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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.
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