Raiden (Mortal Kombat)

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	This character or verse has mature themes and concepts, thus those of young age are ill-advised to look through these.

“	The name Raiden is actually that of a deity known as the Thunder God. It is rumored he received a personal invitation by Shang Tsung himself and took the form of a human to compete in the Tournament.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat arcade bio

“	Watching events unfold from high above, the thunder god realizes the grim intentions of Shao Kahn. After warning the remaining members of the Shaolin Tournament, Raiden soon disappears. He is believed to have ventured into the Outworld alone.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat II bio

“	The God of Thunder returns to Earth after the defeat of Shao Kahn, but finds a new threat when Shinnok's forces, led by Quan Chi attack the Elder Gods. With the heavens in disarray Raiden exists as one of the last Gods of Earth. He must come to the aid of his elders and put an end to his evil villainous reign of his ancient enemy.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat 4 bio

“	The Elder Gods were fully aware of the potential damage the alliance between Quan Chi and Shang Tsung posed to the stability of the realms. Yet even with this foresight they all stood firm on their decision not to interfere. All, that is, except for one - Raiden. The former Thunder God pleaded with his fellow Elder Gods to take action, but they refused. Disgusted, Raiden relinquished his Elder God status and returned to Earth realm (sic) to gather support against the coming storm. Raiden returned to Earthrealm to reunite with his comrades and inform them of the impending threat from the Deadly Alliance. Those that accepted his call to arms were instructed to meet him on Shang Tsung's old island fortress, located in the Lost Sea. Once there, Raiden explained in detail the dire situation that faced not only Outworld, but Earthrealm as well. He then summoned Shang Tsung's Nethership from the ocean depths and with it transported them all to a celestial portal known only to sorcerers and deities. They emerged to Outworld ready for battle.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance bio

“	I was well aware of Onaga, the former ruler of Outworld. Shao Kahn had been his adviser until he poisoned the Dragon King and stole Outworld for himself. But Onaga had somehow returned, more powerful than before. His power seemed augmented by a force previously exhibited only by the Elder Gods. Even the might of the Deadly Alliance combined with my own could not defeat him. I did the only thing I could: I released my godlike essence in an attempt to destroy them all. By the time my energies reformed in Earthrealm, I was aware of all that had transpired. I became disgusted with the doings of mortals. It was Shujinko's vanity and desire for glory that had led to the return of the Dragon King. I will no longer allow the will of men to determine the fate of this realm. They will fight for it, or I will destroy them. All will fear the new God of Thunder.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat: Deception bio

“

No longer will I entrust the safety of Earthrealm to the free will of mankind. The time has come to take matters into my own hands. Centuries ago I defeated an ancient sect of necromancers, the Houan. Though their members subsequently were scattered to the winds, their ancient underground temple still existed, abandoned and unused for ages. On the stone walls within were etched enchantments that would revive the dead. Strewn about were the enchanted chains of binding the Houan would use to control their undead. I laid the corpse of Liu Kang on a ceremonial altar and bound it with the shackles. Reciting the unholy enchantments, I brought to life the body of my former ally and infused it with a thunderclap of lightning. The corpse of Liu Kang would be no mere zombie; it would serve as my ultimate enforcer. Satisfied, I then set free this abomination to wreak havoc on those who have done harm to Earthrealm. Though I tried to conceal my activities, my use of the dark energies did not go unnoticed. Shinnok appeared before me and proposed an alliance. He would help secure the protection of Earthrealm in return for my aid in some undisclosed plot. I am no fool. I know well the treachery of this former Elder God. I accepted his offer and will complete this task, but only to discover his true objective. Until then, I will use Shinnok to serve my own ends.

„

“

As a last resort against the Dragon King's advance, Raiden sacrificed himself by releasing his godlike essence, thereby creating an intense ethereal blast. The Dragon King was unaffected and continues to threaten the realms.

„

“	Raiden is the God of Thunder and Protector of Earthrealm. Ageless and wise beyond measure, he leads Earthrealm's mortals in the endless battle against the forces of darkness. When Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outworld, threatened to merge his realm with Earthrealm, an overwhelmed Raiden implored the Elder Gods to give Earthrealm a fighting chance. Thus the Mortal Kombat tournament was created. For millennia Shao Kahn has been kept at bay, but nine consecutive losses to Goro have eroded hope that Earthrealm can be saved. Determined to prevent Armageddon, Raiden tirelessly quests to find a champion worthy of Mortal Kombat.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat (2011) bio

“	Raiden, God of Thunder, is the Protector of Earthrealm. He and the Elder Gods defeated Shinnok millennia ago when the latter sought dominion over the realms. More recently, Raiden thwarted Outworld's attempts to merge Earthrealm, first through the Mortal Kombat tournaments, then via invasion. Victory came at great cost, however, as many of Raiden's closest allies were killed in the battle. Raiden's strength was further tested when an escaped Shinnok led a Netherrealm assault on an Earthrealm weakened by war. Ultimately, Raiden imprisoned Shinnok again--this time in Shinnok's own amulet. But rumors have reached Raiden that the Amulet, thought to be secured in an Earthrealm vault for decades, might have been stolen.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat X bio

“	I am merely Raiden, now. You have proven worthy to take my place as the new Protector of Earthrealm, once it is restored.	„
	~ Raiden to Liu Kang at the end of the Story Mode of Mortal Kombat 11

“

Immortal God of Thunder, Protector of Earthrealm. Raiden has saved Earthrealm time and again by rallying the bravest and strongest warriors of the day to defend it. After centuries of kombat and bloodshed, he fears unintended consequences for humanity, and himself.

„

“	Whatever experience I lack, I make up for in heart.	„
	~ Raiden to Kenshi in Mortal Kombat 1

“	In the village of Fengjian, Raiden was known for his kindness and charity. He was happy to spend his days tending to the fields, as well as to his friends and family. So when he is asked to leave Fengjian and become one of Earthrealm's champions, Raiden hesitates. But he soon realizes that to best serve his village, he must join them. As the threats to Earthrealm mount, Raiden must mature into the great warrior that Liu Kang knows he can be.	„
	~ Mortal Kombat 1 bio

“	You have been chosen to represent earth in Mortal Kombat. Be warned. Although your souls are protected against Shao Kahn's evil: Your lives are not. I cannot interfere any longer as your earth is now ruled by the outworld gods.	„
	~ These are the words of Raiden

Background

Raiden is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. Being the eternal God of Thunder, Raiden has been one of the most memorable characters in the fighting game genre as well as the earliest playable Gods in the genre. He has remained a major, central character throughout his appearances, often serving as the deuteragonist of the franchise behind Liu Kang. In the new timeline, Raiden's role is reversed where he's young & mortal.

This dropdown contains the synopsis of Raiden’s story. Read at your own risk as you may be spoiled otherwise!

Main When Earthrealm was young, Raiden was its protector. He fought the rogue Elder God Shinnok, who wished to rule it, in a war that threatened to destroy Earthrealm itself. One of the casualties of the war was the Saurian civilization (of which Reptile was a member), forcing the remaining survivors to emigrate to another world, which they named Zaterra. With the aid of the Elder Gods, Raiden managed to defeat Shinnok. Stripping him of his amulet (the source of his Elder God powers), he banished the evil Elder God to the Netherrealm, and placed his powerful amulet in a secret location- a Temple of the Elements he constructed in the mountains of Nepal. He assigned four gods to guard the amulet: the gods of Wind, Fire, Earth and Water. When the elder Sub-Zero stole Shinnok's amulet for Quan Chi millions of years later, Raiden appeared before the Lin Kuei warrior, and told him to enter the Netherrealm and steal it back, lest Shinnok use it to free himself. Raiden was unable to do it himself, as he would lose all of his powers in the Netherrealm. Sub-Zero did as requested, for the time being, removing Shinnok as a threat. Some time later, Shang Tsung invited Raiden to participate in Mortal Kombat. Aware of the threat posed by this tournament to the future of Earthrealm, Raiden took the form of a human to compete. One year later, Raiden found that he had no choice but to accept Shang Tsung's offer of Mortal Kombat in Outworld. Knowing full well the treachery of Shang Tsung and brutality of Shao Kahn, he warned the surviving members of the Shaolin tournament and disappeared alone to the Outworld. After the Earthrealm warriors' victory, Raiden had to scramble to protect his warriors' souls when Shao Kahn reached across the realms and reclaimed his resurrected Queen Sindel. With the safety of his champions ensured, Raiden wished to fight alongside them, but was unable to due to the merger between Earthrealm and Outworld. The Outworld menace now ruled Earthrealm, and Raiden had no choice but to give up his godhood in order to fight. Following Liu Kang's defeat of Shao Kahn, he reclaimed his status as both a god and Earthrealm's protector. Raiden and his warriors again entered battle when Shinnok escaped the Netherrealm to once more wage war against the gods. Shinnok's attack caught the Elder Gods off-guard and killed many of the gods of Earthrealm. However, this time the war would also be fought by mortals; with Liu Kang uniting Earthrealm's warriors under the banner of the troubled Thunder god, Raiden's Forces of Light emerged successful. Now granted the status of Elder God, he turned over his position as Earthrealm's protector to Fujin. As an Elder God, Raiden could not interfere when Shang Tsung and Quan Chi killed Liu Kang many years later. Disgusted at his peers for their refusal to intervene, he renounced his position as an Elder, gathering his warriors to stop the Deadly Alliance. This time, disaster struck the heroes. The Earthrealm warriors were all slain in battle with the Tarkatan horde and in a desperate measure, he confronted Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in front of the Soulnado, but was defeated. He returned to his feet when Onaga, the Dragon King, entered the chamber, and stood beside Tsung and Quan Chi as they attacked Onaga. When he saw that their attacks barely slowed Onaga down, Raiden released his godly essence, the effect of which was a single, massive explosion. It obliterated the Dragon King's tomb, snuffed out the Soulnado, apparently destroyed the Deadly Alliance and Raiden himself, but did not harm Onaga. Raiden's essence soon gathered again in the Earthrealm, where, because his essence was corrupted because of Onaga, he had now become furious with the way Earthrealm's inhabitants had treated their own realm. He became even more enraged when he learned that Shujinko had foolishly unleashed the Dragon King by attaining the Kamidogu of various realms for him. With that, his patience exhausted, Raiden then decided he was going to punish those who placed Earthrealm in harm's way. Raiden's shift in attitude comes to a head when he tried to brutally slay Shujinko for his errors, but Shujinko was able to survive Raiden's attack, surprisingly Raiden turned his attention away from Shujinko and towards Liu Kang's corpse. Removing Liu Kang's body from its grave, Raiden took it to an underground temple that belonged to an ancient sect of necromancers called the Houan, whom he had destroyed centuries earlier. Binding Kang's body with enchanted shackles the Houan had used to control their revived undead, Raiden spoke the enchantments etched into the temple's walls that revived his former ally, infusing it with a thunderclap of lightning. The corpse of Liu Kang was now the enforcer of Raiden's will, and he sent it on a mission to wreak havoc on those he believed did harm to Earthrealm. This caught the attention of Shinnok, who appeared before Raiden and offered him an alliance. If Raiden were to assist him in whatever he wanted, Shinnok would try to ensure the safety of Earthrealm. Raiden was well aware of Shinnok's deceptive nature, but he accepted the offer in an attempt to secretly uncover Shinnok's plans. His story is further expanded in the Konquest mode of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, when Taven encounters him. He informs Taven that he had struck a deal with Shao Kahn, agreeing to let the Emperor of Outworld conquer and rule all other realms, so long as Earthrealm was left alone. In return, Raiden agreed to hunt and eliminate Taven for Kahn, so that he could claim Blaze's godlike power for himself. Raiden confronts Taven as Kahn, Onaga, Shang Tsung, and Quan Chi escape into a portal leading to Edenia. He is unsuccessful however, as he is defeated by Taven, and left unconscious on the ground. Taven, while still being in shock and disbelief at Raiden's actions, leaves and follows the villains through the portal. Unbeknownst to Raiden, however, Fujin had become aware of his change of attitude and outlook and had decided to do something about it. Teaming up with Liu Kang's former ally, Kung Lao, he intended to defeat Raiden and Liu Kang and try to restore them, aware that they may have to destroy them if unsuccessful. Raiden apparently regained at least some of his sanity as he later participated in the Battle of Armageddon on the side of Light, engaging in kombat against Shinnok. He and Shao Kahn became the last two kombatants standing and they fought on top of the Pyramid of Argus. With the power of Blaze, Shao Kahn easily defeated Raiden. Before Shao Kahn landed the final blow, Raiden used the shattered remains of his amulet to send his past self a cryptic message: "He must win". Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Having repulsed Shao Kahn's invasion, Raiden confronts him and Quan Chi at a Graveyard. The Thunder God blasts the Outworld ruler into a portal, seemingly killing him. Raiden then brings Quan Chi to face the Elder God's judgement. After Liu Kang was captured by the invaders, he teleports on to the UN Space Station and strikes Batman with his lightning. Batman gets up and says to him that his armor is insulated. Raiden demands Batman to release him, but he refuses until he gets answers. Raiden fights the Dark Knight, but was resisted due to his insulated armor. Raiden gets up and successfully rescues Liu Kang by teleporting away. He and Liu Kang later appear at his temple after Jax defeated a rage driven Sonya. Sonya explains to Lord Raiden about the invaders that attacked her and believes that Shao Kahn might be alive and the DC heroes and villains are his reinforcements. After Sub-Zero arrives at his temple, he doesn’t give him a warm welcome due the Lin Kuei’s corruption and challenges him to kombat. Sub-Zero defeats Raiden and agrees to entrust him to confront Quan Chi to get answers. He tells him to find Scorpion, but warns him not to betray his trust. After Captain Marvel arrives at the Rock of Eternity to seek the Wizard’s help, Raiden appears and tells him there are no wizards or sorcerers here. Captain Marvel and Raiden then argue by saying that they do not belong here. Captain Marvel is infected by the Kombat Rage and defeated him. He disappears after being punched away. After Raiden finds out that Quan Chi escaped, he was so angry at Sub-Zero and he lost his trust. Quan Chi then appears and saves all the kombatants by using the last of his power to eliminate the kombat rage from Kitana. Raiden then agrees to team up with the forces of darkness to eliminate the invaders. He pairs up Liu Kang with Shang Tsung. After the fighter returned, he was confused on how the invaders overpowered them. Shang Tsung then mocks Sonya and Kano for being defeated by the Joker which resulted into a fight. Kano is defeated by Shang Tsung was informed by Jax that the invaders are heading to Outworld, They soon head there as well. They later confront the DC heroes and villains and challenge them to Mortal Kombat. After a rage empowered fight, Shang Tsung and Liu Kang are the only Mortal Kombat Kombatants left standing. Raiden then accuses Shang Tsung for luring everyone to their doom and attacks him. After he defeats the sorcerer, Liu Kang intervenes and refuses to let him kill Shang Tsung. Liu Kang later was defeated by his mentor, but stops after returning to normal. Raiden then goes to confront Dark Kahn and was later stopped by Superman. They both fought each other and were evenly matched. After realizing that they are on the same side, they both work together to defeat Dark Kahn. In the aftermath of Dark Kahn’s destruction, all the kombatants witnessed their universe being restored. They soon find a weakened Darkseid and Raiden brings him to face the judgement of the Elder Gods. Mortal Kombat (2011) Raiden of the past receives the first fragments of the message in a series of disjointed images, at the opening ceremony of the first Mortal Kombat tournament on Shang Tsung's Island. He attempts to use these memory flashes to influence events and prevent Armageddon, although his interventions prove to have unexpected and nearly disastrous consequences. Examples of this include provoking Kung Lao to participate in the tournament much earlier than originally, resulting in his defeat at the hands of Scorpion (with his rivalry with Baraka never happening); saving the Lin Kuei ninja Smoke from capture and automation, only for the younger Sub-Zero to instead suffer the same fate (with the Lin Kuei pledging their loyalty to Shao Kahn in exchange for extraditing Sub-Zero); persuading Kitana to rebel against Shao Kahn, resulting in her being captured and nearly executed; encouraging Kung Lao to fight and defeat Shao Kahn's generals at the end of the second tournament in Outworld, only for Shao Kahn to kill Kung Lao in cold blood; and killing Motaro to save Johnny Cage, only for Shao Kahn to imbue Sindel with Shang Tsung's souls, giving her the power to attack and kill Kabal, Stryker, Cyber Sub-Zero, Jax, Smoke, Jade, and Kitana before Nightwolf finally sacrifices himself to destroy her. When the Elder Gods refuse to stop Shao Kahn's invasion, Raiden travels to the Netherrealm to bargain with Quan Chi for help. He offers Quan Chi the souls of Earthrealm warriors who fall in battle as well as his own soul in the event that he himself is killed. Quan Chi gloatingly reveals that the souls of Earthrealm's fallen already belong to him as part of Shao Kahn's agreement for the Netherrealm's assistance. Raiden is forced to fight off undead versions of his former comrades in order to escape the Netherrealm. Raiden's most fateful intervention in previously-established events came at the apex of Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm, where he came to realize that 'he must win' in fact relates to Shao Kahn - he actually has to be allowed to merge the two realms, as only then can the Elder Gods intervene. This puts Raiden in direct confrontation with Liu Kang, who has become disillusioned with the mounting body count as a direct result of Raiden's actions. Raiden is forced to defeat Liu Kang in combat to prevent him from interfering. Whilst Liu Kang attempted to kill Raiden, Raiden accidentally killed Liu Kang when Raiden's electricity reacts with Liu Kang's fireball and incinerates him. Shao Kahn is allowed to enter Earthrealm, and an emotionally shattered Raiden concedes ultimate defeat, as Kahn proceeds to dominate Raiden in almost exactly the same manner as the Armageddon aftermath. Only this time, the Elder Gods finally intervene and restore Raiden's strength. He and Shao Kahn engage in a final battle, with Raiden emerging victorious and Shao Kahn destroyed by the Elder Gods. Raiden, however, is deeply saddened by the cost in lives, and blames himself for their loss. Together with the surviving Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, Raiden leaves to tend to the fallen warriors and help rebuild Earthrealm. Unknown to him is that all these events were orchestrated by Quan Chi as part of Shinnok's plan to take Earthrealm and Outworld for himself. Mortal Kombat X Comics In the final hours of the Netherrealm War, Raiden accompanied Sonya Blade and a company of Special Forces soldiers to Quan Chi's Fortress. While Sonya fought the sorcerer and her soldiers kept his revenants occupied, Raiden chanted an incantation and enacted a spell that combined his divine power with Quan Chi's dark magic, resurrecting the three revenants present: Jackson Briggs, Scorpion and Sub-Zero; restoring their humanity and freeing them from Quan Chi's control. After Shinnok's forces lost the Netherrealm War and the fallen Elder God was banished again, Raiden appeared before the Elder Gods, demanding that Shinnok's Amulet be destroyed to prevent his return yet again. The Elder Gods refused, explaining that the amulet, while imprisoning Shinnok, would release him once again if it were destroyed. Accepting this, Raiden asked that the amulet then be safeguarded, locked away within a dark dimension where no one could find it and release Shinnok. The Elder Gods agreed, but proclaimed a lock was only as safe as its key, and summoned the Kamidogu daggers to encircle Raiden. The Elder Gods explained that the Kamidogu daggers had tasted the blood of the One Being, and while no single dagger could contain Shinnok alone, Raiden understood that united they could. The Elder Gods agreed, and Raiden allowed each Kamidogu to impale him, tasting his blood and locking Shinnok's Amulet away. Raiden would then entrust each dagger to a powerful champion to protect them from those who would seek the daggers out, either for the power of Blood Magik or to release Shinnok from his prison. Raiden recovered the revived Kuai Liang and brought him back to his Sky Temple. When Kuai awoke from his comatose state months later, he was initially confused and attacked Raiden, but Raiden easily deflected his ice blast and swore to him he was safe. While Kuai was in disbelief over being alive, Raiden explained his resurrection and welcomed him back. When Kuai expressed deep remorse for the actions he committed under Quan Chi's control, Raiden told him to make amends and explained Earthrealm needed his help. Raiden then sent Sub-Zero to retrieve one of the Kamidogu in possession of the Red Dragon in China, the dagger having been stolen beforehand. Sub-Zero would disappear with the dagger shortly after. Several years later, the god of thunder appears before Hanzo Hasashi in the Shirai Ryu temple. Raiden apologizes for his intrusion before noting that Scorpion has safeguarded the dagger well, which pleases him. When Hanzo demands to know why he is there, Raiden reveals that the Netherrealm invasion weakened Earthrealm's cosmic barrier, allowing a powerful demon to invade before Raiden could repair the damage. Raiden warns Scorpion that the demon will target the few remaining Earthrealm warriors. When Scorpion cruelly reminds Raiden of his own hand in that, the god of thunder takes his leave to warn the others, but not before warning Scorpion, "Beware the one who walks in silence." Raiden is seen again in his Sky Temple alongside fellow god, Fujin. Frustrated by his inability to locate the demon in Earthrealm, Raiden turns to another of the Kamidogu already in his possession, hoping to invoke Blood Magik as a means to locate the demon. Fujin warns him that the price is too high but Raiden reminds him that humans consider it an honor to give blood. Taking the dagger, Raiden cuts his forearm to offer it blood and is besieged by visions of various Kombatants across the realms and realizes in horror that he is too late. "It has begun!" the thunder god cries in horror as his body is consumed by the Blood Magik. Raiden collapses to his knees as the Blood Magik dissipates, his temple damaged and Fujin wounded. Raiden heals Fujin while warning his friend that they are short on time. When Fujin sees Raiden's own wounded arm, Raiden reveals it will not to heal for some time due to invoking Blood Magik. Raiden then tells Fujin that Earthrealm and Outworld will fall into chaos, and that the bloodshed could begin with Cassie Cage. Raiden appears in the Special Forces base in a display of lightning, bolts of electricity striking the warring Outworld warriors and Special Forces soldiers as the thunder god declares, "Enough." Kotal Kahn warns Raiden that Outworld's pain will be Earthrealm's before creating a portal with his Portal Stone. Raiden reminds Kotal that he promised him he would not use that anymore but Kotal retorts that after the Netherrealm War he promised their worlds would cooperate before departing. Sonya Blade is annoyed by Raiden's intervention but the thunder god only asks her where her daughter is. After a long absence, Raiden returns, possessed by the demonic force infesting the Kamidogu. The thunder god attacks Scorpion and Takeda Takahashi in their camp outside the Sky Temple, Kamidogu dagger in one hand while grabbing Scorpion by the neck with the other and roaring that the ninja should not have come to his home. Soon the extent of Raiden's possession is revealed. Now believing the demon has come to set them free through the Blood Code, Raiden brutally battles with Hanzo, dominating the Shirai Ryu easily with his lightning. Raiden grabs Hanzo by the neck again, but Hanzo's student, Takeda, manages to sneak up behind the thunder god and impale him with a sword. Unfazed, Raiden bids Takeda to suffer the consequences of his foolish actions and calls down lightning to electrify the youth. Scorpion saves his student using his teleport and flees with Takeda. Raiden warns Hanzo that he cannot run from a god. As he rips the sword out from his abdomen, Raiden proclaims that chaos is coming to Earthrealm and that he will be its herald, when Scorpion returns, trying to take the Kamidogu dagger from Raiden's hand. Raiden mockingly questions how much hellfire Scorpion has left after all his teleporting, but the Shirai Ryu declares he has enough for a lifetime before landing a powerful punch across the thunder god's face. Scorpion gains the upper hand over the possessed Raiden, stabbing him with his kunai and choking the thunder god with his chain, all the while raging at Raiden for giving him the Kamidogu dagger that resulted in second destruction of his clan and for seemingly killing Takeda with his lightning. Brought to his knees by the enraged Shirai Ryu, Raiden is saved from death when Scorpion sees that Takeda is still alive and rushes to his student's side. Raiden is then able to come to his senses, his blood purged of the demon's corruption. Calling to Hanzo, Raiden apologizes to the distrustful ninja and tells him he can save Takeda if they act quickly by taking him to the Jinsei Chamber, where Earthrealm's life force will heal both Raiden and Takeda. Raiden heals his injuries from his fight with Scorpion, and while it at first appears Takeda is not recovering, Raiden reveals to Hanzo that his apprentice's soul is fighting against the Netherrealm's reach for him, and compliments Hanzo for teaching Takeda well. Takeda quickly awakens, feeling invincible after bathing in the Jinsei's light, with Raiden saying it is an effect. Raiden apologizes to Scorpion and Takeda before explaining the truth behind the Kamidogu's role in keeping Shinnok bound. The thunder god reveals that he could not keep each dagger in the same location, which is why he entrusted one to Scorpion for safe-guarding. Raiden then seals the dagger he entrusted Hanzo in a vault in his Sky Temple and apologizes to Hanzo for not telling him the dagger was more than a sacred relic and admits that he did not foresee a demon corrupting their power. When Scorpion asks if Quan Chi is the culprit, Raiden disagrees but reveals Fujin is investigating the Netherrealm for his involvement. Hanzo asks who else has the daggers, and Raiden tells him each dagger is accounted for, save one. Raiden tells Hanzo of the mission he gave Sub-Zero to retrieve a stolen Kamidogu, but the cryomancer never returned. Knowing whoever is after the daggers seeks to unseal Shinnok's Amulet, Raiden asks Scorpion to save Sub-Zero from the demon corrupting him. At his student's urging, Hanzo agrees to the thunder god's request, vowing to bring Sub-Zero back dead or alive. When Hanzo and Takeda returned to the Sky Temple with the Kamidogu recovered, Raiden commended Hanzo for sparing Kuai Liang's life, stating they had both suffered enough vengeance, though Hanzo wanted to hear none of it and asked who was next. Raiden assigned the Shirai Ryu to go to the Kang Shaolin temple to recover the Chaosrealm Kamidogu, warning them to be civil to the monks while explaining he would recover Earthrealm's Kamidogu from its keeper, Jax Briggs. Raiden teleports to Jax's farm, calling out to Briggs. The thunder god is horrified when he spots Jax unconscious through a destroyed wall in his home. While Raiden tries to question Jax on what happened, it is Brigg's wife, Vera, who answers him, revealing that the former general of Outworld Reiko attacked their home, having kidnapped their daughter Jacqui and demanding the Kamidogu dagger in exchange for her life. When Reiko threatened Vera's life, Jax complied and turned over the dagger. Raiden is troubled by the fact that Reiko now possesses more than one Kamidogu, and when Vera angrily demands that Raiden bring her and Jax's daughter home, Raiden informs her of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade's venture into Outworld for their own daughter. Raiden returns to the Sky Temple, but discovers that the Jinsei is rejecting him whenever he tries to enter it. Waiting for Fujin's return, the thunder god greets the wind god after he arrives and asks what news he brings from the Netherrealm. Fujin reveals that the retaining seals around the realm are untouched and there was no sign of Quan Chi or his Revenants. Fujin then tells Raiden that when they repaired the barriers protecting Earthrealm, they left Shang Tsung's Island vulnerable, as it is between Earthrealm and Outworld. Raiden says they should investigate at once but Fujin tells him he already attempted and informs Raiden that the island is protected by a shield spell similar to Raiden's own. When Fujin questions this, a horrified Raiden realizes the implications and attempts to enter the Jinsei again, only to be violently repulsed and thrown back. A weakened Raiden reveals to Fujin how the Jinsei has been rejecting him since the morning, leaving him unable to revitalize himself. Fujin realizes that Raiden's overuse of the Kamidogu has left him corrupted and the Jinsei rejects him due to sensing its presence within him. As Fujin help him up, while reminding him he warned Raiden against using the Kamidogu, Raiden recalls how he never listens and after Fujin asks how many Kamidogu he has, Raiden reveals he has three, saying they are safe in the Sky Temple before realizing that Outworld is as exposed to Shang Tsung's Island as Earthrealm is, and realizes that Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade are in danger before telling Fujin they must determine if Kotal Kahn remains their ally. However, Raiden is once again enslaved to the Blood Code, his overuse of Blood Magik allowing Havik to regain control over him. Raiden attacks Fujin, impaling him with a naginta before collecting all the Kamidogu he has so far and flying for Shang Tsung's Island. Raiden arrived on the island, and at Havik's command, unleashed thousands of blood red lightning bolts down on the island, striking his own champions Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, as well as Kotal Kahn and Mileena along with their forces. Raiden continues to call down lightning until Havik orders him to stop. Floating down to the chaos cleric's side, Raiden joins Havik later in the throne room and alongside the Blood Code possessed Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs, takes part in the ritual that will ascend Reiko into godhood. During the ritual, Raiden stabs Reiko with two of the Kamidogu, and witnesses the general become the Blood God. Raiden floats alongside Cassie and Jacqui as he watches Reiko revel in his newfound godhood, devouring Mileena and Kotal Kahn's forces as tributes to himself. When the general continues to suffer from agonizing hunger and his body begins to tear itself apart, Raiden speaks in time with Cassie and Jacqui to remind Reiko that the power of the Blood Code comes from suffering, and watches as Havik murders Reiko before ripping Shinnok's amulet from the general's body, the cleric of chaos true goal having been undoing the seal on it the whole time. Raiden observes as Havik tests the amulet's power on a group of Shokan spying on them. When Havik returns after dealing with Queen Sheeva's ship, Raiden takes up one of the Kamidogu and holds it over the bound Mileena. At Havik's bidding, Raiden stabs the deposed empress, enslaving her to Havik's will through the Blood Code. Havik then reveals his intentions to destroy the Netherrealm, believing death to be another form of order, and thus the chaos cleric desires to use Shinnok's amulet to destroy the cosmic barriers Raiden had enacted to protect Earthrealm, which also protect anyone from entering Netherrealm, so they can invade and destroy the realm. As Havik charges Shinnok's amulet with Ermac's souls to give the relic the power needed, Takeda arrives, severing Havik's hand that holds the amulet with his new whips. Raiden stands beside Havik and the other corrupted champions as Takeda fights and defeats Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs. When Havik has the rest of his puppets attack Takeda, it is Raiden who delivers the final blow, grabbing Takeda and releasing bolts of lightning into the boy, all the while taunting him for his failures. Raiden watches Havik torture Takeda with Shinnok's amulet until D'Vorah arrives with reinforcements from Outworld. Havik uses Raiden to greet the warriors, and Raiden is shot at by Erron Black. Raiden continues to battle Erron Black, flying in the air to dodge his shots while raining red lightning down. The god eventually overwhelms the gunslinger and electrocutes him with streams of lightning. Before Raiden can kill Black, he is released from Havik's control as the Blood Code is broken. Shocked, Raiden relents in his assault, horrified at his own actions. As the gathered warriors of Outworld and Earthrealm convene together, Raiden stands over Erron Black as Takeda reprimands the god for keeping secrets that ultimately resulted in all of them fighting and now having to live with the consequences. Takeda then throws to Raiden Shinnok's amulet, and though the thunder god tries to apologize to the young Shirai Ryu, Takeda only tells him to keep the relic safe for all their sakes. Raiden then begins speaking with Kotal Kahn and Sonya Blade, questioning who supplied Reiko and Havik with their forces, and after learning of Daegon and the Red Dragon's involvement, the thunder god informs Sonya of an accord he and the emperor have discussing over with between their realms, explaining it would lead to discussions of interrealm conflicts before either side attacks. After hearing Kotal out, Sonya agrees, and a pleased Raiden moves on to the next discussion. Presenting the amulet of Shinnok to the two, Raiden explains that he cannot hold onto the relic, fearing it will corrupt him, and after telling the two that he once believed hiding it with secrets and lies made sense once, he acknowledges that those secrets have claimed too many victims and declares that the amulet will be protected by a qualified champion: Either Kotal Kahn or Sonya Blade. The emperor declines, still having to deal with Mileena and Outworld's civil war, and it is Sonya Blade who ultimately places the amulet under Earthrealm and Special Forces protection. Though unseen, it was Raiden who directed the cryomancer Frost to Sub-Zero in Arctika, sending her and several other warriors to aid Kuai in reestablishing his clan. Mortal Kombat X Several months after the battle of Earthrealm, Shinnok begins his invasion of Earthrealm. Raiden is seen alongside Fujin fending off waves of demons that begin to overrun the grounds of the Sky Temple. Quan Chi then appears and Raiden angrily rebukes at Quan Chi to leave the sacred grounds. However, beside Quan Chi are undead revenants of Stryker, Sindel, and Kabal who then tell Raiden that he had freed them, with the Thunder God claiming he had given them a fate even worse than death. As Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Kenshi make their way to the Sky Temple, Raiden and Fujin attempt to hold off Quan Chi and the undead revenants from entering the Jinsei chambers. Shinnok then appears before both Raiden and Fujin and the undead revenants began to attack the two gods. Raiden is stabbed by Kabal's hook swords, but manages to use the blades as a conductor for his electricity and knocks out Kabal. He then aids Fujin as he shocks Sindel before the latter could finish him. They are then knocked by Shinnok's amulet and are almost absorbed by the amulet itself until the untimely intervention of Johnny Cage. Johnny fights and defeats Shinnok, with Raiden using his amulet to seal him away. While Raiden remarks that the amulet cannot be destroyed, Fujin suggests that they go to the Elder Gods for counsel. Five years after Shinnok's attack, Johnny along with Sonya go to the Netherrealm to infiltrate Quan Chi's fortress. While Johnny is left stabbed in the back by Jax and is left dying, his revenant self begins to take shape. Raiden then enters the Netherrealm and attempts to stop the process, but is interrupted by Quan Chi. After Sonya defeats Quan Chi, Raiden manages to reverse the spell, not only saving Johnny, but freed Scorpion, Kuai Liang, and Jax in the process by turning them back into humans. He is then seen tending to Johnny Cage's wounds. Five years later, Raiden catches Kung Jin when the thief is trying to escape from the temple, suggesting him not to steal the heirloom and put it back where it belongs. Yet, Kung Jin ignores Raiden's advice, forcing the god to take the statue away from the thief and tells him that the reason why Kung family gave it to him, as a gift to honor Kung Jin's cousin, Kung Lao, after his death, causing Jin, who believes that Raiden was responsible for Lao's death at the hands of Shao Kahn, openly blames him, angering Raiden and causing them to fight. After Jin wins and walks away from Raiden, Raiden still able to stopped Jin from leaving, telling the thief that he wanted to let Jin attack him to release his anger, then tells Jin to go to the Wu Shi Academy to become a Shaolin Monk like Kung Lao was. However, Jin states that he cannot and it's too late for him, fearing they will reject him because he is a homosexual, but Raiden states Elder Gods assure him that the academy cares about what is in his heart, and telling Jin it was not too late for him as Raiden gives him the heirloom to Jin to honor Lao's death. Twenty years later, Raiden is seen in the Outworld refugee camp where he along with Sonya, Johnny, and Johnny's team are seen talking with Li Mei. They learn that Mileena is in possession of an amulet that gives her immense power. Suspecting the object to be Shinnok's amulet, he goes off to check on the amulet's security. He then is seen later on communicating with Sonya while confirming with her that the amulet was replaced with a duplicate. Before he can say more, he is then cut off by some unknown means, leaving Sonya to ponder. Raiden does not appear again in the story until much later where Bo' Rai Cho is seen waiting for him at the Sky Temple. Bo' Rai Cho informs Raiden his concerns about Shinnok's possible return. Raiden goes on to explain that he was caught in a trap by Kano and that getting out required his full attention, being unaware of the events that have already taken place. They proceed to travel to the Jinsei chamber, where Raiden goes to recover his strength. As they enter, Raiden hopes to turn the situation around with Bo' Rai Cho to wonder what he means. Raiden goes on to explain that their comrades and allies are under control of Quan Chi, stating that by capturing Quan Chi alive they can restore all of their former friends and allies back to normal. Raiden then goes to lament over the loss of the Earthrealm warriors during Shao Kahn's invasion, especially those of Liu Kang and Kung Lao. He goes off in a melancholic tone where he claims that the both of them were like sons, and that he would move the heavens to bring them back. The story then goes to a flashback twenty five years ago with Kung Lao and Liu Kang still alive while assisting Raiden in freeing the Shaolin. As Raiden is recovering, he notices a large shock and notices a large hole above the Jinsei chamber as he sees Bo' Rai Cho on the ground being dragged off. As Raiden makes it above ground, he sees Shinnok has returned and draining Bo' Rai Cho's life force with his amulet along with the revenant versions of Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Smoke, Kitana, and Sindel. Shinnok goes to the Jinsei temple claiming that he will claim Bo' Rai Cho's soul when he dies. Raiden retorts by saying that Bo' Rai Cho's soul is too strong for the likes of the Netherrealm. Liu Kang asks if they can kill him, but Shinnok orders for Raiden to live and that after he takes over the Jinsei he would seal Raiden just as he did with him before. Raiden then begins to fight the revenants, eventually facing Kung Lao, who is angered at Raiden for letting him die by Shao Kahn's hand. Raiden defeats Kung Lao, claiming that Kung Lao deserved a better fate. Then Liu Kang begins to attack Raiden. Raiden claims that this was not Liu Kang's fate, with Liu Kang mocking Raiden by asking him if he could still see the future. Raiden tells Liu Kang that he knows what should be, with Liu Kang claiming that he was put to death due to Raiden. Raiden then tells Liu Kang that his death was an accident that haunted him, with Liu Kang saying that he would help Shinnok end the Elder Gods. The two fight, and Raiden is victorious over his former friend and student. Raiden goes to the Jinsei chamber in an attempt to stop Shinnok, but is caught and captured. He along with Johnny Cage are now captive with Shinnok claiming the end of the world, but Raiden tells him that there are still warriors left that oppose him. After Cassie Cage defeats Shinnok, he urges her to take him to the Jinsei in order to purify it. The purification succeeds, and Raiden is then last seen being tended to by Kung Jin. After the credits, Raiden is seen in the Netherrealm. Due to cleansing the Jinsei from Shinnok, he has now adopted a much darker persona. He appears before the new rulers of the Netherrealm, Liu Kang and Kitana, and threatens them by stating that he would no longer stand by and watch Earthrealm on the defensive. He would from now on seek and destroy all who threaten Earthrealm with no mercy or remorse. He then leaves the severed, yet still-living head of Shinnok on the ground to underline this point, and disappears in a flash of lightning, leaving Liu Kang and Kitana to ponder in thought. Mortal Kombat 11 The prologue shows what happened after Shinnok's defeat but before Mortal Kombat X's epilogue. The new dark Raiden is shown torturing Shinnok. Noticing that the Thunder God now wears his amulet, Shinnok taunts Raiden that he finally embraces "the truth [he] was cast out for speaking." Raiden replies that the only truth he embraces is that showing mercy to those who threaten Earthrealm is pointless and vows to preemptively destroy Earthrealm's enemies, beginning with Shinnok himself. When Shinnok reminds Raiden that not even he can kill an Elder God, the Thunder God darkly responds that "there are fates worse than death", and proceeds to decapitate Shinnok with a blade construct. Raiden states that Shinnok will serve as "a warning, and an emblem of [his] wrath," and leaves the Jinsei chamber. After Raiden leaves the Jinsei, the keeper of time Kronika approaches Shinnok and states that Raiden has upset the balance of history and this is not her son's fate. Raiden would go on to lead the Special Forces in their preemptive attack on the Netherrealm. Cassie and the Special Forces began their attack on the inside, while Raiden provides the distraction. After they destroyed the temple, he quickly teleports everyone back to Earthrealm, where he tells Cassie that Sonya died a warrior's death, much to Jacqui's chagrin. Sometime, a mysterious earthquake ensures at the Special Forces base and younger versions of Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Jax appear, while Raiden disappears, and a younger, uncorrupted Raiden to the future at the Koliseum. Kotal Kahn is surprised to see fallen champions, and Raiden tells him that they were participating in the tournament when they were taken. Shao Kahn accuses him of powering a delusion, but Raiden states that if it was, then they were all sharing it. Shao Kahn then attempts to usurp the throne from Kotal, and Raiden suggests that they help Kotal as he has heard that he is a man of honor, which the younger Jade confirms. Shao Kahn is forced to retreat, and in the aftermath, Raiden heads back to Earthrealm with Liu Kang and Kung Lao to see if any anomalies have occurred there. Upon arriving in Earthrealm, Raiden consults the Elder Gods, with Cetrion telling him what to do. He returns and sends Liu Kang and Kung Lao to secure the Jinsei before Kronika claims it, but the two fail as Kronika intervenes herself. Raiden tells the two what he have learned, and promises not to lead them to their deaths as Dark Raiden did. The Thunder God discovers that the Heavens are left in shambles by Cetrion. Who reveals that she betrayed the Elder Gods to aid Kronika in her plans. Raiden returns to the Special Forces base, just in time before Sektor self-destructs, activated by Kano. With the command base destroyed, he brought them to Hanzo Hasashi's Fire Garden, as it is the only secure location left. The younger Scorpion soon returns, having been convinced by the older Scorpion to visit the Fire Gardens. However, as he sided with Kronika, his arrival is not welcomed and he is forced to defend himself. Raiden soon arrives and the younger Scorpion attempts to tell him that Kharon will assist him, but Raiden believes he is lying to him (as he killed Sub-Zero against his wishes) and battles him in kombat, defeating him. Liu Kang decides that they should hear him out, but Raiden refuses to listen and fights Liu Kang as he states that he demands obedience, and not trust. As Raiden slowly goes onto the verge of becoming Dark Raiden, Liu Kang unwillingly prepares to battle the corrupted thunder god again, woefully admitting that he may need to kill him. Raiden suddenly comes to a stop, his corruption halting as a realization strikes him. "This has happened before." Raiden whispers to himself as he is besieged by visions of himself battling Liu Kang across various different battle fields, their own appearances changing with each battle ground, but their battle is always the same. The truth finally dawns on Raiden, who falls to his knees as the visions end. Raiden realizes his mistakes, and tosses aside Shinnok's amulet before healing the younger Scorpion and apologizing to Liu Kang. He explains to the others that in every timeline, Kronika has pitted him and Liu Kang against each other, only for the latter to die each time, and states that he will no longer be manipulated by Kronika. Kronika then halts time and privately converses with Raiden, commending him for noticing the pattern. However, he states that he does not understand the purpose, to which she states that both his and Liu Kang's powers combined threaten her vision. Raiden is still intent on opposing her, but she then takes Liu Kang away. As time returns to normal, the others wonder where Liu Kang has gone, and he tells them that Kronika has taken him and that they must launch their assault immediately, taking the younger Scoprion's word that Kharon will assist them. As Kharon leads the strike force to Kronika's Keep, she sends Frost, the older Jax, Geras and the Cyber Lin Kuei. He orders the group to protect Kharon at all costs, just as the elder Jax challenges him to battle. Jax states that he is doing what is right, but Raiden defeats him in kombat and tells him that Kronika intends to revive Shinnok, who was responsible for his revenant enslavement. Geras then appears and challenges him in kombat, but Raiden defeats him. When Geras proclaims that he cannot die, Raiden notices an anchor and binds Geras in it before moving it off ship, as he will be unable to escape the bottomless Sea of Blood. Frost then battles him, who reveals that she is in command of the Cyber Lin Kuei. Upon defeating Frost, the revenant Liu Kang then attacks Raiden who defeats him in a lengthy battle but rather than kill the evil counterpart, Raiden merges himself and past Liu Kang's deceased body with the revenant Kang, transforming them into Fire God Liu Kang, with past Liu Kang's consciousness prevailing, having also absorbed his revenant counterpart's memories. Kronika, who witnessed the younger Liu Kang leave her Keep, expresses surprise that Raiden would try something innovative. With his new godly powers and the knowledge about the Hourglass and Kronika's plan, Liu Kang is able to kombat her and her time manipulating abilities. The armies of Earthrealm and Outworld begin their assault on Kronika's Keep. Once inside however, Kronika reverses time sending Liu Kang's allies back to Kharon's Ship, forcing Liu Kang to the battle the revenant counterparts of his friends alone. Liu Kang eventually defeats the revenant Kitana, Kung Lao and Jade. Then Liu Kang battles Cetrion and defeats her. Kronika then reverses time for the final time to the Prehistoric Age. After Liu Kang finally kills Kronika at the dawn of time, Raiden is separated from him leaving Liu Kang a God and the latter a mortal. The former Thunder God bestows the title of protector of Earthrealm and the keep to Liu Kang, with the latter accepting his former master's words. When Raiden describes the task of watching over time, Liu Kang believes he cannot handle the task alone. Raiden suggests that he will advise Liu Kang as long as he lives. Together, they start to shape the sands of time. Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath With Liu Kang, now the new Keeper of Time, he's about to create the New Era, under his counsel. But Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, and Fujin appeared, revealing they escaped a Void beyond time and that Liu Kang couldn't reset the timeline without Kronika's crown, to the shock of Raiden. Liu Kang decided to sent them before the time-merger, so they could get Kronika's crown at Shang Tsung's island while he and Raiden stayed behind to operate the hourglass. That new timeline's version of Raiden appears when Scorpion returns from the Netherrealm, confronting their old nemesis and his brother, who told them about their future, the Crown, and the plan to defeat Kronika. But he denies it, due to his questionable alliance with Shang Tsung and Shinnok's amulet's influence over him. Liu Kang decides that they should hear him out, but Raiden refuses to listen. Fujin intervenes when he tries to kill Liu Kang and fight his brother. Raiden recovered his senses and decides to listen. After learning about their drastic future, Kronika appears to retrive the crown, but the combined efforts of Shang Tsung, Raiden and Fujin forces her to retreat, then deciding to go to her isle and transform Liu Kang (past and present) into the Fire god. When he was about to face-off with revenant Liu Kang one last time, Liu Kang's leg is suddenly broken. His former pupil reveals it was Shao Kahn's doing, having smashed past Liu Kang's legs. Understanding this was Shang Tsung's plan all along, he comes to the sorcerer with Fujin, trying to make Fujin give him the crown assuming Raiden's form. The sorcerer achieves his goal and gets into a breaf fight with both gods, sending both Raiden and Fujin flying into Jax, knocking him out, then turning his attention to Nightwolf. He stops him from taking Past Nightwolf’s soul. However, both are defeated and their souls are taken. Weakened but still alive, the two are dragged away by Shokan soldiers when Shao Kahn and Sindel arrives, so they could feast on their souls for eternity, leaving their ultimate fates unknown. If the player chooses Shang Tsung in the final fight, Fujin and Raiden come up to the new Keeper of Time and tell him that they successfully took over Earthrealm, the Netherrealm, and Outworld with Shang Tsung's influence, and that Orderrealm and Chaosrealm would be next. Mortal Kombat 1 Before he shed his status as Titan and Keeper of Time, Liu Kang reflected on the Raiden he knew, remembering his nobility, leadership, and righteous heart, as well as his dangerous temper and rage. In order to prevent the new Raiden from following in his footsteps, Liu Kang decided to create Raiden as a mortal, not a god of thunder, to prevent him from falling into anger and repeating history. The new, human Raiden grows up in the village of Fengjian, where he works on a farm with his childhood friend, Kung Lao. The pair frequent the local tea house, and practice martial arts taught to them by its owner, Madame Bo. Raiden is content to remain in Fengjian, unlike the more adventurous Kung Lao, who laments their mundane life on the farm. This prompts Raiden to challenge Kung Lao to a bet - the last to fill their cart pays for dinner at the Teahouse. The two are seated by Madame Bo herself later that evening, and are questioned about their training. After she is dissatisfied by Kung Lao's excuse, Raiden expresses his relief that Lao is paying, sparking an argument over who lost the bet, and the nature of the bet itself. The bet is settled when Kung Lao challenges Raiden to a fight, with the former emerging victorious. At the end of the meal, Raiden comments on the generous portions of food Lao ordered. As Raiden is gathering the money to pay Madame Bo, the teahouse is accosted by the Lin Kuei, led by Smoke, who intends to extort "protection money" from Madame Bo. When the ninjas begin trashing the teahouse and Smoke throws Madame Bo off a balcony, Raiden and Kung Lao rush to her defense, defeating Smoke in kombat. Raiden single handedly overpowers three other ninjas, to his and Lao's amazement, before the pair are attacked by Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Raiden is tackled down a flight of stairs by Sub-Zero, while Kung Lao engages Scorpion. Raiden is outmatched by the more experienced ninja, being frozen to a bar by the grandmaster's ice powers, but is saved by Kung Lao's intervention. After freeing himself from Sub-Zero's ice, Raiden tends to an unconscious Madame Bo, and is surprised when she immediately awakens, chipper as usual. As the two express their amazement at her recovery, they are approached by a hooded figure, who asks Madame Bo if the two are ready. The figure introduces himself as Lord Liu Kang, protector of Earthrealm and the God of Fire. Liu Kang explains that the two have proven worthy of becoming his champions in the upcoming martial arts tournament with Outworld. Kung Lao readily accepts the offer, although Raiden is reluctant to leave the village. After Madame Bo encourages him to take up the mantle of champion, he and Kung Lao are directed to the Wu Shi Academy, while Liu Kang leaves to gather other champions. Raiden is later seen at the academy, training with the monks. He witnesses Kung Lao's demonstration of his razor-rimmed hat, to which he expresses concern. The two mingle with the other champions, Johnny Cage and Kenshi Takahashi, until Liu Kang summons them to determine who will serve as champion during the tournament. Raiden faces down and defeats Cage and Takahashi, before Liu Kang gives the champions leave to rest until his final match against Kung Lao. That evening, Raiden and Kung Lao prepare for their match. Lao suggests that Raiden concedes, as the latter has never beaten him in a fight, but Raiden refuses, and defeats his friend, earning the right to represent Earthrealm in the tournament. To match his Outworld opponents' magic and skills, Liu Kang gives Raiden a magic amulet, which grants him power over lightning, similar to his godly counterpart. Despite the concerns of Raiden and Kung Lao, Liu Kang assures them that they will not be fighting in Mortal Kombat. A week later, the group leaves for Outworld's capital, Sun Do, where they are greeted by Outworld's twin princesses, Mileena and Kitana. Raiden expresses his amazement at the new world as they travel, although he confides his anxiety about losing the tournament to Liu Kang. At the palace, he meets General Shao, who taunts the young monk, before the conflict is defused by Liu Kang. Soon, the Empress of Outworld, Sindel, arrives to commence the tournament. Liu Kang introduces her to Raiden, whom he describes as embodying the best qualities of the people of Earthrealm. Sindel notes the farmer seems nervous, to which Raiden agrees, as he is up against a series of powerful kombatants in an unknown world. Sindel assures him he has every reason to be, since the warriors before him will certainly prove a challenge. As is tradition, the first fight is against Sun Do's First Constable, Li Mei. Having been told of Li Mei's tragic history with the royal family by Liu Kang beforehand, Raiden defeats her but respectfully bows to her afterwards, which Li Mei returns. Raiden is then tasked with fighting General Shao's second-in-command, the war-weathered Reiko, who takes note of Raiden's lack of battle experience and warns him that he is woefully unprepared. However, Raiden prevails, cheekily noting that Reiko was bested by a simple farmer. He asks Sindel about his next opponent, but she tells him to be patient, having adjourned the tournament until the next day, and requesting her guests attend the evening's banquet. At the banquet, Raiden sits with Liu Kang, observing as Johnny attempts to make small talk with Kitana. Raiden wonders what Liu Kang sees in Johnny, but Liu Kang tells him that the superstar is a hero, though he may not yet realize it (mirroring the old Raiden telling Liu Kang the same thing about Johnny in the previous timeline). He also introduces Raiden to Rain, the High Made of Outworld. Seeing Tanya and Mileena converse, Raiden wonders if he will have to face Tanya in kombat, to which Liu Kang denies, as it would go against his and Jerrod's traditional rules for the tournament. The fire god explains the nature of Tanya's occupation as an Umgadi, and Raiden expresses worry over Outworld's need for such protection. Liu Kang reveals Outworld's past has been difficult, and the scars of history remain despite Sindel bringing about a new golden age. Sindel calls for an open dialogue in an attempt to further the bond between realms. Raiden eagerly expresses his excitement in meeting the people of Outworld, claiming that they share more in common than they realize. General Shao, however, ruins the dialogue by retorting that they could not be more different, and nearly enters a rant before Sindel stops him in his tracks and dismisses him, Shao relenting under the pretense of being drunk. The next day, Raiden continues to excel in the tournament, defeating numerous opponents (including Kotal, Motaro, and Sheeva). With only two fights remaining, Raiden prepares to do battle with Sindel's daughter, Mileena, but he and Liu Kang are surprised to see Kitana has been chosen to fight in her stead. Liu Kang questions the choice in fighter, but Sindel makes the excuse that Mileena is away on a pressing imperial matter. Liu presses his concern, stating that he has not prepared Raiden for Mileena, but Sindel counters by wondering if Raiden can simply improvise, considering how far he has already made it in the tournament. Raiden asks Liu to be confident in him, knowing he can prevail, and the fire god relents. Kitana claims she will be no easier to defeat than Mileena, to which Raiden agrees as they prepare to do battle. Again, Raiden proves victorious, and exchanges a series of compliments with Kitana before she returns to sit by her mother. Sindel then introduces the General Shao and his accomplishments, now donning his war helm and menacing his battle axe. Raiden remarks on Shao's feats, to which Shao replies that a full recitation of his accomplishments would take multiple days to complete. Regardless, Raiden's unprecedented winning streak does not end, and he bests Shao in kombat to finally win the tournament for Earthrealm. Though Sindel congratulates him, the arrogant Shao refuses Raiden's help in standing up and brushes him off. Victorious, Raiden turns to Liu Kang, who graciously thanks him for his efforts in maintaining the peace between realms. They reconvene with the other champions, and after bidding their Outworld hosts farewell, Raiden and the others return home. However, the momentary peace brought by Raiden's victory is no sooner dispelled when a conversation between Liu Kang and his steward Geras reveals that a new threat in the form of the deceptive sorcerer Shang Tsung has begun to rear its head. In an attempt to preemptively trounce Shang Tsung's plot before it gains headway, Liu Kang sends Kung Lao, Johnny Cage and Kenshi to Outworld in secret to try and capture the sorcerer, since Raiden's golden tournament run will have undoubtedly made his face more recognizable. While Raiden remains in Earthrealm, the other champions' mission is botched, and they flee back to Earthrealm with new allies in Syzoth and Ashrah, who provide more intel on the situation: Shang Tsung colludes with fellow sorcerer Quan Chi, and both plot to manipulate General Shao and other key Outworld individuals into overthrowing Sindel and collapsing the peace between realms for an unknown benefactor. Another attempt by the Lin Kuei to capture Shang Tsung at his Earthrealm base in Ying Fortress goes awry when Sub-Zero renounces his oath after being manipulated by Shang Tsung, leaving his brothers to defeat him and retreat as the sorcerers' soul stealers are activated. A second attack on Ying Fortress brings about another revelation: Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's benefactor, whom they believed was a woman named "Damashi", was actually another Shang Tsung who fought Liu Kang for control of an artifact called the Hourglass in the previous timeline. Their battle caused time's fabric to rip apart, resulting in endless timelines diverging from one. With this new "Titan Shang Tsung" planning to use a soul-powered stone army to assault Liu Kang's timeline, Raiden and the others prepare an attack to disrupt the army's efforts while Liu Kang reclaims his power as Keeper of Time. While Scorpion's group distracts the bulk of their forces, Raiden, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi move to use their magic to bring down the portals used to transport the army. The plan goes slightly awry when most of the warriors' dark duplicates focus their attention on the the Deadly Alliance. While Raiden continues attacking a portal, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi defeat the dark Ermac and Kenshi before returning to assist him. They move to the next portal, where Raiden saves the pair from Dark Rain and Dark Smoke, much to Shang Tsung's chagrin. Upon reaching the third portal, they are confronted by Dark Shao, who initially has the upper hand before being overpowered by their numbers. Shang Tsung notices that the more damage Dark Shao takes, the weaker the portal becomes, so Raiden reluctantly agrees to help kill Dark Shao to permanently shut it down. However, he is blasted aside by Dark Scorpion (joined by Dark Sub-Zero) and forced to fight Dark Shao one-on-one while the sorcerers take over to fight the ninja. Much to Raiden's own chagrin, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi get even with him when they save him from Dark Shao and kill him along with Dark Reiko before the three get to destroy the portal. During these events, Liu Kang manages to recover his Titan status and reach out to other timelines, meeting with Titan companions who also diverged from the previous era - including a version of the original Raiden, who had prevailed over Kronika personally. This Titan Raiden assists Liu Kang in fending off Titan Shang Tsung's attack on Liu's Hourglass, contending with the evil Liu Kang and Kung Lao before being overwhelmed and knocked down. Liu Kang and Kitana manage to defeat the rest of Shang Tsung's cohorts, giving Raiden time to recover and use his powers to help restore Liu's Hourglass, forcing Titan Shang Tsung to momentarily retreat. Once more realizing the severity of the threat Shang Tsung poses, Raiden suggests they take the fight to his timeline. Both the current and Titan Raiden join the Forces of Light in the second Battle of Armageddon in Titan Shang Tsung's timeline. The current Raiden is attacked by a rejuvenated Dark Shao, but Titan Raiden steps in to aid him. Other versions and amalgamations of Raiden appear for the battle. In the end, the Forces of Light prevail, and the current Raiden and Liu Kang return to their timeline. Some time later, they are seen having dinner at Madame Bo's teahouse, along with Liu Kang's other champions. Johnny fills them in on his plans for a movie that will tell that masses all about their adventures across realms, much to Raiden's amazement. Though Johnny offers them all parts in the film, Raiden must decline on his and Kung Lao's behalf (much to the latter's disappointment), since new initiates will arrive at the Wu Shi the next day and they need to be trained. Liu Kang then departs to aid Kuai Liang in building the Shirai Ryu, but not before thanking Raiden and the other champions for their efforts in protecting Earthrealm once again.

General Information

Name: Raiden

Origin: Mortal Kombat

Sex: Male

Age: Over Eons Old (Noted to have protected the Earthrealm for many ages from the forces of evil where even events such as Shinnok happening millions of years ago, to battling for eons)

Classification: The Thunder God

Species: Gods

Occupation: Protector of Earthrealm, Elder God (Shown in the intro to Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance that he canonically became one)

Affiliations: Earthrealm, Warriors of Earthrrealm

Enemies: Outworld

Status: Alive, Deceased after Mortal Kombat Armageddon (Was killed by Shao Kahn after sending his telepathic warning to the Raiden of the past)

Alignment: Lawful Good before sacrificing his godly essence (Noted to have protected the Earthrealm for many ages from the forces of evil. Went to warn the members of the shaolin tournament of the grim intentions of Shao Kahn), Chaotic Evil after sacrificing his godly essence (Released his godly essence completely destroying his body, and reformed his energies becoming corrupted, stating that he will no longer allow the will of men to determine the fate of the realms and force them to fight for it or he will destroy them with him killing Shunjinko in his ending for causing the resurgence of Onaga)

Name: Raiden

Origin: Mortal Kombat (2011)

Sex: Male

Age: Unknown (Noted to have protected the Earthrealm for many ages from the forces of evil where even events such as Shinnok happening millions of years ago)

Classification: The Thunder God

Species: Gods

Occupation: Protector of Earthrealm, Keeper of Time (In his specific timeline)

Affiliations: Earthrealm, Warriors of Earthrrealm

Enemies: Outworld

Status: Alive

Alignment: Lawful Good regularly, Lawful Evil after being corrupted by Shinnok's Amulet (Shinnok's amulet corrupted Raiden to where he would no longer merely defend Earthrealm but seek to attack and destroy any other realms that may threaten it, becoming an authoritarian dictator)

Name: Raiden

Origin: Mortal Kombat 1

Sex: Male

Age: Unknown

Classification: Shaolin Master, Member of White Lotus Society, Member of the Shaolin Monks

Species: Human

Occupation: Earthrealm's Champion

Affiliations: Earthrealm, Warriors of Earthrrealm

Enemies: Outworld, Shang Tsung's Timeline

Status: Alive

Alignment: Lawful Good

Codex Statistics

Key: Regular State | Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe | Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

Tier: 9-B, 8-A through releasing his godly essence | 9-B regularly, 8-A through releasing his godly essence. Varies with the Rage. Has a 2-B Power Source with the Rage | 9-B, 8-A through releasing his godly essence. Up to 2-C with the power of Blaze

Cardinality: Finite (The power of Blaze reaches to ℵ0)

Dimensionality: 3-D

Attack Potency: Wall level (Can throw uppercuts so devastating that it destroys the entire users body. Kombatants are able to break wood, stone, steel, ruby, marble, bricks, iron, silver, gold, titanium, amber, pearl, sapphire, platinum, and diamond blocks. Kombatants can also break stone tables in half, along with push other kombatants through several walls), City District level through releasing his godly essence (Cause a massive blast that completely destroyed the temple he was in, which is of this size) | Wall level regularly (Can push other kombatants through several walls), City District level through releasing his godly essence. Varies with the Rage (The rage granted by Dark Kahn grants strange flucuations of everyone's powers, making characters like Flash being comparable to Batman). Has a Multi-Universe level Power Source with the Rage (The power of the Rage comes from Dark Kahn who is merging the two universes together agitating the kombatants until they become enraged and fight, which will eventually rip both universes apart) | Wall level, City District level through releasing his godly essence. Up to Universe level with the power of Blaze (The power of Blaze allows one to become psychically linked to the One Being. Raiden with the power of Blaze destroyed all the realms. Infused with the power of Blaze, Havik's aura corrupted the stability of the realms, causing them to rip, tear and reshape in grotesque ways, where nothing remained that resembled the former universe. Blaze himself caused armageddon that begain in the Edenian crater and spread throughout the realms, shattering reality until there was nothing[See note])

Durability: Wall level. Regeneration makes him incredibly difficult to kill | Wall level regularly. Varies with the Rage. Regeneration makes him incredibly difficult to kill | Wall level. Regeneration makes him incredibly difficult to kill

Striking Strength: Wall Class | Wall Class regularly. Varies with the Rage | Wall Class

Lifting Strength: Class K (Comparable to other kombatants who can rip out hearts, punch off heads, rip off limbs, rip off half of one's body, rip out one's entire skeleton, rip out one's entire spinal cord, which takes over one million newtons) | Class K regularly. Varies with the Rage | Class K

Travel Speed: Peak Human (As a well-trained martial artist, he should be at this level. Should be comparable or superior to a kid Shujinko, who could easily outrun a man training to be the fastest man in all of Earthrealm), Superhuman with Torpedo (Raiden can cross an entire screen in a couple of seconds with this move) | Peak Human regularly. Varies with the Rage | Peak Human

Attack Speed: Superhuman | Superhuman regularly. Varies with the Rage | Superhuman

Reaction Speed: Superhuman (Kombatants can react to Johnny Cage's shadow kick, which has him move so fast he leaves behind afterimages) | Superhuman regularly. Varies with the Rage | Superhuman

Stamina: Superhuman (Should comparable to his corrupted altered timeline self, who fought against a netherrealm army for hours without getting tired)

Range: Standard Melee, Extended Melee with Staff, Spear, & Hammer, Kilometers with Electricity Manipulation (Can call down lightning from the sky for attacks), Multi-Supercluster with Portal Manipulation (Can open a portal to the netherrealm), Up to Universal with the power of Blaze (The power of Blaze allows one to become psychically linked to the One Being. Raiden with the power of Blaze destroyed all the realms. Infused with the power of Blaze, Havik's aura corrupted the stability of the realms, causing them to rip, tear and reshape in grotesque ways, where nothing remained that resembled the former universe. Blaze himself caused armageddon that begain in the Edenian crater and spread throughout the realms, shattering reality until there was nothing[See note]), Multi-Universal with Teleportation (Can teleport to the realm of the Elder Gods, otherwise known as the Void, a realm beyond time. Can teleport into the Netherrealm. He can teleport into space stations outside of the earth)

Intelligence: Genius Intelligence (Raiden has for many ages protected earthrrealm from the forces of evil, with the Elder Gods themselves seeing him as a someone that should join them. Kombatants are skilled enough to switch between three different martial arts styles during battle. Every kombatant has the potential to effortlessly link his or her moves into one long attack combination, showing that every kombatant has essentially mastered the art they follow. Kombatants are able to exploit their opponent's weak points when their opponent attacks, dealing extra damage. Kombatants are also able to perform "breakers", a technique that allows one to break a combo they're in by their opponent)

Key: Regular State | Keeper of Time

Tier: 9-B, Higher with the Elder Gods Bestowal. 8-A through releasing his godly essence | At least 9-B, 8-A through releasing his godly essence. 2-B with Hourglass

Cardinality: Finite

Dimensionality: 3-D

Attack Potency: Wall level (Kombatants are greater then their Mortal Kombat 1 selves, as the timeline has been altered to before the events of the first Mortal Kombat tournament and goes twenty years into the future, where they are able to crack and break bones with multiple different krushing blows), Higher with the Elder Gods Bestowal (Bestowed power by the Elder Gods, allowing him to defeat Shao Kahn after he was being beaten down previously). City District level through releasing his godly essence | At least Wall level, City District level through releasing his godly essence. Multi-Universe with Hourglass (Shao Kahn with the power of the hourglass merged billions of timelines into a singularity)

Durability: Wall level, Higher with the Elder Gods Bestowal. Immortality & Regeneration makes him incredibly difficult to kill | At least Wall level. Immortality & Regeneration makes him incredibly difficult to kill

Striking Strength: Wall Class, Higher with the Elder Gods Bestowal | At least Wall Class

Lifting Strength: Class K | Class K

Travel Speed: Peak Human, Superhuman with Torpedo | Peak Human, Superhuman with Torpedo

Attack Speed: Superhuman | Superhuman

Reaction Speed: Superhuman | Superhuman

Stamina: Superhuman (Should comparable to his corrupted altered timeline self, who fought against a netherrealm army for hours without getting tired)

Range: Standard Melee, Extended Melee with Staff, Spear, & Hammer, Kilometers with Electricity Manipulation, Multi-Supercluster with Portal Manipulation, Multi-Universal with Teleportation, up to Multi-Universal with abilities as Keeper of Time (As he is the Keeper of Time, he has complete control of time and fate, Shao Kahn with the power of the hourglass merged billions of timelines into a singularity), Multiversal+ with Dimensional Travel (Kronika's power allowed Shang Tsung to roam infinite timelines and feast upon the souls of billions)

Intelligence: Genius Intelligence, Cosmic Intelligence as the Keeper of Time (As he is the Keeper of Time, he has complete control of time and fate. Rain used the hourglass to find the true story of his parentage. Kuai Lang used the hourglass to rewind time and study every second of Bi Han's life to see why he became corrupted. With the hourglass, Sonya Blade could see every terror in the realms)

Tier: 9-B

Cardinality: Finite

Dimensionality: 3-D

Attack Potency: Wall level (Kombatants are able to break through wooden doors after several punches while being poisoned, along with being able to destroy heads and stone tables with chops)

Durability: Wall level

Striking Strength: Wall Class

Lifting Strength: Class K (Can rip one's head and spine out of their body with an uppercut, which takes over one million newtons)

Travel Speed: Peak Human (As a well-trained martial artist, he should be at this level), Superhuman with Torpedo

Attack Speed: Superhuman

Reaction Speed: Superhuman (Kombatants are able to react to Johnny Cage's shadow kick, which has him move so fast, his body starts to blur)

Stamina: Peak Human (Can fight against kombatants and endure many blows from them)

Range: Standard Melee, Kilometers with Electricity Manipulation (Can summon his lightning from the sky to teleport)

Intelligence: Genius Intelligence (Fought within the tournament against Earthrealm and Outworld, defeating all of Outworlds champions and winning the tournament)

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Powers and Techniques

Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Martial Arts (Raiden is a proficient martial artist using Nan Chuan, Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do. Kombatants are skilled enough to switch between three different martial arts styles during battle), Weapon Mastery (Raiden can use a war hammer in combat), Acrobatics (Causually fipped and did multiple spins in the air to land before Revenant Liu Kang. Can jump large distances within the air to slam one back onto the ground), Flight (Has naturally flown during fights in cutscenes. Able to fly across the screen with torpedo even while in the air. Can fly up and curve into the sky while fighting his opponent), Acausality (Irregular Causality, Established; Immortals exist outside of the normal laws of time, in practice, this has it where when periods of time are being affected or merged, the past, present, and future version of the immortal will all merge together, being in a state to before they were corrupted, or not holding any of the injuries or effects their past, present, or future self held), Immortality (Ageless; Raiden has lived for eons, and has noted he's an immortal), Regeneration (Mid-Godly overtime; Through reforming his energies, he can even regenerate from a blast that unleashes his godly essence), Cosmic Awareness (Through his fight with Liu Kang he was able to see across all timelines the amount of times him and Liu Kang have fought), Transformation (Shapeshifting; Raiden is able to turn himself into an electric eel. Can transform into a dragon), Clairvoyance (Sent a vision out to Styrker to travel and meet with the rest of the Earthrealm Warriors), Electricity Manipulation (able to electrocute someone to the point that their head explodes, able to electrocute someone to the point that their entire body explodes, his electricity can reduce one to a skeleton. Can conjure his lightning as weapons to cut through an opponent), Healing (Raiden can use his electricty to heal people, such as when he healed Jax. Used his electricity to heal Hanzo Hasashi. Raiden can teleport to the jinsei to have himself healed), Weapon Creation (Can create weapons for himself from his lightning), Teleportation (Can use lightning to teleport, he can also teleport outside of the earth. He has also been shown to teleport without lightning), Portal Manipulation (Can open a portal to the netherrealm), Battlefield Removal (Application Based; As he uses his lightning to teleport, he also can use it to forcibly teleport someone to another place), Telekinesis (Can create an electrical field around his lightning to telekinetically control and crush the target), Creation (Can create a mini version of himself with his lightning called "Kidd Thunder"), Petrification (Raiden with his lightning is able to turn one into stone), Purification (Spiritual; Raiden is able to purify the Jinsei after it was corrupted by Shinnok), Resurrection (Revived Johnny Cage's deceased soul to help him fight alongside the Earth's warriors), Necromancy (His lightning can create undead warriors such as Zombie Liu Kang), Light Manipulation (With his eyes can create a bright flash of light that requires one to shield their eyes to not be blinded by), Empathic Manipulation (Summoned his strongest emotions to burn away his human emotions), Essence Manipulation ( Cause a massive blast that completely destroyed the temple he was in, through releasing his godly essence. Soul Manipulation; Able to split his own soul to go into four different beings), Forcefield Creation (Can create powerful wards around his portals that people are unable to break through), Nullification (Was able to destroy the dimensional gates which held the passageway between Outworld and Earthrealm in one of the many timelines), Summoning (Noted to have summoned Shang Tsung's Nethership from the ocean depths and with it transported all of the Earthrealm warriors to a celestial portal known only to sorcerers and deities), Transmutation (Can turn his target into a smoking version of Probe Ltd. employee Fergus McGovern), Fusionism (Raiden fused his soul with Liu Kang's for him to turn into Fire God Liu Kang), Illusion Manipulation (Standard Illusions; Shao Kahn believed a time-merger was actually an illusion made by Raiden), Limited Time Travel (Raiden with his lightning and his amulet can send a premonition to his past self warning him about the events of Armageddon and all of the future events that will happen).

Resistance to Time Manipulation (Unaffected by Kronika stopping time. Liu Kang merged with Raiden was uanffected by Kronika rewinding time which is noted by Kronika that Raiden's gift shields him from the power of the hourglass), Soul Manipulation ( Noted by Raiden that their souls are protected, the kombatants were unaffected by Shao Kahn all souls on earth. As an immortal, he can exist within the NetherRealm with his soul intact), Empathic Manipulation (Can break out of the combat rage, where the power of the Rage comes from Dark Kahn merging the two universes together agitating the kombatants until they become enraged and fight), Erasure (Space-Time Erasure; Kronika noted to wipe Raiden from history is an immense task that requires great power and effort)

Recieves the power of Blaze, which gives him: Enhanced Superhuman Physical Characteristics (The power of the Blaze grants one "god-like power", increasing their power exponentially, and "a thousand-fold"), Enhanced Senses (The fire of Blaze burned away the curse reponsible for Kenshi's blindness, giving him back his sight and gave him increased sensitivity in his other senses), Precognition (Destiny Perception), Retrocognition, Clairvoyance & Cosmic Awareness (The power of Blaze allows one to become psychically linked to the One Being, where one could see into its dreams, from which all of reality is formed, allowing one to focus one's mind to wander all the realms and witness events from the past, present and future. Kitana with the powr of Blaze attained a psychic connection with the Elder Gods), Transformation (Shapeshifting; The power of Blaze gave Meat the power to shapeshift), Resurrection (Scorpion was able to fully resurrect the Shirai Ryu with the power of blaze. Kira with the power of Blaze channeled her newfound energy into Kobra's body, slowly returning him to life), Acausality (Irregular Causality; Established; Immortals exist outside of the normal laws of time, in practice, this has it where when periods of time are being affected or merged, the past, present, and future version of the immortal will all merge together, being in a state to before they were corrupted, or not holding any of the injuries or effects their past, present, or future self held), Immortality (Unknown Type; Absorbing the power of Blaze enables one to become a full god, and grants them immortality), Severing (The energy of Blaze shatterd Ermac, seperating him into the many warriors who comprised his being), Life Manipulation (When Smoke was infused with the power of Blaze, his nanobots took a life of their own), Restoration (The fire of Blaze burned away the curse reponsible for Kenshi's blindness, giving him back his sight. The elemental power of Blaze returned the cyborg Cyrax back into a human), Fusionism (Upon Sektor defeating blaze, the power surged through him linked him with his fellow cybernetic ninjas, Smoke and Cyrax, becoming one mind. The power of Blaze drew chi from each of the kombatants and fused it with Shunjinko's soul. The power released by Blaze's destruction reunited Liu Kang's body and soul), Purification & Holy Manipulation (The power of Blaze purified Ashrah completely, being transformed into a being of divine light), Transmutation (With the godlike energy Shang Tsung recieved from Blaze, he found out he can alter the forms of others and with a gesture of his hand turned Shao Kahn into a centaur slave. The power of Blaze transformed Hotaru into a being of pure order, with him being able to transform others by his gaze. The heat of Blaze wrapped itself around Kabal's hookswords and transformed them into fiery blades of vengeance), Empowerment (The heat of Blaze enhances one's weapons), Heat Manipulation & Fire Manipulation (The fire of Blaze can envelop around one and form a golden suit of armor, where anyone that touches it gets their body scorched), Ice Manipulation (The power of Blaze gave Sareena the ability to freeze beings), Power Absorption & Chi Manipulation (The power of Blaze drew chi from all the kombatants and funneled it into Jarek), Limited Mind Manipulation & Telepathy (Mavado with the fire of Blaze gained the ability to control anyone bearing the Red Dragon symbol, being able to telepathically guide them in battle), Nullification (Power Nullification; With the power of Blaze Tevan would've stripped the kombatants of their special abilities), Summoning (The fire of Blaze transformed Tanya into a being known as a Dragon Caller; with a mere thought, she was able to summon dragon spirits from the ether into corporeal form), Light Manipulation (The light of Hotaru poured into Havik's mind and transformed him into an agent of order), Death Manipulation (Physical; The energy of Blaze can induce death on targets), Portal Manipulation & Time Travel (The power released by Kung Lao's victory over Blaze opened a portal where Kung Lao found himself in Earthrealm hundreds of years in the past), Explosion Manipulation (The power of Blaze gave Sonya the ability to make Kano explode with a mere glance), Soul Manipulation ( Sindel with the power of the Blaze undid the murder of her husband, Jerod, reaching into the heavens she grabbed his soul and made him flesh once more), Incorporeality & Undead Physiology (The power from Blaze turned Nightwolf into a living ghost), Cyborgization (Full; The power of Blaze turned Jackson Brigg's entire body cybernetic), Body Swapping (The power of Blaze for an instant united Milena and Kitana and had them swap bodies), Sealing & Battlefield Removal (Forced Teleportation; Li Mei with the power of Blaze banished the souls Quan Chi and Shang Tsung to an obelisk), Aura & Corruption (Infused with the power of Blaze, Havik's aura corrupted the stability of the realms, causing them to rip, tear and reshape in grotesque ways, where nothing remained that resembled the former universe).

Resistance to Curse Manipulation (The fire of Blaze burned away the curse reponsible for Kenshi's blindness, giving him back his sight. The flames of Blaze removed the curse from Motaro's body that had transformed his Centaur race into Minotaurs)

All previous Regular State powers and abilities, Cosmic Awareness (Through his fight with Liu Kang he was able to see across all timelines the amount of times him and Liu Kang have fought)

Immortality (Ageless; Fujin used the hourglass to live thousands of lifetimes to truly understand humans. Kung Lao became an immortal lord of time), Retrocognition, Clairvoyance, & Cosmic Awareness (Rain used the hourglass to find the true story of his parentage. Kuai Lang used the hourglass to rewind time and study every second of Bi Han's life to see why he became corrupted. With the hourglass, Sonya Blade could see every terror in the realms), Time Manipulation & Fate Manipulation (Rambo with the hourglass initially tried to right every wrong in history but realized this would mean he'd need to decide the fates of billions. The Terminator used the hourglass to reboot history constantly to end all of humanity in the war between humans and machines. Kuai Lang used the hourglass to re-scuplt the Sands of Time and change Bi-Han's life to turn him into a good person. Shang Tsung noted that with the hourglass he is the master of time and fate. Johnny Cage rewrote the timeline to where Sonya Blade didn't die. Kung Lao rewrote the timeline from the Great Kung Lao dying to Goro and instead becoming the champion of Mortal Kombat. The Sands of Time guide the destiny of the realms and every soul therein), Freedom of Manifestation, Hacking & Technology Manipulation (Robocop having the power of Kronika swept away the limits of his designers put on his programming), Power Bestowal (Liu Kang with Kronika's power shared it with the people he trusted and loved most), Erasure (Space-Time Erasure; Kronika planned to erase everyone with her temporal armageddon. Kronika noted that she can wipe Raiden from history entirely. Milena used Kronika's powers to erase Kitana out of the timeline and take her place), Dimensional Travel (Kronika's power allowed Shang Tsung to roam infinite timelines and feast upon the souls of billions), Fusionism (Shao Kahn with the power of the hourglass merged billions of timelines into a singularity. Kronika caused a massive time-merger that merged the past and present characters together. Kronika caused a massive time-merger that merged the past and present characters together), Nullification (Power Nullification; Kronika's temporal armageddon was weakening even the powers of the Elder Gods), Immortality Negation (Liu Kang taking back his power cost him his immortality)

Precognition (Destiny Perception; Raiden with his lightning and his amulet can send a premonition to his past self warning him about the events of Armageddon and all of the future events that will happen)

Invulnerability (Physical Invulnerability; Shinnok's Amulet is noted by Raiden that it cannot be destroyed, not even by the Elder Gods), Energy Projection & Deconstruction (Macroscopic; Shinnok's Amulet can shoot a beam that completely disentergrate beings, and hit multiple targets at once. The Amulet also amplifies all other attacks to disentergrate targets), Sealing (Physical Sealing; Shinnok's Amulet is able to seal beings within it)

Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Acrobatics (Capable of pulling off cartwheel kicks) Martial Arts (Able to use various different punch and kick combos), Acausality (Unfixed Causality; The beings of Mortal Kombat are shown to go against the path crafted for them, where even Geras who attempted to create one final, perfect timeline saw how the task was nearly impossible with how much mortals refused to follow the paths he set for them), Electricity Manipulation (His lightning can be used to blast holes through his opponent, along with reduce the target to a skeleton. Can use his electricity to temporarily suspend his target in the air), Duplication (Can make a duplicate lightning clone of himself to attack), Light Manipulation (Can create a blinding flash of light to momentarily stun his opponent), Teleportation (Can teleport with his lightning)

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Equipment

• Staff of Raiden: A Staff is a long stick used as a support when walking or climbing or as a weapon. With many martial arts fighting styles and variants based on it. Raiden's Staff also known as Staff of Raiden and occasionally the Stave is the mystical weapon of choice by the Earth's thunder god Raiden. This wooden staff was given to him as a gift long ago from the Elder Gods, and is made of a special kind of wood that can withstand electrical shocks. The staff has been his main weapon style in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

• War Hammer: A war hammer is a late medieval weapon of war primarily used for close combat action, whose design resembles the hammer. Raiden owns an ancient War Hammer, which was introduced as his weapon style in Mortal Kombat 4. It is one of his two mystical and electrically charged weapons, the other being his staff.

• Amulet of Raiden: The Amulet of Raiden is a mystical talisman that belonged to the Earthrealm's thunder god, Raiden. This golden, sapphire amulet with the Mortal Kombat dragon icon was originally created by the Elder Gods and was given to Raiden as a gift. During the Mortal Kombat (2011) Story Mode, a future version of Raiden, while fighting a losing battle against Shao Kahn uses the shattered remains of his amulet to send his past self visions of the future, as well as the message "He must win." Throughout the game, Raiden periodically checks his amulet, noticing it cracking more and more as the events progress - indicating that the future he seeks to prevent is drawing closer despite his efforts. Near the end, the amulet is shattered by Shao Kahn just as it was in the future. After the defeat of Shao Kahn, the amulet is restored to its intact self, indicating that the future has finally been changed.

• Amulet of Shinnok: The Amulet of Shinnok is among the most potent and powerful of all mystic talismans within all the realms. It is the most magnificent treasure, and also greatest weapon, of its creator, the fallen Elder God Shinnok. Anyone who wields the accursed amulet of Shinnok will increase their powers drastically. For example, when Shinnok wields the amulet, his main power, immortality, increased to the point of pure immortality, which is the ability to resurrect himself, thus never be vanquished. Another use of the amulet is teleportation via portal. These portals may teleport the user anywhere in any realm, as long as it is a real environment. Raiden states in Deception that Quan Chi only knows how to use a small fraction of the amulet's power, but this itself is enough to make him a tremendous threat. As demonstrated in the new timeline, the amulet possesses the power to trap multiple beings inside itself, and unleash waves of crimson energy that can kill lesser beings instantly. Raiden, in his corrupted state, even weakened by being in Netherrealm, was able to use the amulet combined with his control over lightning to single-handedly destroy wave after wave of demons rushing to attack him.

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Notable Techniques

• Nan Chuan: Nan Chuan also known as Nan Quan is a fighting style that was used by Raiden in Deadly Alliance, Deception and Armageddon.

• Jujutsu: Jujutsu, also known as jujitsu, is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an opponent in which one uses either a short weapon or none. It's also a fighting style used by Raiden in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and Mortal Kombat: Deception.

• Judo: Judo is a fighting style used by Raiden in Mortal Kombat: Conquest. A modern martial art, its most prominent characteristic is its competitive nature, where the goal is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize, or subdue them with a grapple, or force them to submit by joint locking or strangle hold or choke. Kenshi has learned Judo during his adolescent years.

• Tae Kwon Do: Tae Kwon Do (태권도, 跆拳道, Taegwondo) is a South Korean martial art, characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It's a fighting style used by Raiden in Mortal Kombat: Conquest and Mortal Kombat (2011).

• Shaolin Fist: Shaolin Fist is a translation of the Chinese Shaolinquan, what is most commonly referred to in English as "Shaolin Kung Fu". A young mortal Raiden used it in Mortal Kombat 1.

• Teleport: At will, Raiden vanishes and reappears behind his opponent. In Mortal Kombat X, besides being able to reappear behind the opponent, he can also reappear in front of them, about a jump distance behind them and even fake the teleport, which will trigger the animation but keep him in place. However, doing any version of the teleport besides the classic one (which leaves him right behind the opponent) will slightly deplete the Stamina Meter. It is called Sparkport in Mortal Kombat 11 and is an Equip Ability. In Mortal Kombat 11, this ability requires two ability slots and conflicts with Lightning Storm when equipped, disabling the option to select Lightning Storm. In Mortal Kombat 1, it's called Lightning Port.
  • Sparkport: Both in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version is called Sparkport. In Mortal Kombat (2011), it will have Raiden appear behind the opponent and quickly teleporting back in front. In Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version gives Raiden armor in some instances, activates and has Raiden recover from using the attack much faster. When timed right, the move can be used to extend combos. In Mortal Kombat 11, amplifying the attack has Raiden teleport behind the opponent, only to teleport a second time, returning to his original spot.

• Electricity: Raiden sends a bolt of lightning flying at his opponent. In Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, this is known as Lightning. In the Thunder God variation in Mortal Kombat X, it can be charged for more damage, and this charge can also be canceled out of with a dash or run. Additionally, charging the attack completely deals increased damage and briefly juggles the opponent for brief combo extensions. In Mortal Kombat 11, Raiden shoots an actual bolt of lightning at the opponent instead of a flying projectile and it is now called Lightning Bolt. In Mortal Kombat 1, it's called Electric Orb.
  • Bolt: Both in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version is called Bolt. In Mortal Kombat (2011), Raiden fires two bolts, one behind and one in front of him. The one behind him wraps around the map hitting the opponent in the back. In Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version will stun the opponent in the air, allowing for a free hit but deals no additional damage. Only certain combos can connect to stun the opponent, otherwise the combo may be canceled by a blocking opponent. The Thunder God variation allows for the attack to be enhanced a second time, leaving it on the fight line as a trap. If the opponent makes contact with the bolt like this, they will be stunned and left open for a free hit. In Mortal Kombat 11, amplifying the attack has Raiden crouch down and fire another bolt, dealing increased damage and knocking the opponent off their feet.

• Torpedo: Raiden flies at his opponent and pushes them against the wall. He can perform the move in the air. In Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, this is called Flying Thunder God. In Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, it is called The Superman and in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, the move is named Electric Fly. In Mortal Kombat 11, it can be delayed and even canceled. Canceling the atack requires and spends a bar of Defensive Meter.
  • Thunder Fly: Both in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version is called Thunder Fly. In Mortal Kombat (2011), this increases the attack's speed and damage. In Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version does more damage and has armor. In the Displacer variation, both Electric Fly and Thunder Fly can be enhanced after Raiden has grabbed the opponent, tossing them backwards and teleporting behind them to strike them down with a powerful punch for even more damage. The attack can be enhanced a second time at any time while Raiden is flying with the opponent. In Mortal Kombat 11, amplifying the attack has Raiden grab the opponent after ramming them, flip over in the air and slam them on the ground for increased damage. If the attack connects from its maximum distance that Raiden can travel, amplifying the attack turns it into a Krushing Blow, where when Raiden slams the opponent on the ground, the impact is greater and the opponent breaks their neck on impact despite there being no X-Ray visual, dealing almost double the original damage.

• Shocking Touch: Raiden grabs his opponent and holds them in the air while electrocuting them, then punches them to the ground. In Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, this is named Electrocute. In Mortal Kombat (2011), Raiden won't punch the enemy at the end, but simply let them fall on the floor, and in Mortal Kombat X the electric charge sends the opponent flying across the arena.

• Shocker: Raiden grabs his opponent and electrocutes them. In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, he kicks the opponent away at the end. In Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, this is the enhanced version of Electrocute. In Mortal Kombat (2011), this lets Raiden grab the opponent one step farther, but takes a slightly longer period to start. In Mortal Kombat X, it does more damage and launches the opponent into the air, allowing for a juggle.

• Vicinity Blast: Raiden performs a closer range version of his lightning, but with more knock back and a wind effect to it, which can be charged up. In Mortal Kombat (2011), it can't be charged. In Mortal Kombat X, Raiden lifts his arms up and passes an electric current through them to shock an airborne foe, which can also be extended for some time if the button is held down, and can only be used on airborne opponents. The attack can be run-canceled when used on an airborne opponent, allowing the use of other attacks when timed right.
  • Vicinity Burst: Both in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, the enhanced version is called Vicinity Burst. In Mortal Kombat (2011), this knocks the opponent back with increased damage. In Mortal Kombat X, Raiden explodes in a burst of electricity, causing the opponent to stumble while dealing damage to them. In Mortal Kombat X, it will hit enemies around Raiden by producing a powerful electric explosion that irradiates from his body. It also has armor and increased damage.

• Projectile Cancel: Raiden cancels out his Lightning or Vicinity Blast when charging it.

• Reverse Electricity: Raiden sends a bolt of lightning in the other direction hitting an opponent from behind. In Mortal Kombat (2011), this appears partially as the enhanced version of Lightning.

• Lightning Dash: Raiden slides across the floor and hits his opponent with his shoulder, electrocuting them in the process.

• Rising Thunder: Raiden rushes upwards to strike his opponent with a lightning-charged punch.
  • Thunder Strike: The enhanced version is called Thunder Strike. After the initial uppercut, Raiden will slam the opponent to the ground with a hammerfist, dealing increased damage and bouncing them off the ground.

• Static Trap: Raiden places an orb of electricity in front of himself that will last for about ten seconds. This move has many versions that allow him to place the orbs in various positions around himself, such as above and behind. If the opponent stands near the orb, they take minor, unblockable damage. Spawning two orbs connects an electric current that will stun the opponent, leaving them open for a free hit. The traps can connect from any distance in the arena, even covering the entire arena itself.
  • Foward/Away Full Trap: The enhanced versions, called Forward/Away Full Trap, has Raiden spawn two traps instantly.

• Summon Lightning: Raiden summons lightning towards himself, knocking airborne opponents out of the air. If the opponent is close to Raiden, the bolt of lightning will conduct the opponent to Raiden, where he grabs them by the face and sends a second bolt through his body into the opponent's face, knocking them away full-screen distance and dealing increased damage. This attack has armor breaking properties, ignoring the armor granted by specific abilities and Fatal Blows. When breaking the armor of a Break Away, the damage dealt is slightly increased. Amplifying the attack has Raiden send one more electricity burst into the opponent's body before knocking them away, dealing increased damage. When breaking the armor of a Break Away, the damage dealt is increased.

• Lightning Strike: Raiden stomps on the ground and summons a bolt of lightning from above to hit the opponent. The attack can be used at different ranges, called Close/Far/Very Far Lightning Strike. Amplifying the attack has Raiden summon another bolt, dealing increased damage and pushes the opponent closer to Raiden.

• Jo Push: Raiden pushes his staff vertically at the opponent by using electricity, causing the opponent to stumble if it makes contact with them. This attack can reach exactly half way across the arena. This move requires two ability slots, replaces Electric Fly when equipped and conflicts with Super Bolt when equipped, disabling the option to select Super Bolt. Amplifying the attack has Raiden teleport behind the opponent and uppercut them with a staff swing. If the attack is amplified in the corner of the arena and Raiden is outside the corner, he will teleport in front rather than behind with the same attack.

• Lightning Rod: Raiden plants his staff into the ground at a certain location on the stage. Raiden can plant his staff at different distances, called Close/Far Lightning Rod, respectively. Additionally, if Raiden performs Lightning Bolt or Lightning Strike within the vicinity of his staff, it will redirect the attack to the staff and if the opponent is close, they will take additional damage from these attacks. This ability conflicts with Electric Current when equipped, disabling the option to select Electric Current. Amplifying the attack creates a lightning aura around the staff, which shocks the opponent every time they enter or exit this electric field.
  • Recall: Raiden recalls the staff back into his hand.

• Rolling Thunder: Raiden forms a small thunder cloud at his feet which slowly travels along the stage. If the opponent stands in it, they will receive damage-over-time, causing them to lose 12% health for the duration of the attack. If the cloud reaches the corner of the arena, it dissipates, ending its effect prematurely. This ability conflicts with Quick Charge when equipped, disabling the option to select Quick Charge. Amplifying the attack causes the cloud to move slightly faster, increases its duration and allows the cloud to travel full-screen distance before dissipating.

• Electric Burst: Raiden slams his staff on the ground, forming lightning around himself, which will knock the opponent away if they are too close. When blocked by the opponent, the attack creates considerable pushback. If the attack is Flawless Blocked, Raiden becomes completely vulnerable. This move replaces Lightning Strike when equipped.

• Storm Cell: Raiden shoots lightning at a short distance around him in a circular motion, which sends the opponent flying. This requires two ability slots, replaces Lightning Strike when equipped and conflicts with Electric Burst when equipped, disabling the option to select Electric Burst. Amplifying the attack suspends the electrified opponent in mid-air, opening them up for attacks while also dealing increased damage.

• Quick Charge: Raiden enters a stance in which he will hold up his palm to reduce block damage. This ability conflicts with Rolling Thunder when equipped, disabling the option to select Rolling Thunder.
  • Discharge: If Raiden blocks 3 attacks while the attack is active, he is able to do a short lightning attack, firing short-ranged bolts of lightning in both directions. Amplifying the attack has Raiden summon three lightning bolts from above on both sides instead, dealing over double the original damage and knocking the opponent away nearly full-screen distance.

• Super Bolt: Raiden quickly hops upwards, then descends diagonally forward with a superman punch to the opponent's head, knocking them down. Holding down the button can charge the start-up. This move replaces Electric Fly when equipped and conflicts with Jo Push when equipped, disabling the option to select Jo Push. Spending a bar of Defensive meter allows Raiden to cancel the move. Amplifying the move has Raiden grab the opponent before they fall to the ground, lifts them away and blasts them away with an electric burst to the head. If Raiden connects the fully charged attack as a Kounter or a Punish, the amplified version turns into a Krushing Blow, with Raiden impaling the opponent through the chest with his palm while grabbing them, dealing over double the original damage.

• Electric Current: Raiden impales the ground with his staff, knocking the opponent off their feet. If Raiden is under the effects of Quick Charge, when Raiden stabs the ground, he sends an electric wave towards the opponent's feet, causing them to stumble backwards. Amplifying the attack deals increased damage and knocks the opponent off their feet.

• Lightning Storm: Raiden teleports into the air and hovers above the fightline which gives him access to several follow ups. This ability conflicts with Sparkport when equipped, disabling the option to select Sparkport. Amplifying the attack has Raiden summon three lightning bolts under himself, dealing increased damage before he performs his additional attack.
  • Concentrated Strike: Raiden fires a bolt of lightning diagonally downwards.
  • Straight Strike: Raiden fires a bolt of lightning straight forward.
  • Electric Stomp: Raiden flips forward and crashes down with an overhead stomp.
  • Cancel: Raiden drops downwards.

• X-Ray - Shock Therapy: Raiden sends a beam in close range (when and if it connects), blinding the opponent. Then he teleports behind the opponent and elbows their back damaging their spine, heart, and ribs. Raiden then teleports in front of them and delivers a chop directly at his opponent's forehead, damaging the skull. Raiden finally sends a bolt of electricity through his opponent's head, making them fall down.
• X-Ray - Shock Therapy: Raiden shoots his opponent into the air with a blast of lightning. The victim flies up through the clouds, and Raiden follows, grabbing hold of the victim's spine and releasing a powerful electrical current through the opponent. He then summons lightning to shoot the opponent back down the ground. The opponent then bounces off the ground and a few feet into the air. Raiden then teleports under his enemy and brings his knee into the opponent's spine, breaking it in half.
• Fatal Blow - Thunder Take You: Raiden strikes his opponent multiple times with his staff, bashing them across the face with it. He then teleports above them and throws his staff like a javelin, impaling the opponent through the head and bouncing them into the air. Finally he teleports beneath the airborne opponent and impales them through the gut from below with his staff. The startup of this attack was first seen in the Mortal Kombat 11 announcement trailer being performed on Scorpion.
• Fatal Blow - Raijin' Raidens: Raiden runs to the opponent and sends them in the air with an uppercut. When they are in the air, Raiden spawns 3 lightning spirits to send the opponent back down to the ground, laying them down in their back before he stomps their chest, breaking it.

• Free-Fall Super Move: Raiden grabs his opponent, electrocuting them, before throwing them to the ground below.
• Throw: Raiden punches his opponent several times before electrocuting them. He then blasts them backwards with a bolt of lightning, or he teleports behind them and knocks them to the ground with an electrical blast.
• Throw: Raiden grabs his opponent, applies two shockwaves to their chest followed by a third that sends the opponent flying away.
• Power Discharge: Raiden grabs the opponent by the neck to force them against the ground, and then fires streams of lightning to send them sliding backwards across the floor.
• Forked Lightning: Raiden chops then kicks his opponent in the stomach. This attack re-stands the opponent.
• Hammer Fists: Raiden delivers two overhead chops to the opponent. In Mortal Kombat X, this attack makes the opponent bounce off the ground. In Mortal Kombat 11, if Raiden connects two Hammer Fists in a row, the second Hammer Fist turns into a Krushing Blow, with the edge of Raiden's palm crushing the top of the opponent's skull, dealing three times the original damage and bouncing the opponent off the ground.
• Foward Throw: Raiden electrocutes his opponent before kicking them hard in the face, launching them across the arena.
• Backward Throw: Raiden forces his opponent to walk away by shocking them at a distance, then trips them with a lightning bolt to the shins.
• Power Discharge: Raiden punches the opponent in the stomach, pushes them away slightly with a double palm strike then teleports behind the opponent, grabs them and throws them to the ground. The final grab of this combo acts as a High Throw and is unblockable, but can miss ducking opponents.
• Downpour: Raiden delivers three palm strikes with alternating hands with the final strike knocking the opponent away. The final palm strike of this combo is capable of being Flawless Blocked by the opponent, leaving Raiden completely vulnerable. If Raiden connects the combo as a Kounter or a Punish, the combo turns into a Krushing Blow, with the final palm strike shatters the opponent's ribcage and dealing almost three times the combo's the original damage.

• Super Shocker: Raiden performs an Electrocute, only this time, the attack is extended to the point that the opponent's head explodes.
• Dark Force: Raiden performs his Power Discharge combo that, when the opponent slides across the ground, the final electrical surge cuts them in half at the waist while also electrocute all of their limbs off.
• Overload: Raiden performs his Lightning Strike combo, bifurcating the opponent at the waist during the final electrical surge.
• Inside You: Raiden performs the second enhanced version of an Electric Fly or Thunder Fly, only this time when Raiden throws the opponent backwards, they stop momentarily in place as electricity slowly surges from their feet up their body. After a moment, Raiden teleports in their place, causing them to explode immediately in to bloody chunks.
• Power Outage: Raiden either performs two Static Traps or performs a Full Trap that zaps off the limbs of his opponent.
• The Klassic: Raiden performs his uppercut, decapitating the opponent with an electrified rising palm strike with their spine attached. This Brutality is shared with every character.
• Zap Zap: Raiden performs his Throw (Forward), but instead of kicking the opponent away, he continues to electrocute them until they explode.
• Elder Storm Strike: Raiden performs his Throw (Backward), with the final blast of lightning severing the opponent's legs instead of knocking them off their feet.
• Brutal Bolt: Raiden performs an amplified Lightning Bolt, sending the lighting directly to the opponent's head, causing it to explode.
• Karma: Raiden performs a Lightning Strike, only this time, the opponent is electrocuted several times, leaving their head, torso and lower body charred and skeletonized.
• Planted: Raiden performs an amplified Electric Fly, slamming the opponent on the ground with so much force that their upper body is completely destroyed while their legs stick out of the ground.
• Pushing Through: Raiden performs a Jo Push that slices the opponent vertically in half from the head down.
• God’s Wrath: Raiden performs a Super Bolt, grabbing the opponent, holding them up with one hand and electrocuting their head until the side of their head is destroyed before eventually causing the rest of their head to explode.
• Time To Die: Raiden performs his Electric Fly, disappearing at the end. Then several lighting strikes comes from above, causing the opponent to explode, while Raiden teleports in their place afterwards.
• Shocking: Raiden performs his Throw (Forward) with Krushing Blow, destroying the opponent's head.
• Electric Avenue: Raiden performs his Throw (Forward), only this time he throws the opponent towards the screen and zapping them afterwards until their skin and flesh explodes, leaving only a skeleton.
• Deadly Current: Raiden performs his Power Discharge combo and keeps the opponent in a choke hold, zapping them until their flesh explodes and leaves a skeleton.

• Electric Decapitation: Raiden sends a surge of electricity into his opponent's head and it explodes. In the Super Nintendo version of Mortal Kombat, the electricity reduces them to a pile of ash and a skull. In Mortal Kombat (2011), this move has become a part of his throw. In Mortal Kombat X, this Fatality is worked into a Brutality.
• Electric Knockout: In the Amiga, Sega Genesis, Sega CD and the Sega Master System versions of Mortal Kombat, Raiden sends electricity to his opponent's head knocking them out. This is done without the blood code.
• Invisible Electrocution: In the Game Boy version, Raiden teleports into the ground and rises as a mass of electricity. He then proceeds to cover and shock his opponent, electrocuting them to death.
• Explosive Uppercut: Raiden crouches down and sends a vicious electrically-charged uppercut to his opponent blowing them into pieces.
• Electrocution I: Raiden grabs his opponent, holds them a few feet off the ground, and sends electricity into their body, which causes them to explode.
• Electrocution II: Raiden lodges his hands into his opponent's chest, lifts them over his head, and sends surges of electricity into their body, making them explode.
• Staff Shock: Raiden calls for his staff, lodges the end into his opponent's chest, lifts them up and shocks them until they're dead. This was also Raiden's first in-game use of a staff.
• Godly Essence: Raiden charges up a ball of energy similar to the intro of Mortal Kombat: Deception. He then fires it at his opponent, blowing them (and Raiden himself) to pieces.
• Lightning Strike: Raiden calls down lightning until it strikes his hand and he fires lightning out of his other, shocking his opponent until they explode.
• Electrocution III: Raiden charges electricity into his hand and grabs his opponent, sending it through their body. The electric shock burns off all the opponent's flesh, leaving behind their burning skeleton.
• Electric Slam: Raiden grabs the opponent, zaps them for a while, then flies up in the air with them. A couple seconds later, the opponent falls back down and lands headfirst in the ground.
• Just A Scratch: Raiden charges two bolts of lightning and fires them at the opponent's arms, blowing them off, causing the victim to look at their stumps in a dazed shock. Then he fires another two at his/her legs, blowing them off, causing the victim to fall to the ground still upright. He then grabs his opponent and slams his/her head onto the ground behind him, crushing it, with blood spraying out of the stumps.
• Transplant: Raiden teleports behind the opponent and rips out the brain and heart from the opponent. He then charges them and puts them back into place. The head begins to glow as he manipulates the charges, and blows up, then the torso explodes shortly afterwards, leaving behind just the victim's lower-half.
• Bug Eyes: Raiden grabs his opponent by the face, releasing a powerful electric current into their head, causing their eyeballs to pop out, still hanging by the optic nerves. The electric charge becomes so powerful their head pops off their neck and, as it falls down, Raiden destroys it with a final blast of lightning.
• Conducting Rod: Raiden summons his staff and blasts a lightning bolt which runs down on the ground and hits the opponent's legs, blowing their lower legs off. He then charges towards the opponent and proceeds to stab them through the mouth with the staff. He slowly levitates to his feet, and summons a stream of lightning to electrocute his opponent, using the staff as a lightning rod to fry his opponent.
• Alternating Current: Raiden lifts up his opponent with electricity. He then tears their limbs apart and pulls them back onto the opponent's body. Raiden charges a blast of lightning and throws it at the opponent, causing the limbs to fly away.
• Direct Current: Raiden channels his lightning into blades on both of his wrists, then slashes the opponent twice at the mid-section, cutting off their arms and bifurcating their abdomen. He then teleports behind the opponent and begins to electrocute their head, suspending the torso in mid-air as the bottom falls off from his first attack. After the opponent is fully split in two, Raiden tears their head into two pieces with a burst of electricity.
• The Storm's Arrival: Raiden sends his enemy up in the air with a lightning-enhanced uppercut. He then proceeds to rip a pillow-sized hole into their gut before drawing lightning into their body like a metal conductor. As if that wasn’t enough, Raiden soars through this hole before splitting the poor enemy in two and then mashing these halves together.
• Ride The Lightning: Raiden summons lightning from the sky into one hand while he blasts the opponent with a continuous stream of lightning, suspending them into the air, which then electrocutes the opponent's skin off. As if that wasn't enough, he then uses both of his hands to blast the opponent, and fires another continuous stream of electricity, turning them into a skeleton. He then dives through the opponent, shattering the skeleton.

• Friendship #1: Raiden generates a miniature version of himself named Kidd Thunder.
• Friendship #2: Earthrealm's Got Talent: Raiden generates Kidd Thunder and they perform a laser light show together.
• Animality: Raiden turns into an electric eel and electrocutes his opponent until they explode.
• Fergality: After inputting a code on the Sega Genesis version of Mortal Kombat II, Raiden would turn the enemy into a smoking version of Probe Ltd. employee Fergus McGovern, who worked on that port of the game.
• Hara-Kiri - Self Electrocution: Raiden charges himself with electricity until he explodes.
• Babality: Raiden can turn his opponent into a baby.

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Other

Standard Tactics: Raiden will incoporate martial arts techniques along with weapons, along with using various of his lightning. When corrupted, he uses Shinnok's Amulet as apart of his arsenal.

Weaknesses: Despite how powerful Raiden's lightning is, it can still be nullified by insulators. Destroying his very godly essence and regenerating can corrupt him and turn him evil. Raiden's powers are compromised while he's in Outworld. Raiden's powers are weaker within the Netherrealm. Noted that Raiden can show some incompetence at times.

Standard Tactics: Raiden will incorporate martial arts techniques, later into the story he is given an amulet by Liu Kang that allows him to conjure lightning to use apart of his kombat.

Weaknesses: Should still carry the insulator weakness his god self's lightning had.

Note: The power of the Blaze is not a universal amplification for every character, with characters having varying power increases such as increasing their power exponentially, "a thousand-fold", tenfold, etcetera. As the Blaze's power is mainly based on making one's desires surface, the user isn't given the same amplification as others, thus the user can reach "Up to" Universe levels of power with it, but isn't automatically at this level just because they have the power of Blaze.

Note 2: It is noted by Ed Boon that characters surviving fatal blows and X-Rays are purely an in-game only thing and that in cutscene only characters like Raiden could survive a bullet to the head.

Trivia

• Raiden's name and status as a God are taken directly from the Japanese thunder god Raijin, who is also called Raiden sama (雷電様 "Lord Raiden").
• Raiden's name is written as 雷電 (WG: Lei²-Tien⁴) in both Traditional Chinese and Japanese (Raiden, reading phonetically) and 雷电 (PY: Léidiàn) in Simplified Chinese. This is simply the Chinese word for "thunder and lightning" that was borrowed in Japanese together with the Chinese characters. The first character (雷) in this word means "thunder", the second one (電) now mostly means "electricity", or "lightning" in ancient times.
• On the home versions of the first four games and in the Mortal Kombat films, comics, and TV series', his name is spelled Rayden. This was because Acclaim feared copyright issues from a Tecmo shoot 'em up game Raiden. Ed Boon in particular expressed disliked for this.
• Raiden is one of the earliest instances of a playable God in a fighting game.
• Raiden was modeled after the character "Lightning" from the 1986 John Carpenter movie Big Trouble in Little China.
  • Lightning was one of three storms from the movie. Fujin corresponds most with Thunder (they share a suicidal final attack theme), while the purple ninja Rain corresponds to the third storm (also named Rain).
• Raiden is the protagonist of Mortal Kombat (2011), and co-protagonist of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe.
• Like Scorpion and Jax, there's only 1 game where Raiden doesn't make a playable appearance, not counting updates, ports and spin-offs.
• Raiden's Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe ending implies that he has become like Ultraman, Earth-3's Superman, where his powers are inverted (e.g. Kryptonite fuels his powers, solar radiation from a yellow star weakens them).
• Raiden's popularity as a "thunder god" and the way fans reacted to him when he made his debut ultimately led to the creation of other gods such as Fujin (the "wind god"). While they had their own uniqueness, Raiden was still considered to be the most popular of all the gods in the series.
• He also appeared as a secret character in Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict, NFL Blitz and NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, as well as a cameo appearance in a pinball machine, Bally's 1994 World Cup Championship, in a bonus round, WWE Immortals and a playable guest character Injustice 2.
  • To unlock Raiden in Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict, the player had to complete all the challenges. Two of the challenges are called "Unreal Kombat". The challenges involved 3 people at once though rather than their traditional 2. Also all 3 people used staff weapons for their melee weapons.
  • Raiden is also one of the playable character in Broforce under the name Broden, his appearance is based from a 1995 film.
• The television show Mortal Kombat: Conquest is the only portrayal of Raiden as sort of "laid back" god, where he seems like a normal human (or guardian over Kung Lao) rather than an immortal being.
• Raiden has been portrayed by Midway employee and martial artist Carlos Pesina in all his 2D games' appearances, except in Mortal Kombat Trilogy's versus screen, where he is portrayed by Sal Divita.
• In Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, he was supposed to partake in an extensive fight scene with Sheeva (Marjean Holden). Despite being in the shooting script (and subsequent novel adaptation), it was cut from the film. Raiden instead fights a pair of Reptile clones, and Sheeva is crushed by a falling cage.
• Raiden's official theme is titled "Eternal Life".
• In a Top 10 list hosted by Screwattack.com, Raiden's Godly Essence Fatality is listed at #5 for the Worst Fatality due to Raiden blowing himself up during the Fatality.
• In his profile from the Brady Games' Official Mortal Kombat 4 Fighters Companion strategy guide, Raiden's favorite food is "nuclear buffalo wings". This guide also said that Kid Thunder is his favorite nephew.
• Actors Clancy Brown and Christopher Lambert, both starring in the film Highlander, have both portrayed Raiden.
• When Shao Kahn killed Raiden in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, his dragon Tattoo did not fly off when he died when all of the others with tattoos did. He explains this in the movie as Cyrax's, as well as Mileena's being temporary, as they are not in Raiden's bloodline.
• WWE Superstar Xavier Woods is playable in the WWE Immortals game as Raiden.
• Raiden is the first playable God in the series starting in this game.
• Raiden's Fatality in the original Mortal Kombat was drastically altered in the Super NES version due to Nintendo's strict no-blood policy at the time. The decapitation was changed to the opponent's turning into a gray pile of dust.
• In the Super Nintendo version of the first Mortal Kombat, by killing the final opponent in the third Endurance Match with Raiden using his Shock to the Head fatality will make Goro appear grey just like the ashes when he defeated the opponent.
• Raiden was originally going to use his staff as a weapon in Mortal Kombat II, but Midway were forced to omit it due to memory constraints.
• In Mortal Kombat 3 and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 for both the arcade and home versions, Nightwolf's Friendship had him transform into Raiden and an arcade machine of Mortal Kombat II drop down with two quotes, "Yes, But I Can Do a Raiden Transformation" or "I've Never Seen a Kano Transformation" (despite not actually turning into Kano). This Friendship was omitted in the Nintendo 64 version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, due to the fact that Raiden was in that game with the same Mortal Kombat II sprite. Perhaps as a nod to this, Nightwolf becomes Raiden's second-in-command in the story mode of Mortal Kombat (2011).
• Of all the Kombat Kode symbols shown in Mortal Kombat 3, Raiden's symbol was the eighth to appear if the player presses the right buttons seven times or in reverse by holding the joystick Up and press the right buttons three times.
• Raiden and Johnny Cage share the same fighting stance in Mortal Kombat 4.
• Raiden's alternate costume in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is his first official appearance hatless. Also, he has a katana on his waist, but he does not use it in battle.
• Originally, Raiden was not going to be in Deception, and the opening of Deception explained why Raiden would not be in the game. However, this changed after fan complaints, and Raiden remained in the game; the character who would have replaced him, Fujin, makes only a cameo appearance in the Prison stage, and in the Orderrealm during Konquest. Despite this, logically, Fujin is still the protector of Earthrealm, as appointed in Mortal Kombat 4.
• Raiden's alignment and personality change on the events of Mortal Kombat: Deception can be related not only to Onaga's presence, but also influenced by the Elder God's passivity. Since the supreme entities only interfere on Realm affairs when occurs a threat to their existence and power, after many times requesting help, Raiden adopted a machiavellian ideology of doing anything for the protection of Earthrealm, including allying himself to the Forces of Darkness. These steps didn't interfere on the Elder Gods affairs, so Raiden decided to do whatever was necessary to preserve Earthrealm, even not being its current protector at the time.
• In Deception, Raiden's ending is the only ending to be narrated by himself.
• During the development of Mortal Kombat Armageddon, early screen shots showed Raiden's pre-Dark Raiden portrait being used for the character select screen, implying Raiden had returned to his original self. When the game was ultimately released however, the portrait had been changed to his Dark Raiden version, and was left as such in the games unchanged from Mortal Kombat Deception.
• Nightwolf refers to Raiden as Haokah, the Lakota Indian thunder god.
• If Raiden is using his "Dark Raiden" costume, his teleport will be red instead of white.
• If certain X-Ray Moves are performed on Raiden, his hat will fall off. However, it will not fall off during Fatalities, similar to Kung Lao's Razor-Rimmed Hat.
• He is the last playable fighter in Mortal Kombat (2011)'s story mode.
• In Mortal Kombat (2011), one of Raiden's Fatalities is called "Just A Scratch". This is a reference to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, in which the Black Knight fights King Arthur and is dismembered, the Black Knight says "Tis but a scratch". Raiden also severs the opponent's limbs and leaves the head like in the film. Unlike the film however, where King Arthur decides to just leave the limbless Black Knight be and go, Raiden picks up the dismembered body and smashes the head in to kill them.
  • This is the second Fatality to reference a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail as Kung Lao's "Unfriendly Rabbit" Fatality from Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is likely a reference to the Rabbit of Caerbannog from the film.
• In the Mortal Kombat (2011) Arcade Ladder, Raiden appears in eight endings, including his own. This is more than any other character in the game.
• If Reptile's Yummy! Fatality is performed on Raiden, Reptile will swallow his head, while his hat is still on.
• Raiden had a different X-Ray Move for Mortal Kombat X during development, compared to the one found in the final version. This version has the same start as the final version, with Raiden shooting electricity at the opponent, but it doesn't send them flying. Instead, Raiden comes in close and attacks them with a high kick, similar to the one performed by Johnny Cage during his X-Ray Move. Raiden then grabs the victim's spine and releasing a powerful electrical current through the opponent, before teleporting in front of them, and punching them in the liver, sending them flying backwards.
• He and Shinnok are the only characters to address guest character Leatherface as "Leatherface".
  • Shinnok will, however, address Leatherface by last name in addition to calling him "Leatherface".
  • Although Raiden does not say Jason Voorhees' name at all, he is aware of who he is, saying "Back to Hell with you!", referencing Jason's undead nature.
• Raiden along with Sub-Zero and Reptile have the weakest X-Ray attacks, dealing only 31% damage.
• Raiden's Brutality Inside You pays homage to the climactic fight scene in the end of the 1999 film The Matrix in which Neo does the same into Agent Smith and explodes from the inside.
• Raiden's Thunder God Card was the first card to drain health on tag in. The second was his Klassic Card which has a similar Passive.
• Raiden's Dark Card was the first card to be immune to Power Drain effects.
  • Dark Raiden was also the first card that was immune to damage-over-time effects.
• Raiden's Klassic Card was the first card to drain Power on tag in.
• Raiden's Klassic card is one the few cards with the Grapple bonus on all his specials.
  • Injustice 2 Raiden is one of two cards with Grapple attacks that are completely unavoidable. This is because all the attacks break the opponent's block at the start of every special rather than in the middle. The first was Revenant Jax.
• Scorpion and Raiden are the only characters with their Injustice skins as playable cards.
• Raiden's Injustice 2 card uses his Throw (Forward) from his appearance in Injustice 2.
• Raiden's Injustice 2 card was falsely advertised during its announcement, with the announcement mentioning that he would be able to use his Super Move and other attacks from Injustice 2, however this is entirely false, as only his Special 2 attack is from Injustice 2 and while all his attacks, Combo-Enders, and his X-Ray from Mortal Kombat X is used instead of his Super Move.
• His Mortal Kombat 11 Card is the first card that disables Combo-Enders.
• In Injustice 2 Raiden appears as a playable guest character alongside Sub-Zero with Richard Epcar reprising his roles from Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X, making him the overall third Mortal Kombat character featured in the Injustice series and the second featured in Injustice 2.
• As with Scorpion and Sub-Zero before him, Raiden was given a redesign by legendary DC Comics artist Jim Lee for his debut in Injustice 2.
• As with Sub-Zero, his special moves are also imported from Mortal Kombat X and his ending takes place directly after the events of the Story Mode of said game, where he traveled to the Injustice Universe due to the dimensional barrier breaking and after cleansing the Jinsei from Shinnok's corruption.
• Many of his interactions reference characters in the Mortal Kombat series and the events of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, even mentioning Dark Kahn when clashing with Darkseid.
  • Additionally, Darkseid seems to be aware of who Shinnok is, with Darkseid mocking him during a Clash by calling him a "False God".
    • An interaction with Bane reveals that Bane was recruited by Kano into the Black Dragon.
      • Raiden is also convinced that the Joker and Scarecrow are agents of Shinnok.
• During a Clash in Injustice 2, the Joker and Black Adam will make a reference to Raiden; with Black Adam referring to Raiden as "The guy with the bamboo hat" while the Joker refers to him as that "other lightning guy".
  • This reference could have been a foreshadow for Raiden's appearance in Injustice 2 as a playable guest character via the Fighter Pack 2.
• Raiden sometimes says "Thunder take you!" during a clash. This could be a reference to his Mortal Kombat (2011) Battle Cry before a fight.
• Raiden is the only DLC character with a Premier Skin, this skin being Black Lightning.
• Raiden is the second guest character to appear in Injustice 2, and is the third out of five guest characters overall in the Injustice series. The first was Scorpion in Injustice: Gods Among Us. The second was Sub-Zero, with the fourth being Hellboy and the fifth being the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
• Raiden is one of the few characters whose voice actor from Mortal Kombat X reprises their role in Mortal Kombat 11.
• Some of his Brutalities from Mortal Kombat 11 are references to his klassic fatalities. For instance, the Brutality Electric is a reference to Mortal Kombat's Electric Decapitation, whereas Power Of A God is reference to Mortal Kombat II Fatality Electrocution I.
• An interaction with Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 11 has Raiden discuss about a dream he had, which Sub-Zero will reply with "of a Dark Knight and a Caped Wonder". This is a reference to both the DC fighting game series Injustice, developed by NetherRealm Studios, and Sub-Zero and Raiden's inclusion in the second game as playable guest characters.
• Raiden is one of the two earliest characters alongside Sonya whose present-selves died before Kronika's Time Merger was complete, whereas present-Raiden erased from existence by the presence of his past self when the Time Merger is complete. According to the Past-Raiden, the eraser of his present-day self was due to his immortal status causing him to react differently to the laws of time and Kronika's manipulations.
• Raiden is the only playable character in Story Mode chapter where he faced his opponent twice, most notably Liu Kang (both past and revenant).
• Raiden is one of six announcers for Mortal Kombat 11 and one of five unlockable announcers. The other four unlockable announcers are Kronika, Shao Kahn, Johnny Cage and RoboCop. To unlock him, the player must subscribe to the Mortal Kombat 11 newsletter.
• The name of his Friendship is a reference to the TV show Got Talent.
• If the player choose him with Johnny Cage as an announcer, he will refer to him as Kidd Thunder, a reference to Raiden's frienship in a previous game.
• Raiden makes a number of pop culture reference.
  • During his intro dialogue with Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1, when Johnny Cage said "What I saw in Outworld flipped my mind upside down." in which Raiden reply "I'm told there's more, even stranger things.", which is a reference to a Netflix series Stranger Things.
  • Another intro dialogue with Johnny Cage is where Raiden asked Cage "You once hid from a crazy ex-girlfriend", to which Cage replies "Spent a whole month laying low in West Covina", which is a reference to a TV series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend which stars Vincent Rodriguez III the voice of Raiden.

Battle Records

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