NetherRealm recently konfirmed (ha) that Mortal Kombat was going back to basics, with the announcement of Mortal Kombat One. Mortal Kombat is filled to the brim with a roster of colorful, violent, and fascinating figures. Of course, fans have quickly begun speculating as to who will be in the roster for this new 'rebooted' game.
With so many options to choose from in this vast universe, only the most fitting can make their way into the new timeline. Here are some less-than-obvious fighters who need to make their returns to the MK saga and the overarching story of Mortal Kombat.
Honorable Mention: Noob Saibot
Noob Saibot really got the short end of the stick within the story of Mortal Kombat 11. While he was extremely fun to customize and play as, he barely had any impact on the narrative, and his reunion with Sub-Zero and Scorpion was far too short-lived.
Seeing as though Scorpion and Sub-Zero are still allies within the Mortal Kombat One trailer, it'd be interesting to see Noob return to battle the newfound brothers in arms once more, this time with a much more emotional and brutal impact.
10 Goro
For a while, Goro was at the top of the food chain in Mortal Kombat. By the time Mortal Kombat 9 arrived, however, Goro transitioned into the role of henchman for villains like Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn.
It'd be fun to see Goro back in the spotlight, now in a much more prominent and cunning role. Perhaps as Shang Tsung's enforcer again, or perhaps a Prince seeking to become Shokan Royalty once more. Either way, he could be a fantastic returning addition to this new timeline.
9 Havik
Havik's last appearance in Mortal Kombat was in Mortal Kombat 11, specifically in Joker's arcade ending. While the sight was incredible, Havik didn't speak or interact with the MK11 story. Seeing how important he was within the Mortal Kombat X comics timeline shows that NetherRealm does enjoy his character, so becoming playable would be a logical next step.
Havik could work in a variety of forms, from being a thorn in Fire God Liu Kang's side to being an ally, or enemy, of Shang Tsung, or he can even be on his own side. The chaotic fighter could easily fit anywhere within the story if given a chance.
8 Takeda Takahashi
The son of Kenshi hasn't been playable since MKX, though he, too, has appeared within the arcade endings of MK11. Takeda represented a new generation of kombatants and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his connection to Scorpion, Kenshi, and the Shirai Ryu clan.
A return from him could allow the new timeline to feel like a blended experience, allowing the game to be a combination of traditional past fighters and a new era of fighters for the future. His fast-paced moveset and unique look could be great to customize if the option returns.
7 Cassie Cage
Cassie Cage has become something of a poster girl for the new era of Mortal Kombat. The daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, Cassie works alongside the new generation of Kombat Kids. She was a main character within MKX, and she maintained a prominent role in MK11.
A return in MK One could bring back the fantastic bond she had with her parents, perhaps even reviving Sonya thanks to the efforts of Fire God Liu Kang. She can easily fit in as an important main character or a fun supporting character within this new narrative.
6 Reptile
Reptile appeared in Mortal Kombat 11's Krypt. His inclusion wasn't without controversy, however, as his lack of playability irked fans. Reptile's history with Mortal Kombat goes way back, and seeing as he has managed to somehow make an appearance in every NetherRealm game, a return in the new timeline could be great.
Reptile returning to being a playable character could lead to a host of unique new interactions, from Fire God Liu Kang to a humbled Raiden. Not to mention the customization options could be extremely unique and savage, almost like Baraka's gear within MK11, if customization returns as a feature.
5 Cyrax
A non-playable kombatant within MK11, the tragic Cyrax could easily make a return within the new timeline, potentially as a human instead of a member of the Cyber Lin-Kuei initiative. Either way, he could be a fantastic playable character.
Cyrax has a deep-rooted history with Sub-Zero and Scorpion, but his inclusion to the roster could allow for a crop of unique new connections with different characters, such as Johnny Cage and Kung Lao.
4 Sektor
Like his Lin-Kuei brother, Sektor was a non-playable kombatant within MK11, battling the likes of Johnny Cage and the Special Forces. Like Cyrax, he could return to this new timeline, both as a human fighter and a cyborg within the Cyber Lin-Kuei initiative.
Unlike Cyrax, however, Sektor's far more arrogant and vile nature could allow him to become a much more unique part of the MK One story. Whereas Cyrax's life was tragic and grim, Sektor could be a despicable villain and a great opponent to the heroes.
3 Kenshi Takahashi
Kenshi's only appearance within MK11 was his corpse, present within the Krypt, where Shang Tsung claimed that he put up quite a fight. It's a tragic end to a great character whose appearance in MKX was fun to see alongside characters such as Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade.
A triumphant return, potentially alongside his son Takeda, could allow Kenshi to really be a fun player within this new, unique timeline. The duo could even return to the search for Suchin's murderers, the Red Dragon assassins who were hunting for Kenshi.
2 Ermac
It's a shame that Ermac got such a fascinating new design within MK11, only for his appearance to simply be a death within the Krypt. The red ninja has evolved since his debut, and his powerful abilities and unique look have made him a fan favorite.
A return within the new timeline could allow Ermac to chase a new goal within the story. Whether it's to serve Outworld or be an agent of chaos, he could easily fit in within the roster and the new era of kombat.
1 Smoke
Fans have been clamoring for a Smoke return (no, Triborg does not count) for a very long time. With such unique powers and violent moves given to him in MK9, it was clear that Smoke had major potential in NetherRealm's hands. However, things were just not to be, as he hasn't returned since then.
Smoke could be a phenomenal addition to the roster, especially if given the returning importance of someone like Fujin or Nightwolf within MK11. He could easily work within a new story, and the variety of new interactions and gory new moves have an incredible amount of potential.