Shang fares better than most against Jax, but that's not saying a whole lot.
Shang's ability to pressure Jax up close is big, but so is his ability to mix up fireball spam. He will have to do so to break up the ground pounding. Jax can easily GP underneath the spam unless Shang mixes up his arsenal with a series of 2x, 3x, 1x, 1x, 2x, etc. This can force Jax to jump in (countered with aaHK) or into a CQC battle where Shang does his dirtiest work with the kara-jabs. Let's not forget of course, Shang can always morph into Mileena...
Jax can GP and keep good position here, but he will need to time the GP between the flurry of fireballs or else he will eat some serious damage. Counter all jump-ins with aaHK, but watch the spacing or Shang's godlike JK will break through every now and then. When in close, jab punch until Shang is out of range then GP. Try sneaking in an overhead smash, followed by crossover JK, backbreaker.
Shang can make this an interesting fight, but Jax's tank-like abilities still give him an edge. An elite Shang could make this 6-4 (Jax) given Shang's morphing abilities.
- Who has better CQC?
- Better zoning game?
- How often should either player be jumping?