Britt Baker Steps into the Spotlight as Sensei Oksana in Cobra Kai
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Britt Baker has recently made her mark in the popular series Cobra Kai. The 33-year-old professional wrestler debuted as Sensei Oksana in the ninth episode of Season 6, where she serves as the co-sensei of the Tiger Strike dojo. So far, Baker’s character has been featured in two episodes, with hints of her return as the show continues into its Part 3 next February.
In addition to her television role, Baker is widely recognized for her wrestling career, which began in 2015. She was an integral part of AEW from its launch in 2019 and has established herself as a key figure in the women’s division, including an impressive reign as the AEW Women’s Champion for 290 days.
In honor of the release of Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2 on Netflix, ScreenRant conducted an interview with Baker. Their discussion covered various topics, including how she got involved in the show thanks to Martin Kove, the balance between wrestling and acting, her efforts to keep her role under wraps, and what the future may hold for her within the Cobra Kai series.
Martin Kove’s Influence on Baker’s Journey
“We became friends, and then I got introduced to more people…”
ScreenRant: Your ingress into this universe seems long overdue, especially after your backstage interaction with Martin Kove some time ago. How instrumental was he in your journey to joining the show?
Britt Baker: Martin was actually the first person I met in the Cobra Kai world, and we quickly became friends. Our agents connect frequently at Comic-Cons and signings, so we were always in close proximity. Through Martin, I was introduced to others in the Cobra Kai circle. At the Season 4 premiere, I met Hayden Schlossberg, one of the series writers, and we exchanged social media info. I kept reaching out to him, saying, ‘If you need someone with my background in dentistry or pro wrestling, I’m here!’ As a massive fan of Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid, I just wanted to be on set. So when I received the call about a potential role, I was thrilled, albeit a bit nervous about what lay ahead.
ScreenRant: Given the history of wrestlers having to decline film roles due to scheduling conflicts, what was it like discussing this opportunity with Tony Khan?
Britt Baker: I had been hoping for some sort of involvement with Cobra Kai for ages. When the opportunity arose, I approached Tony while I was off-camera with AEW. I told him about the role, and it turned out to be a non-issue since I wasn’t slated to return anytime soon. He was extremely supportive, recognizing that more visibility is beneficial for us as individuals and for AEW as a whole.
Britt Baker’s Secretive Approach to the Role
“I’m not going to hype myself up and then it all gets cut…”
ScreenRant: You’re not the only wrestler transitioning to acting; Adam Copeland is featured as Ares in the new Percy Jackson series, while MJF has multiple projects coming up. Did you seek advice from your AEW colleagues on managing both worlds?
Britt Baker: I didn’t actually share my involvement with many people—only five at most! I wanted to avoid the disappointment if my scenes got cut. It was challenging to keep it under wraps since I’m such a huge fan of the series, and it’s common for wrestling fans to also be Cobra Kai enthusiasts. As tempting as it was to announce it, I didn’t want to risk the possibility of being disappointed.
Surprising Encounters on Set
“I got to hang out with him for a little bit…”
ScreenRant: Who on set impressed you with their wrestling knowledge?
Britt Baker: Surprisingly, it was Xavier Woods. He was just there, mingling around. I had a great time hanging out with him, discussing the distinctions between stunt fighting and professional wrestling, along with the immense respect both fields share. The complexity and artistry in the stunt world are truly remarkable.
Exploring Sensei Oksana’s Character
“There are a lot of similarities to my character on AEW…”
ScreenRant: Can you elaborate on your character, Sensei Oksana?
Britt Baker: It’s interesting; as I read the script, I noticed many parallels between Oksana and my character on AEW, Dr. Britt Baker. Oksana has that villainous undertone that I enjoy, always stirring the pot. For instance, after Team Russia defeats Team Cobra Kai, you can see that signature evil smile on my face. It’s exhilarating to bring that character to life.
ScreenRant: Wrestlers often bring their ring charisma to performances in film and television. In previous movies, we’ve seen signature moves like John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment or Batista’s Bomb. Was there any conversation about incorporating your Lockjaw move into Cobra Kai?
Britt Baker: While it wasn’t explicitly discussed, Ken, one of the stunt coordinators, immediately saw potential for some wrestling techniques. On set, we even staged a moment involving a table where I executed a Rock Bottom on his wife, which added a fun wrestling flair to the scene.
ScreenRant: With Season 6 being the final chapter of Cobra Kai, do you feel your character’s story has a satisfying conclusion, or is there room for further exploration?
Britt Baker: The Cobra Kai universe is large and filled with narrative possibilities. Many characters could potentially have their own spin-off stories. I believe there’s always room for more adventures in the Karate Kid universe, so I wouldn’t rule anything out!
What to Expect in Cobra Kai Season 6
In the sixth season of Cobra Kai, after the downfall of Cobra Kai itself, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence unite to prepare their blended Miyagi-Do students for the prestigious international karate tournament, “Sekai Taikai.”As they navigate different training styles and internal struggles, they face old adversaries, including a reemergent John Kreese. The season culminates in a high-stakes competition set in Barcelona.
- Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg
- Jacob Bertrand
Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 is set to premiere on Netflix on February 13, 2025. Fans can catch Baker in action on AEW Dynamite every Wednesday at 8 PM ET on TBS.
Related Articles:
Star Ebony Obsidian Discusses Kerry Washington’s Artistic Leadership in The Six Triple Eight Interview
22:47
Tyler Perry’s Inspirational Journey in The Six Triple Eight: A WWII Netflix Film
22:04
Ikumi Nakamura Discusses Her Upcoming Game, Artistic Vision, and the Influence of Horror in Gaming
21:21
Leave a Reply