MCU Characters Who Could Compete In Shang-Chi’s Fighting Tournament

The latest trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings confirmed Abomination and Wong are in the fighting tournament, and here are other Marvel Cinematic Universe characters who could be contestants. One of the oldest rumors about Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi solo movie pointed towards the inclusion of a Mortal Kombat-style tournament. Now that Marvel is starting to promote the Phase 4 action flick, the fighting tournament is now confirmed to be part of Shang-Chi‘s story.

Marvel shared the first look at the tournament during Shang-Chi‘s teaser trailer. This footage only showed Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) fighting his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) as part of the contest. It also hinted that Razor Fist (Florian Munteanu) is at the location and could compete. The familial throwdown was expected, but Shang-Chi‘s official trailer offered the bigger surprise. The end of the trailer showed the returns of Abomination (Tim Roth) and Wong (Benedict Wong). Not only are the two established MCU characters back, but they are fighting each other in the cage match. It’s a massive moment that excited plenty of fans and raises some fun possibilities too.

It is believed that the mystical and powerful Ten Rings are the top prize of Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament. The appearances of Abomination and Wong show that people from all over the MCU are interested in winning. It also solidifies that heroes and villains alike are fighting in the tournament. With Abomination and Wong featured in the trailer, there is a decent chance that Marvel Studios is keeping other contestants a secret. So who else might fight in Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament? Here are some other MCU characters who could return.

John Walker

John Walker, aka U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), is a recent addition to the MCU, but he could be part of the fighting tournament. Introduced in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier as the government’s choice to be the new Captain America, the Disney+ series eventually stripped him of that title. He now goes by U.S. Agent and works for Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine. She has mysterious plans of her own and is clearly looking to acquire power by any means. Now that John Walker has super strength and proven he’ll go to violent extremes to win a fight, Valentina might send him to try and win the Ten Rings for her. He’s a skilled combatant who could go toe-to-toe with other fighters the tournament brings his way.

Mordo

With the Masters of the Mystic Arts already represented at Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) could enter the ring to oppose them. Although he started as an ally to Doctor Strange after being one of Ancient One’s best students, the end of Doctor Strange saw Mordo walk away from the group. His firm stance on what magic should and should not be used for resulted in a quest to take magic away from anyone who is misusing the gifts. The MCU hasn’t revealed where the Ten Rings come from just yet, but they are magical in nature in the comics. If that element carries over to Shang-Chi, then Mordo could look to obtain them, so the Masters of the Mystic Arts don’t. Truthfully, he should want to keep the Ten Rings away from anyone he deems a threat and untrained in the ways of magic.

Namor

Namor has yet to make his official MCU debut, but there is every expectation that the Sub-Mariner will be seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Tenoch Huerta is already cast as the sequel’s villain, and rumors point to Namor being his character’s identity. There’s a belief he might cameo in Eternals, so could a role in Shang-Chi also be in the cards? In addition to being the King of Atlantis, Namor is an expert fighter on land and in the sea. If something as powerful as the Ten Rings are up for grabs, it will make sense for Namor to do what he could to ensure they are part of Atlantis’ power.

Yelena Belova

While fans wait to see Florence Pugh’s debut as Yelena Belova in Black Widow, the skilled fighter is another MCU character who would make sense in Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament. The trailers for Black Widow have repeatedly highlighted Yelena’s hard-hitting fighting style that she developed after years in the Red Room. It isn’t clear how Yelena’s story ends with Black Widow, but she is expected to be a big part of the MCU’s future. An appearance in Shang-Chi where she’s competing in the tournament could further establish Yelena as one of the universe’s best fighters.

Red Guardian

Another Black Widow character who could appear in Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament is Red Guardian (David Harbour), the Russian super-soldier. He looks to be one of Black Widow‘s breakout characters, and the marketing has shown him taking on an entire group of prison guards. It isn’t yet known what Red Guardian’s MCU future will be or who he will be aligned with. However, it could make sense for him to represent the Motherland and try and bring the Ten Rings to Russia.

Taskmaster

If Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament features the MCU’s best fighters, it would also make sense for Black Widow‘s Taskmaster to be involved. With the character’s photographic reflexes (or a technology-based way to copy fighting moves), Taskmaster theoretically has an advantage in any fair fight. While Shang-Chi‘s tournament could involve magicians and gamma-created monsters, Taskmaster could go punch-for-punch with any non-powered individual. The character’s motivations for participating in the tournament could vary from wanting to prove their skill or acquire the Ten Rings for the highest bidder.

Korg

Korg could be a fun contender in Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament too. The Kronan warrior has a penchant for combat and is currently stationed on Earth in New Asgard. If the Ten Rings are up for grabs, there’s a chance King Valkyrie could send one of her most trusted citizens to try and bring them to New Asgard. Korg’s actual fighting skills have only been briefly teased in the MCU, so this would be a nice opportunity for him to shine.

Shocker

If all types of MCU characters are on the table for Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament, this could be a place for Herman Schultz, aka Shocker (Bokeem Woodbine), to appear. The character didn’t get much time with his gauntlets in Spider-Man: Homecoming before he was arrested, but there’s a chance he’s free by the time Shang-Chi takes place. If powered suits are usable for contestants, this could even be a place for Schultz to get an actual Shocker costume that resembles what fans know in the comics.

Ghost

Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament could also be a place for Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) to return. The Ant-Man and the Wasp “villain” used her quantum powers to be a formidable fighter against Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne in the past. While the Ant-Man team tried to help her get a handle on these powers, Thanos’ snap left her without the quantum particles she needs. This could make Ghost desperate for help. Acquiring the Ten Rings would give her plenty of leverage that could bring her a buyer that can get her the help she needs. And if her powers are still active, the former SHIELD assassin could be a lethal contestant.

Ayo

Ayo (Florence Kasumba) is another fighter who could participate in Shang-Chi‘s fighting tournament. The Dora Milaje warrior most recently proved her skill in combat during The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Her participation in the tournament could be a way for Wakanda to make a run at obtaining the Ten Rings. Wakanda’s history in the MCU goes back thousands of years so that they could know about the legend of these powerful items. Now that Ayo is a recurring character and has proven to be one of Wakanda’s most formidable fighters, she’d be an excellent choice to represent the country in this tournament.

Iron Fist

Marvel Studios has yet to introduce Iron Fist to the MCU, but having Danny Rand be a contestant in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ fighting tournament could be the way to go. Since the movie explores the mystical and martial arts corners of this universe, a connection to Iron Fist’s world is a no-brainer. Whether or not Marvel includes a secret Iron Fist cameo remains to be seen, as they might not want to introduce Danny Rand in Shang-Chi’s first appearance. However, other people have held the mantle in the comics, so perhaps the Iron Fist that appears could be Davos, Orson Randell, or ancient Iron Fists like Fan Fei and Wu Ao-Shi.