Shao Kahn killed Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat.
Kung Lao, the esteemed Shaolin monk and a direct descendant of the Great Kung Lao, met his demise at the hands of Shao Kahn, the tyrannical Emperor of Outworld. This significant event occurred during major conflicts where Earthrealm's defenders confronted Shao Kahn's invading forces.
The Fatal Encounter
Leading up to his death, Kung Lao demonstrated immense skill and bravery on the battlefield. He successfully defeated powerful adversaries, including the cunning sorcerers Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, as well as the formidable Shokan warrior Kintaro. Despite these impressive victories, Kung Lao was ultimately overwhelmed and killed by the raw power of Shao Kahn, illustrating the emperor's unparalleled might.
Key Figures in Kung Lao's Story Arc:
| Character | Role in Kung Lao's Narrative |
|---|---|
| Shao Kahn | The Emperor of Outworld; responsible for Kung Lao's death. |
| Shang Tsung | A deceitful sorcerer; defeated by Kung Lao in battle. |
| Quan Chi | A powerful necromancer; defeated by Kung Lao, later responsible for his post-mortem fate. |
| Kintaro | A ferocious Shokan warrior; also defeated by Kung Lao. |
Resurrection and Transformation
Following Shao Kahn's unsuccessful invasion of Earthrealm, Kung Lao's journey did not end with his death. He was tragically resurrected by the malevolent sorcerer Quan Chi. However, this rebirth was not a return to his heroic self. Instead, Kung Lao was brought back as one of Quan Chi's undead revenant slaves, compelled to serve the dark forces of the Netherrealm. This transformation highlights a tragic turn in his legacy, as he became an unwilling pawn in the schemes of the very villains he once fought against.
