History Fridge / MortalKombat1

* For multiple reasons, if Shang Tsung ever reaches his past selves' threat level again Liu Kang will regret giving him a LastSecondChance instead of finding a way to [[RetGone erase him from existence]]:
** Shang Tsung was deliberately given a meaningless life, the chance to live good and honestly only to end up being reduced to a SnakeOilSalesman that can barely make ends meet with no one but himself to blame as a result of his own [[BrilliantButLazy laziness]] and [[ConsummateLiar shifty nature]]. Being told this was because another version of himself became a [[PersonOfMassDestruction cosmic multiversal threat]], something he had no control over would make anyone hungry for vengeance.
** There ''are'' heroic versions of Shang Tsung in other timelines[[labelnote:Such as...]]A heroic Shang and Quan Chi taking on their Titan selves in the final chapter[[/labelnote]] Liu Kang has no control over so not only was he denied a meaningful existence just because Liu Kang wanted to take the precautions, he was also denied ''because Liu Kang thought he would be a dangerous threat no matter what'' when it [[TearJerker was clearly not the case]].
** Shao, arguably someone who can prove (and has proven in the case of the Midway timeline) to be just as much of a threat was spared this treatment by Liu Kang, being allowed to earn his way into admiration in Outworld and becoming a WarHero. As a bonus suddenly Shao's paranoia that Liu Kang is not with Outworld, while still wildly exaggerated does not sound so [[ImproperlyParanoid baseless]] anymore since Liu Kang ''did'' technically act against Outworld (albeit to one citizen).
* Considering the game both shows that a timeline split can produce a [[OurTitansAreDifferent Titan]] for each one and the ending of ''11'' ended up producing multiple timelines based on the acquisition of the Hourglass it's entirely possible there's a version of Kronika who ''won''. Endlessly resetting her own timeline in pursuit of impossible perfection, remaining unaware of other timelines... unless one of them were to breach hers. And that's not counting the timelines where the characters chose to ''spare'' Kronika such as Erron Black's.

* Regarding the [[{{Gorn}} gruesome]] [[PlayingWithSyringes experiments]] [[HumanResources done on Tarkatans]], this bodes ill for what New Era!Shang Tsung [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness planned to do with Mileena if he failed to create a means of suppressing their condition]]...

* The reason Liu Kang no longer has powers like Raiden once did? He shed that part of himself into an [[ArtifactOfPower amulet]] for the tournament champions to use against Outworlders, who have [[FunctionalMagic magic]], [[MyKungFuIsStrongerThanYours martial arts]], and thousands of years to hone both.

* The framing of Fatalities from ''[=MK9=]'' to this game help paint a distinct picture of how each games' events treat death as a whole. In ''9'' little focus is brought to the corpse outside of whatever spectacle the killer does after holding a dismembered body part in their hands, playing the death off as a mere display of their skill. In ''X'' the focus is on the aftermath of the body, letting you take in every single wound and prepare yourself for all of the death yet to come. ''11'' focuses on the final act itself but doesn't show off the final resting position of the body in most cases because the act of killing itself was the point. But in ''1'' the focus is explicitly on the combatants posing victoriously with the body pushed off to the side. It feels almost like a metaphor for Liu Kang's efforts to make an ideal timeline; He tries to focus more on victory in the face of adversity and camaraderie between kombatants but no amount of his changes could undo the fact people will still kill each other given a justifiable enough reason. "It's in our blood" indeed.

* There's a key moment early in the story where the whole plot is basically defined: New Era!Shang Tsung [[EvilGloating boasting to Syzoth]] that he already killed his family. This single IdiotBall act had [[ButterflyOfDoom long-term ramifications]]:
** It triggered Syzoth's HeelFaceTurn, giving the Earthrealmers the extra muscle to get through Outworld. Syzoth would later be a key player in the Earthrealmers' escape.
** By following Syzoth, they meet Ashrah, who later becomes a key player for Team Earthrealm.
** Also by following Syzoth they end in the Living Forest, leading to Team Earthrealm learning about Quan Chi's soulnado devices. This discovery led Liu Kang to send the Lin Kuei to the Qing Dynasty Fortress, where more of these machines were built in order to power up an army. It also triggered Bi-Han's FaceHeelTurn and Kuai Liang and Tomas's [[DefectorFromDecadence defection]]. On the plus side, this specific location also allowed Kenshi to unlock the true power of Sento.

** During the escape to Earthrealm, they learn about General Shao's and Reiko's alliance with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. This eventually leads to the Lin Kuei also finding the Outworlders in Earthrealm, and later, once Sindel learns [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone the consequences of her actions]] and Liu Kang's own past, to the disowning of Reiko and General Shao. Without Syzoth's support, the team wouldn't have made it out of Outworld. And it also prevented the Earthrealm-Outworld OffscreenWar to escalate further.

** The team eventually stumbling with Quan Chi's soulnado devices. This discovery led Liu Kang to send the Lin Kuei to the Qing Dynasty Fortress, where more of these machines were built in order to power up an army. It also triggered Bi-Han's FaceHeelTurn and Kuai Liang and Tomas's [[DefectorFromDecadence defection]].
** During the escape to Earthrealm, they learn about General Shao's and Reiko's alliance with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. This eventually leads to the Lin Kuei also finding the Outworlders in Earthrealm, and later, once Sindel learns [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone the consequences of her actions]] and Liu Kang's own past, to the disowning of Reiko and General Shao. Without Syzoth's support, the team wouldn't have made it out of Outworld.

** The team eventually stumbling with Quan Chi's soulnado devices. This discovery led Liu Kang to send the Lin Kuei to the Qing Dynasty Fortress, where more of these machines were built in order to power up an army. It also triggered Bi-Han's FaceHeelTurn and Kuai Liang and Tomas's [[DefectedFromDecadence defection]].

* There's a key moment early in the story where the whole plot is basically defined: New Era!Shang Tsung [[EvilGloating boasting to Syzoth]] that he already killed his family. This single IdiotBall act had long-term ramifications:

** The team eventually stumbling with Quan Chi's soulnado devices. This discovery led Liu Kang to send the Lin Kuei to the Qing Dynasty Fortress, where more of these machines were built in order to power up an army. It also triggered Bi-Han's FaceHeelTurn and Kuai Liang and Tomas's DefectionFromDecadence.

* How are the villains still around in the New Era? There are indications in both ''1'' and ''11'' that someone likely can't be excluded from the timeline. In ''11'' [[ThePerfectionist Kronika]] had long recognized [[TheChosenOne Chosen One!Liu Kang]] and [[ShockAndAwe Thunder God!Raiden]] as obstacles yet hadn't prevented their existences and during the story mode of ''1'' [[DeityOfHumanOrigin Fire God!Liu Kang]] mentions [[PointOfDivergence altering the destinies of those who had previously threatened the realms]] which indicates the [[TimeMaster Keeper of Time]] can only manipulate individuals but not [[RetGone remove them entirely]].
* [[SuperSmoke Smoke]] and [[PlayingWithFire Scorpion]] are pretty chummy with each other, which is fitting considering Smoke was a [[ReusedCharacterDesign reskin]] of Scorpion and even shared his rope spear move. Also, [[BigBrotherWorship Kuai Liang]] (now Scorpion in this timeline) was friends with Smoke in the previous timelines where he was [[AnIcePerson Tundra/Sub-Zero]]. {{Mythology gag}}s aside, Smoke's catchphrase ("Where there's smoke, there's fire!") now makes sense as he is a smoke user fighting side-by-side with a pyromancer.
* Based on their pre-fight intros Smoke and [[SmallNameBigEgo Johnny Cage]] are quite amicable to each other despite not interacting in the main story with the former showing interest and even excitement at the chance to be involved in one of the latter's movies. It makes sense that Smoke would admire someone like Johnny since both are BroughtDownToBadass in this timeline and still very skilled fighters regardless of not having supernatural powers.

* Raiden's placement in the new timeline seems familiar: He's been [[{{Reincarnation}} reincarnated]] as a man who's friends with [[AlwaysSecondBest Kung Lao]] and later undergoes training by {{Warrior Monk}}s. It looks like Liu Kang gave Raiden his old life since becoming Keeper of Time and a [[OurGodsAreDifferent god]] means [[NoPlaceForMeThere he's outside his own history]].
* With the changes to the timeline, mainly how the Mortal Kombat tournament itself is conducted Liu Kang does not need more militant characters which means [[SuperCop Kurtis Stryker]], [[DrillSergeantNasty Sonya Blade]] and [[TallDarkAndHandsome Jackson Briggs]] are uninvolved and likely still in the Special Forces and such doing things like hunting down [[TheBogan Kano]] who also isn't involved as Outworld has no need for Earthrealm criminals to side with them.
* The reason Liu Kang no longer has powers like Raiden once did? He shed it into an [[ArtifactOfPower amulet]] for the tournament champions to use against Outworlders who had [[FunctionalMagic magic]], [[MyKungFuIsStrongerThanYours martial arts]] and thousands of years to hone both.

* Why does [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy General Shao]] say he doesn't like traitors to [[ArrogantKungFuGuy Bi-Han]] [[{{Hypocrite}} while forgetting he's one to Outworld]]? Because from Shao's point of view at least, ''he'' did not betray Outworld, [[TheHighQueen Sindel]] did. [[EvilCannotComprehendGood He genuinely believes Liu Kang is going to harm Outworld]] and since Shao's outright stated to be loyal to Outworld itself his conflict with the current royal family and their supporters can be summed up as a disagreement on how Outworld should conduct itself in regards to its policies towards Earthrealm; in other words the original full quote of MyCountryRightOrWrong[[note]]''"My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right, if wrong, to be set right"''[[/note]]. By contrast Bi-Han [[AmbitionIsEvil willingly betrayed his compatriots]], clearly wanting nothing more than [[ItsAllAboutMe his own glory fulfilled]] [[NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist even while dressing it up as bettering the Lin Kuei]]. Shao, a veteran raised in a military background where teamwork is emphasized and comradeship is a basic tenet likely knows how despicable and dangerous traitors can be so Bi-Han rubs him the wrong way.

* Bi-Han getting AdaptationalVillainy makes sense when you realize there's one constant regarding him in previous timelines starting from ''Mythologies'': A budding darkness exists within him but [[ItsUpToYou only he can temper it and change his fate]]. Bi-Han's stance about it has always been that of ''reluctant inaction'', ignoring it for his UndyingLoyalty to the Lin Kuei despite being greatly concerned and continuing his antagonism towards Scorpion. [[VideoGame/MortalKombat1992 In previous]] [[VideoGame/MortalKombat9 timelines]] it led to his death and resurrection as [[CastingAShadow Noob Saibot]]. In this timeline Liu Kang gives him a more honorable start but does not change the core values of his arrogance, nor does he warn him about the evil inside him like Raiden did in prior timelines, hence that's why he takes the route.

* Kung Lao wanted to be a part of testing Raiden's sister only for Liu Kang to tell him it was up to [[CoolOldLady Madam Bo]]. Smoke later told him Madam Bo decided he was out. Given he tried getting [[VoluntaryShapeshifter Syzoth]] to scare her as a joke and might've told the others as he told [[BlindWeaponmaster Kenshi Takahashi]] she likely saw this as proof he [[{{Manchild}} wasn't mature enough]] to take her testing seriously. [[NiceJobBreakingItHero Kung Lao essentially ruined his chance to help test Raiden's sister for a prank.]]
* When Kung Lao invites Syzoth to Madam Bo's he gags and says he can't stomach human foods. While it may sound like he's rudely saying he thinks what we eat is gross odds are he ''physically can't'' stomach it. [[TruthInTelevision Reptiles have]] [[PickyEater highly specified diets]] [[TruthInTelevision and even the few that are omnivores can't handle the high amounts of fat, carbohydrates and sugars humans consume]] so there's a good chance most of our foods would just make him sick.
* As is {{lampshaded}} InUniverse Liu Kang is technically the New Era's [[TheMaker creator god]]. So who better to fill the role of [[SatanicArchetype the one that perverts his designs]] than his old [[SnakesAreSinister serpent-themed]] [[ArchEnemy nemesis]] Shang Tsung?
* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.

** Going into FridgeHorror: Given that Earthrealm technology (such as Johnny's drone and - in an intro dialogue with him - the concept of media) seems to mystify Outworld denizens it's implied Liu Kang was keeping ''both'' realms in the dark of each other's capabilities. And considering the closest Outworld has to a doomsday weapon is [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Onaga]] while Earthrealm has ''[[NukeEm nuclear warheads]]'' it makes Shao's distrust regarding Earthrealm [[JerkassHasAPoint a bit more understandable]].

* [[BombThrowingAnarchist Havik]]'s association with [[MakingASplash Rain]]: Both of their endings show that Rain, on Havik's urging used his water powers to summon a flooding tsunami that destroyed Seido's capital, thus ravaging [[OrderIsNotGood Orderrealm]] and allowing it to be rechristened [[WorldOfChaos Chaosrealm]]. An impressive feat indeed... and a [[{{Irony}} most adequate choice of instrument by Havik himself]]: He [[FeelingOppressedByTheirExistence possesses a hate-boner against all manner of order, systems, stability, rigidity]] and sings the praises of chaos. What better element to represent Havik's ideals than ''formless water'' which can assume any shape? This also explains his hatred of ice which is water in a solid - that is, ''rigid'' state.
* In this timeline [[FacialHorror Tarkatans]] are {{mutants}} created from a [[ThePlague disease]] instead of a race of beings. This is probably thanks to Liu Kang having [[EvilSorcerer Quan Chi]] reborn as an Outworld miner instead of a demonic sorcerer leading to little contact between the [[{{Hell}} Netherrealm]] and [[{{Mordor}} Outworld]]; in past timelines Quan Chi was heavily involved with [[EvilOverlord Shao Kahn]] and [[YourSoulIsMine Shang Tsung]]. At least in one timeline Tarkatans were said to come from demons having relations with Outworlders but because of the change of relationships between the Netherrealm and Outworld the race never came to be due to lack of contact between the realms' species. However, [[InSpiteOfANail fate and nature apparently found a way]].

* [[EmpathicWeapon Sento]] knew Kenshi was of Taira blood, it was just [[SecretTestOfCharacter waiting for him to prove himself honorably]]. Johnny was the rightful owner of Sento due to having purchased it so for Kenshi, a former {{yakuza}} member with undeniable blood on his hands to break into his home with the intent to steal was dishonorable to say the least and [[EveryoneHasStandards Liu Kang even called him out on this]]. Kenshi's goal to restore his clan was never going to work had he continued this way as he would've lacked the moral compass deemed necessary. Johnny was (unintentionally) acting as its gatekeeper, using Sento like a carrot against Kenshi. When Kenshi went to defend Johnny from being fatally wounded by a crazed Mileena he lost his vision when his eyes were gouged. Johnny [[IOweYouMyLife felt indebted to Kenshi for saving him]] that he willingly gave up Sento despite his reluctance as he himself feels useless while blind. When he hears his comrades in danger against [[ManySpiritsInsideOfOne Ermac]] however, he fearlessly takes Sento ready to fight, proving himself worthy of it and his ancestors restore his vision in a way to help him defeat Ermac with [[AscendedDemon Ashrah]]. Kenshi had earned the right to restore his clan's honor because he went about it the proper way.

** This can also explain Ashrah's distrust of Johnny as she confided to Kenshi due to his background. While he seems to be a good guy [[DetectEvil Kriss]] aside, for all she knows he could be no better than the humans in Hollywood aligned with the demons.

* With [[TheGoodKing Jerrod]] being in control of Ermac as well as Sindel's soul being part of it there's the chance Sindel may [[BackFromTheDead return to life]] or take temporary control for various reasons (i.e. advice to her daughters).
* Of course the Hanzo from ''Invasions Season 1'' would have trouble finding a [[TheLostLenore Harumi]] that lived: he was searching through timelines similar to his own so it [[ForegoneConclusion shouldn't be a surprise]] [[YouCannotFightFate his quest always ended]] [[StuffedIntoTheFridge with her blood spilled]]. Liu Kang on the other hand is [[TaughtByExperience more knowledgeable of how other timelines can progress]] and had much less of a problem finding an unattached Harumi.

* Despite his desperation for a cure [[WolverineWannabe Baraka]] has multiple intros where he denies another kombatant's offer to cure his affliction. This isn't ArbitrarySkepticism on his part; considering he was a successful merchant it makes sense he would have a knack for realizing when deals sound TooGoodToBeTrue.

* If we know how bad Bi-Han can be as a human then it's probably going to get ''[[FromBadToWorse so much worse]]'' if he [[HistoryRepeats once again]] turns into [[{{MadeOfEvil}} Noob Saibot]] somewhere down the line.
* This game [[CerebusRetcon revealed]] the Arcade Ladder endings of ''11'' to now technically be [[{{canon}} kanon]]. Even if Liu Kang's done cleaning up Titan!Shang Tsung's mess he'll have to deal with potential invasions by the likes of Sindel or even [[ComicBook/TheJoker Joker]].

* Johnny's reaction to seeing Baraka about to kill Shang Tsung is to [[PassThePopcorn sit back, watch and report it to Liu Kang later]]. As far as Earthrealm's safety is concerned '''''this would have been the right call'''''; with Shang Tsung dead his Titan counterpart's scheme collapses. Granted this would also mean certain doom for [[HotBlooded Mileena]] given she'd never get the updated serum allowing the suppression of Tarkat for extended periods and it would not fully stop Quan Chi or anyone else's side of the plan or quell the thoughts of rebellion brewing in Shao's head, all still being possible issues for Outworld. But [[MyMasterRightOrWrong Kenshi's decision to insist on sticking to the letter of Liu Kang's orders]] [[UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom allowed]] [[ButterflyOfDoom so many dominoes to fall]].

** MirrorMatch dialogue between [[TheStoic Geras]] confirms this to be true.
* Regarding the [[{{Gorn}} gruesome]] [[PlayingWithSyringes experiments]] [[HumanResources done on Tarkatans]] this bodes ill for what New Era!Shang Tsung [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness planned to do with Mileena if he failed to create a means of suppressing their condition]]...

[[folder:Fridge Heartwarming]]
* The ending of Invasion Season 1: ''The Spectre'' reveals a timeline where [[SwappedRoles Hanzo was killed by Quan Chi and Harumi became Scorpion]]. We already know how far Hanzo would go to avenge Harumi. But here, we see that Harumi would go just as far to avenge Hanzo.
[[/folder]]

* It was actually a good thing Baraka stayed behind when Syzoth and Ashrah went to Earthrealm. The untold disasters of not just an ''incredibly'' foreign disease exposed to another world, but one that transforms you into a monster and slowly destroys your body and mind. Granted Baraka would have had to infect someone and Johnny, Kenshi and Kung Lao were all near Tarkat infectees. But it would still have been massively risky.

* If we know how bad Bi-Han can be as a human then it's probably going to get ''[[FromBadToWorse so much worse]]'' if he [[HistoryRepeats once again]] turns into [[{{Cyborg}} Noob Saibot]] somewhere down the line.

* How are the villains still around in the New Era? There are indications in both ''1'' and ''11'' that someone likely can't be excluded from the timeline. In ''11'' [[ThePerfectionist Kronika]] had long recognized [[TheChosenOne Chosen One!Liu Kang]] and [[ShockAndAwe Thunder God!Raiden]] as obstacles yet hadn't prevented their existences and during the story mode of ''1'' [[DeityOfHumanOrigin Fire God!Liu Kang]] mentions [[ForWantOfANail altering the destinies of those who had previously threatened the realms]] which indicates the [[TimeMaster Keeper of Time]] can only manipulate individuals but not [[RetGone remove them entirely]].
* [[SuperSmoke Smoke]] and [[PlayingWithFire Scorpion]] seem pretty chummy with each other which is fitting considering Smoke was a [[ReusedCharacterDesign reskin]] of Scorpion and even shared his rope spear move. Also, [[BigBrotherWorship Kuai Liang]] (now Scorpion in this timeline) was friends with Smoke in the timelines where he was [[AnIcePerson Tundra/Sub-Zero]]. {{Mythology gag}}s aside Smoke's catchphrase ("Where there's smoke, there's fire!") now makes sense as Scorpion aids him in battle.

** On top of that Smoke's introduction had him act like a vicious thug even though he's [[NiceGuy anything but]]. Of course Johnny would offer him a role in one of his movies: Smoke is a good fighter but his introduction shows he also has the potential to be a good ''actor''.

* Shao [[WeaponBasedCharacterization using an axe rather than a hammer]] may be a metaphor for how he's in a weaker but still powerful position as axes are not as strong as hammers in terms of power but still require effort to wield, similar to how a general is a lower position than a tyrant.

* How are the villains still around in the New Era? There are indications in both ''1'' and ''11'' that someone likely can't be excluded from the timeline. In ''11'' [[ThePerfectionist Kronika]] had recognized [[TheChosenOne Chosen One!Liu Kang]] and [[ShockAndAwe Thunder God!Raiden]] as obstacles yet hadn't prevented their existences and during the story mode of ''1'' [[DeityOfHumanOrigin Fire God!Liu Kang]] mentions [[ForWantOfANail altering the destinies of those who had previously threatened the realms]] which indicates the [[TimeMaster Keeper of Time]] can only manipulate individuals but not [[RetGone remove them entirely]].

* The reason Liu Kang is longer has powers like Raiden once did? He shed it into an [[ArtifactOfPower amulet]] for the tournament champions to use against Outworlders who had {{magic}}, [[MyKungFuIsStrongerThanYours martial arts]] and thousands of years to hone both.

* Kuai Liang still ends up getting a [[ScarsAreForever scar]] across his right eye when Bi-Han (post FaceHeelTurn) fought and slashed him with an ice dagger. Bi-Han's betrayal has left both physical and emotional scars that are not easily healed (if not outright permanent) and said scars have damaged ''[[VisualMetaphor how he views his brother]]''.

* Bi-Han getting AdaptationalVillainy here makes sense when you realize there's one constant regarding him in previous timelines starting from ''Mythologies'': A budding darkness exists within him but [[ItsUpToYou only he can temper it and change his fate]]. Bi-Han's stance about it has always been that of ''reluctant inaction'', ignoring it for his UndyingLoyalty to the Lin Kuei despite being greatly concerned and continuing his antagonism towards Scorpion. [[VideoGame/MortalKombat1992 In previous]] [[VideoGame/MortalKombat9 timelines]] it led to his death and resurrection as [[CastingAShadow Noob Saibot]]. In this timeline Liu Kang gives him a more honorable start but does not change the core values of his arrogance, nor does he warn him about the evil inside him like Raiden did in prior timelines, hence that's why he takes the route.

* Kung Lao wanted to be a part of testing Raiden's sister only for Liu Kang to tell him it was up to [[CoolOldLady Madam Bo]]. Smoke later told him Madam Bo decided he was out. Given he tried getting [[VoluntaryShapeshifter Syzoth]] to scare her as a joke and might've told the others as he told [[{{Samurai}} Kenshi]] she likely saw this as proof he [[{{Manchild}} wasn't mature enough]] to take her testing seriously. [[NiceJobBreakingItHero Kung Lao essentially ruined his chance to help test Raiden's sister all for a prank.]]

* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family, so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.
* It seems incredibly strange that every fighter in the [[LegionOfDoom Order of Darkness]] fights identically to their New Era counterparts despite their fighting styles, in many cases being radically different from their pre-''[=MK1=]'' incarnations. However, three things explain this:

** Titan!Shang Tsung was petty enough he couldn't abide even knowing a timeline where Liu Kang defeated him existed.
** So it's possible and in-character he altered the destinies of fighters in his own timeline until they mirrored their New Era counterparts in order to mock his old enemy.

*** Additionally, Outworld technically being occupied by one state in conjunction with Sindel's reign being considered a golden age indicates it hasn't had to deal with full war since she came to power. In contrast, Earthrealm being comprised of multiple states in frequent conflict with one another would probably be better-prepared for war against external threats, meaning that unlike one prior timeline in particular they would be able to more immediately attack and defend against Outworld than vice versa.
* [[BombThrowingAnarchist Havik]]'s association with [[MakingASplash Rain]]: both of their endings show that Rain, on Havik's urging used his water powers to summon a flooding tsunami that destroyed Seido's capital, thus ravaging [[OrderIsNotGood Orderrealm]] and allowing it to be rechristened [[WorldOfChaos Chaosrealm]]. An impressive feat indeed... and [[{{Irony}} a most adequate choice of instrument by Havik himself]]: He [[FeelingOppressedByTheirExistence possesses a hate-boner against all manner of order, systems, stability, rigidity]] and sings the praises of chaos. What better element to represent Havik's ideals than ''formless water'' which can assume any shape? This also explains his hatred of ice which is water in a solid - that is, ''rigid'' state.

* [[EmpathicWeapon Sento]] knew Kenshi was of Taira blood, it was just [[SecretTestOfCharacter waiting for him to prove himself honorably]]. Johnny was the rightful owner of Sento due to having purchased it so for Kenshi, a former {{yakuza}} member with undeniable blood on his hands to break into his home with the intent to steal was dishonorable to say the least and [[EveryoneHasStandards Liu Kang even called him out on this]]. Kenshi's goal to restore his clan was never going to work had he continued this way as he would've lacked the moral compass deemed necessary. Johnny was (unintentionally) acting as its gatekeeper, always using Sento like a carrot against Kenshi. When Kenshi went to defend Johnny from being fatally wounded by a crazed Mileena he lost his vision when his eyes were gouged. Johnny [[IOweYouMyLife felt indebted to Kenshi for saving him]] that he willingly gave up Sento despite his reluctance as he himself feels useless while blind. When he hears his comrades in danger against [[ManySpiritsInsideOfOne Ermac]] however, he fearlessly takes Sento ready to fight, proving himself worthy of it and his ancestors restore his vision in a way to help him defeat Ermac with [[AscendedDemon Ashrah]]. Kenshi had earned the right to restore his clan's honor because he went about it the proper way.
* Considering the game implies each ''11'' character ending split off to become their own respective timeline there still seems to be too many wacky fusion characters and timelines in the climax considering simultaneous alternate timelines have never happened prior. But if you remember just how '''[[CrapsackWorld bad]]''' the timelines of the more villainous characters ended up it makes sense those living in such timelines would get into the same kind of conflict that the original timeline's inhabitants got into with Kronika. Thus resulting in exponentially more timeline fractures and increasingly strange results, all of whom would eventually get drawn into the conflict of the final chapter.

* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[SugarWiki/{{Funny}} funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family, so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.

* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[SugarWiki/Funny funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family, so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.

* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[SugarWiki/MomentOfFunny funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family, so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.

* Shao (and [[TheDragon Reiko]]) [[EvenEvilHasStandards being appalled by]] [[BigEater Kung Lao]]'s [[JabbaTableManners table manners (or lack of them)]], while [[MomentOfFunny funny]] may seem hypocritical at first glance. But that's only because we're used to Shao ''Kahn'', who was a [[TheBrute brutish]] [[TheEmperor emperor]] raised like a [[BarbarianTropes barbarian]]. ''General'' Shao, on the other hand was raised as a soldier and works under the royal family, so despite his appearance it makes sense he would be taught manners and discipline.

* Raiden's placement in the new timeline seems familiar: He's been [[{{Reincarnation}} reincarnated]] as a man who's friends with [[AlwaysSecondBest Kung Lao]] and later undergoes training by {{Warrior Monk}}s. It looks like Liu Kang gave Raiden his old life since becoming Keeper of Time and a [[PhysicalGod god]] means [[NoPlaceForMeThere he's outside his own history]].

* With [[TheGoodKing Jerrod]] being in control of Ermac's collective as well as Sindel's soul being part of it there's still the chance Sindel may [[BackFromTheDead return to life]] or take temporary control of the collective for various reasons (i.e. advice to her daughters).

** Speaking of which, MirrorMatch dialogue between Liu Kang reveals Joker to be active in the New Era, having successfully pulled a [[VideoGame/InjusticeGodsAmongUs Superman]] on Liu Kang and tricked him into killing Kitana. The mere fact ''[[ResetButton a complete rewrite of history starting at the dawn of time]]'' [[JokerImmunity isn't enough to erase Joker from existing]] happens to be [[NightmareFuel downright chilling]]. Add to it that he succeeded in [[BreakTheBadass breaking Liu Kang]] and the possibility that a New Era!Bruce Wayne (if he exists) may never become [[Franchise/{{Batman}} Batman]] if his parents were spared means Joker has little to no opposition now. [[FromBadToWorse That doesn't even begin to go into potential timeline fusions with less pleasant characters such as Bi-Han and Reiko or even how would a timeline with a Titan!Joker look like!]]

* Considering the game both shows that a timeline split can produce a Titan for each one and the ending of ''11'' ended up producing multiple timelines based on the acquisition of the Hourglass it's entirely possible there's a version of Kronika who ''won''. Endlessly resetting her own timeline in pursuit of impossible perfection, remaining unaware of other timelines... unless one of them were to breach hers. And that's not counting the timelines where the characters chose to ''spare'' Kronika such as Erron Black's.

* In this timeline Tarkatans are mutants created from a disease instead of a full-blooded race. This is probably thanks to Liu Kang having [[EvilSorcerer Quan Chi]] reborn as an Outworld miner instead of a demonic sorcerer leading to little contact between the [[{{Hell}} Netherrealm]] and [[{{Mordor}} Outworld]]; in past timelines Quan Chi was heavily involved with Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung. At least in one timeline Tarkatans were said to come from demons having relations with Outworlders but because of the change of relationships between the Netherrealm and Outworld the race never came to be due to lack of contact between the realms’ species. However, [[InSpiteOfANail fate and nature apparently found a way]].

* Sento knew that Kenshi was of Taira blood, it was just [[SecretTestOfCharacter waiting for him to prove himself honorably]]. Johnny was the rightful owner of Sento due to having purchased it so for Kenshi, a former {{yakuza}} member with undeniable blood on his hands to break into his home with the intent to steal was dishonorable to say the least and [[EveryoneHasStandards even Liu Kang called him out on this]]. Kenshi's goal to restore his clan was never going to work had he continued this way as he would've lacked the moral compass deemed necessary. Johnny was (unintentionally) acting as its gatekeeper, always using Sento like a carrot against Kenshi. When Kenshi went to defend Johnny from being fatally wounded by a crazed Mileena he lost his vision when his eyes were gouged. Johnny [[IOweYouMyLife felt indebted to Kenshi]] for saving him that he willingly gave up Sento despite Kenshi's reluctance as he himself feels useless while blind. When he hears his comrades in danger against Ermac however, he fearlessly takes Sento ready to fight, proving himself worthy of it and his ancestors restore his vision in a way to help him defeat Ermac with Ashrah. Kenshi had earned the right to restore his clan's honor because he went about it the proper way.
* Considering the game implies each ''11'' character ending split off to become their own respective timeline there still seems to be too many wacky fusion characters and timelines in the climax considering simultaneous alternate timelines have never happened prior. But if you remember just how '''[[CrapsackWorld bad]]''' the timelines of the more villainous characters such as Noob and Shao (Khan) ended up it would make sense those living in such timelines would likely get into the same kind of conflict with them that the original timeline's inhabitants got into with Kronika. Thus resulting in exponentially more timeline fractures and increasingly strange end results, all of whom would eventually get drawn into the conflict of the final chapter.

* Syzoth/Reptile is seen holding sets of keys on him implying he is some sort of ''warden'' for Shang Tsung's prisoners. In other words he's a ''[[{{Pun}} monitor lizard]]'' (since he's implied to oversee the cells and is literally a reptile).

** Syzoth, despite being a cold-blooded reptilian only worked for the bad guys because they'd blackmailed him and once it was clear he'd been betrayed by his slaver he wastes no time in defecting and gets along well with almost everyone else irrespective of whether they are from Earthrealm or Outworld. Reptile is ''literally'' cold-blooded even though his personality is anything but.
** By contrast Bi-Han, despite being human (and thus warm-blooded) easily lets his {{greed}} and [[AmbitionIsEvil ambitions]] get the better of him to the point of committing multiple crimes ([[MurderByInaction letting his father die]], [[ILied lying about said death to his brothers]], [[CategoryTraitor selling out Earthrealm]] and [[SiblingMurder attempting to kill both brothers]] when they refused to follow him) and never caring about his actions. In addition he's an overbearing {{Jerkass}} to everyone else. Thus Bi-Han is ''figuratively'' cold-blooded.
* With Jerrod being in control of Ermac's [[ManySpiritsInsideOfOne collective]] as well as Sindel's soul being part of it there's still the chance Sindel may one day [[BackFromTheDead return to life]] or take temporary control of the collective for various reasons (i.e. advice to her daughters).
* Of course the Hanzo from ''Invasions Season 1'' would have trouble finding a [[TheLostLenore Harumi]] that lived: he was searching through timelines similar enough to his own so it [[ForegoneConclusion shouldn't be a surprise the result means]] [[YouCannotFightFate her life always ended]] [[StuffedIntoTheFridge with her blood spilled]]. Liu Kang on the other hand is [[TaughtByExperience more knowledgeable of how other timelines can progress]] and had much less of a problem finding an unattached Harumi.

* Despite his desperation for a cure Baraka has multiple intros where he denies another kombatant's offer to cure his affliction. This isn't ArbitrarySkepticism on his part; considering he was a successful merchant it makes sense he would have a knack for realizing when deals sound TooGoodToBeTrue.

* Johnny's reaction to seeing Baraka about to kill Shang Tsung is to [[PassThePopcorn sit back, watch and report it to Liu Kang later]]. As far as Earthrealm's safety is concerned '''''this would have been the right call'''''; with Shang Tsung dead his Titan counterpart's scheme collapses. Granted this would also mean certain doom for Mileena given she'd never get the updated serum allowing the suppression of Tarkat for extended periods and it would not fully stop Quan Chi or anyone else's side of the plan or quell the thoughts of rebellion brewing in Shao's head, all still being possible issues for Outworld. But [[MyMasterRightOrWrong Kenshi's decision to insist on sticking to the letter of Liu Kang's orders]] [[UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom allowed]] [[ButterflyOfDoom so many dominoes to fall]].

* For multiple reasons, if Shang Tsung ever reaches his past selves' threat level again Liu Kang will regret giving him a LastSecondChance instead of [[RetGone erasing him from existence]]:

** Shao, arguably someone who can prove (and has proven in the case of the original Midway timeline) to be just as much of a threat was spared this treatment by Liu Kang, being allowed to earn his way into admiration in Outworld and becoming a WarHero. As a bonus, suddenly Shao's paranoia that Liu Kang is not with Outworld, while still wildly exaggerated does not sound so [[ImproperlyParanoid baseless]] anymore since Liu Kang ''did'' technically act against Outworld (albeit to one citizen).
* Considering the game both shows that a timeline split can produce a Titan for each one and the ending of ''11'' ended up producing multiple timelines based on the acquisition of the Hourglass it's entirely possible there's a version of Kronika who ''won''. Endlessly resetting her own timeline in pursuit of impossible perfection, remaining unaware of other timelines... unless one of them were to breach into hers. And that's not counting the timelines where the characters chose to ''spare'' Kronika such as Erron Black's.