"Ex hitman reacts to X," also known by "That's what I woulda did" and other phrases, recently started gaining traction again once the clip started being used as a meme, splicing the reaction with various other unrelated gameplay or on-screen situations. The format went viral on TikTok in April 2024 and has since been used numerous times.

But what is the origin of the ex-hitman's reaction clip, and how is it used in memes? Here's everything you need to know.

What Is The Origin Of The Ex-Hitman Reaction Video?

The original video was uploaded on October 10th, 2022. YouTube channel Gamology posted a new video in its "Experts React" series where they featured an ex-Mafia hitman named John Alite. Alite then reacted to various kills in the recently released Hitman 3 game, offering his insight based on real-world experience. The video (shown below) received over 2.6 million views over a year and a half.

How Did It Spread?

Clips from the Gamology video started to circulate online, with many splicing them together and making jokes or simply reposting them. The earliest example of a meme made using Alite's reactions was posted on TikTok by @feetandtoesguy on April 17th, 2024, receiving over 2 million views. The video (shown below) featured Alite commenting on a Chinese mobile billiards game.

@feetandtoesguy thats what I wouldve done #real #fypシ #fyp #billiards #pool #edging ♬ original sound – feetandtoesguy

The clip went viral very quickly, with many people rushing to make their versions of the meme, having him react to a plethora of completely unrelated games and scenarios. Another example posted on TikTok by @chxxlr depicted Alite commenting on the famous "No Russian" scene from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. This video received over 300,000 views over the course of five days (shown below).

@chxxlr yeah thats what i wouldve did #fyp #meme #viral #brainrot #brainnourishment ♬ original sound – chxxlr

How Has It Been Used In Memes?

More memes started to spread like wildfire, becoming more nonsensical as time went on. On April 22nd, 2024, TikToker @deff_alt8 posted a version incorporating Rizz content and the TikTok Rizz Party, earning over 70,000 likes and 368,000 views in one day (seen below, left). Another example posted on April 21st by @eh.team8 was more meta, captioned "Ex expert reacts to ex expert" and received over 130,000 views (shown below, right).

@deff_alt8 that what I woudve did that's the technique Rizz clip cred: @flat tire #thatswhatiwouldvedid #tiktokrizzparty #flightreacts #fyp #brainrot #boyitsjustalkaha ♬ original sound – deff_alt

@eh.team8 #fyp #meme ♬ original sound – Eh team

For the full history of ex hitman reacts to X, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.