It's known as the "Showcase of the Immortals" -- but at this year's WrestleMania it looked like a scene out of Mortal Kombat when one of the featured champions made his entrance with a special attire inspired by Shao Kahn! Take a closer look at the WWE/MK crossover that delighted fans of kombat and wrestling alike:
WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta entered Allegiant Stadium on Sunday April 19th, Night 2 of the annual professional wrestling premium event, where he defended his title in a six-man ladder match. His opponents were no doubt intimidated by his fiery entrance -- performed in promotional collaboration with the upcoming Mortal Kombat II movie.
The unique design combined elements of the movie's interpretation of the Outworld Emperor's helmet, complete with an uncharacteristic jaw piece, and flourishes of Penta's own unique spiral-bladed style. Photographer DTFMania captured the grim visage with one of the best images from the event [pictured below]. You can also watch it for yourself in WWE's WrestleMania 42 entrance montage.
It's certainly not the first time wrestling and Mortal Kombat have been in lockstep. Mortal Kombat 11 voice actress Ronda Rousey took inspiration from her character in 2019, with Zelina Vega entering the Royal Rumble dressed like Sindel and Kitana for Halloween, the following year. NetherRealm Studios even sent Johnny Cage into the ring as part of their WWE Immortals mobile game. New Day star and MK11 Reveal Event host, Xavier Woods, also channelled MK's resident thunder god for the app.
[Related Article: 5 Things Mortal Kombat Can Learn From WWE]
The Mortal Kombat II movie logo also adorned the wrestling mat on both nights of WrestleMania -- despite WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, and new World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, both appearing in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie.
Fans can get their own version of Shao Kahn's helmet with collectible merchandise at participating theatre chains. What did you think of Penta's entrance? Slam your thoughts in the comments below and dive off the top rope into more movie mania in the Media & Merchandise category!
