What if the game was a prelude with the Original Kung Loa when there was no Goro? You could have a bunch of characters such as:
KUNG LOA:
On a mission to avenge his grandfather's murder at the hands of Shang-Tsung.
SAREENA:
Sent by Shinnok to enter the tournament and take back what was stolen from him, the Amulet.
REPTILE:
Back in his original form he protects Shang-Tsung and is seeking knowledge of his lost race.
TAKEDA:
The Lin Kuei rebel who is running from assassins and he escapes to Shang-Tsung's island.
SUB-ZERO:
The 4th ice warrior of the Lin Kuei who vanished after this tournament, he is seeking Takeda.
KITANA:
Before she became good Kitana was in fact a very deadly assassin sided with her partner Ruby.
RUBY:
A red class assassin possessing the abilities to control things with her thoughts.
RAIN:
Working as an assassin for Shoa Kahn he enters the tournament to kill Kung Loa.
And others like Shang-Tsung and stuff