Getting an exact live-action version of the iconic Mortal Kombat arch-villain Shao Kahn has been a game of hit and miss. Surprising, given his original design was built to be worn and realized through live-action digitization.

At this year's Wrestlemania XXX event in New Orleans; WWE's "King of Kings" Triple H returned to action with the most spectacular version of his throne and mask entrance to date. As you'll see from the pictures attached below, his grim skull-faced visage and throne gird by women screams all the trappings of Outworld's Emperor! A live-action spectacle that shames the film versions with its unashamed abandon!


Obviously we've honed in on the element that highlights a Mortal Kombat interest, but for more images from the awe inspiring entrance ceremony, check out the official gallery on WWE.com!

This is far from the first connection between the colourful worlds of World Wrestling Entertainment and Mortal Kombat. In 2013; Rob Van Dam revealed his close call with a Mortal Kombat inspired gimmick that was ultimately retained exclusively by Sub-Zero inspired WCW wrestler: Glacier [full story]. In years past, WWE partnered with Midway to promote Mortal Kombat: Deception [2004] & Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks [2005].


King of Kings: Triple H's King of Kings Armour from Wrestlemania XXX!

To date, Shao Kahn has made three substantial live-action film appearances -- each distinct from the other, but struggling to match the digitized original! [Related Article: Mortal Kombat 3-Disc Blu Ray Set Coming May]

Infamous 1997 theatrical sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation emphasized the strength and physical presence of Kahn by casting 6'4" actor Brian Thompson. The television spin-off Mortal Kombat: Conquest utilized actor Jeffrey Meek's spitting dialogue and paranoid menace to present an after-hours version of the obsessed ruler. Least of them all, Mortal Kombat: Legacy shied away from The Emperor almost all together, reducing him to a more pedestrian, medieval ruler [see more].

Click for alternate Annihilation design. Click for alternate Conquest design.
Kahn or Kahn't: Brian Thompson, Jeffrey Meek & Aleks Paunovic as Shao Kahn.

Did WWE & Triple H outdo the film versions of Mortal Kombat's top boss? Play the game and share your thoughts about the armor on the forums! You can also like and share these photos via our Facebook-Gallery.