9 Wrestling Gimmicks Ripped Off From Video Games

3. Mortis (Mortal Kombat)

Article lead image
WWE/Netherrealm

The yin to Glacier's yang. The hot to his cold. The Ant to his Dec. The Scorpion to his Sub-Zero.

Mortis - in reality Chris Kanyon dressed up like a green La Parka - was drafted into the fray by James Vandenberg, one of his collection of oddities who supposedly shared a dark history with Lloyd's Glacier. If it wasn't immediately obvious from the big skull on his skull, the ossified newcomer was directly ripped from Mortal Kombat's Scorpion - an undead ninja and the direct rival of Sub-Zero.

To help keep onside with Midway's lawyers, more than likely already alerted by Glacier's copyright infringing frolics, Scorpion's iconic yellow garb was given a green palette swap. He was also distinctly less deadly. He screamed "get over here!" in Glacier's direction, but didn't get over himself, losing his big debut at Uncensored '97.

The rigours of Mortis had proven stiff, but Vandenberg had another ninja up his kimono sleeve...

Advertisement
 
Posted On: 
Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.