“If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” Dwight Howard once said about his approach to dancing. It’s a curious sight—a towering former NBA center, once known for ruling the paint, now gliding across the dance floor. However, with the next Dancing with the Stars episode delayed a week due to the presidential election, Howard has found a way to keep himself in the spotlight, which has little to do with his dance moves. His plan? Channel his inner Sho’nuff.

Dwight Howard’s dance partner, Daniella Karagach, shared an amusing behind-the-scenes clip on her Instagram story. It showed Howard dressed head-to-toe in black, rocking brown sneakers, and sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with a cartoon version of Sho’nuff—the iconic villain from The Last Dragon.

In the video, Daniella couldn’t help but laugh as she asked, “Are you about to karate chop some competition over here?” With a grin and a pose, Howard fired back, “I’m going to do karate cuz I’m the master.” Then, with a loud shout, he added, “Who’s the master? Sho’nuff!”

For those unfamiliar, Sho’nuff is the ultimate bad guy in The Last Dragon, a 1985 cult classic film. Played by actor Julius Carry, Sho’nuff, known as the “Shogun of Harlem,” is as menacing as he is memorable. While the film received mixed reviews, it became a hit and remains beloved by fans of ’80s cinema.

Still, beyond the playful nod to Sho’nuff, Howard is serious about his DWTS journey. As the 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars approaches, he’s putting in extra hours, determined to bring his best moves to the stage.

Howard getting ready for special performance

Dwight Howard’s Dancing with the Stars journey has been full of surprises, with the former NBA star constantly picking up new dance skills. But behind those smooth moves is some tough and unusual training. Daniella Karagach, his dance partner, had also shared a clip on her Instagram story showing Howard doing a wrist mobility exercise. This drill helps him get the flexibility needed for the lifts in their choreography, a crucial part of their routine.

As Karagach checked in on Howard’s progress, he gave her a look that said, “I’m over it,” before explaining why the exercise was important. She wasn’t impressed, telling him, “That’s not anything crazy.” Howard, however, flashed a smirk and walked up to her, hinting at the effort he’s been putting in behind the scenes.

For their next performance, Howard and Karagach are set to tackle an Argentine Tango inspired by James Hinchliffe and Sharna Burgess’ memorable routine in season 23. It’s not just any performance—it’s part of Dancing with the Stars’ milestone 500th episode celebration, making it even more special.

This challenge isn’t just about getting the steps right, though. The duo will also face a “think-on-your-feet” challenge, where they’ll have just 5 minutes to prepare for a dance with a randomly assigned style. It’s a huge task, but Howard’s ready to show what he’s got after the show’s two-week break.