1 Karate Kid Song Was Originally Written For Rocky 3 (& Replaced By The Franchise’s Biggest Hit)

One song from The Karate Kid was originally written for Rocky III, but it was replaced by the boxing franchise’s biggest hit. Rocky III debuted in 1982 and saw a slightly more weary Italian Stallion (Sylvester Stallone) begrudgingly get in the ring with the younger, more antagonistic Clubber Yang (Mr. T) at the same time that his friend and mentor Mickey suffers a fatal heart attack. The Karate Kid, which would be released in 1984 and introduced the world to Ralph Macchio’s plucky karate student Daniel and his sensei Mr. Miyagi’s wise quotes, was in the early stages of development and didn’t yet have a hook song to grab the audience.