favorite Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “SUIII” chant - Speed turned his trip into a cultural spectacle. Fans eagerly awaited his next move, unaware he would soon pay homage to The Karate Kid in the most unexpected way.

The viral moment arrived when Speed teamed up with Zhenwei Wang, the actor who portrayed antagonist Cheng in the 2010 film The Karate Kid. Speed recreated the movie’s iconic basketball scene, complete with a humorous twist, the chaotic clip surfaced amid renewed Karate Kid hype. After vibing with a local girl, Speed was challenged by Wang to a mock fight, only to be thrown to the ground and defeated in WWE-style theatrics. The clip left fans dubbing it “absolute cinema.”

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The original scene in The Karate Kid saw Jaden Smith’s character, Dre, attempting to impress his crush, Mei Ying,with basketball skills before hilariously losing a ping pong match. Cheng’s rivalry with Dre escalated from there, mirroring Speed’s playful showdown with Wang. Notably, the homage dropped just after Sony announced Karate Kid: Legends. The film merges the universes of Jackie Chan’s 2010 remake and Ralph Macchio’s original series, promising crossover showdowns, legacy callbacks, and fresh leads. Speed’s viral antics? A perfect teaser for the hype train.

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Nostalgia met madness - but how did fans react to Speed’s blockbuster-worthy stunt? Let us just say social media lost its mind.

X erupts over Speed’s Jaden Smith starrer Karate Kid homage

Fans declared Speed the “Main Character” of 2025, with many joking he outshone Jaden Smith himself. Nostalgia hit hard as users praised the collaboration’s creativity, labeling it “next-level content.” Memes comparing Speed’s public "WWE" moment to cinematic gold trended, while others marveled at his ability to rally China’s top influencers like “Avengers Endgame" assembling.

Speed’s antics proved once again why he dominates viral culture. The Karate Kid homage? Just another day in Speed’s unscripted playbook of chaos - raw, ridiculous, and exactly why the internet cannot look away.

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Fans quipped that the internet scored a "doppleganggerKarate Kid homage amid the hype of Karate Kid: Legendsproving Speed’s chaos moves faster than Hollywood. The Karate Kid homage, packed with humor and nostalgia, showcased Speed's knack for turning ordinary trips into unforgettable spectacles. As fans continue to dissect every frame, one thing is clear: Speed’s ability to merge pop culture with chaotic charm remains unmatched.

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What did you think of Speed’s Karate Kid throwback? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tabasum Qadir

151 articles

Tabasum Qadir is an entertainment writer with a keen interest in Hollywood, anime, and music. Her passion for pop culture keeps her on the lookout for exciting stories that spark conversations. Whether it’s breaking down the latest blockbuster, analyzing anime trends, or diving into music culture, she enjoys creating content that resonates with readers.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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