Batshit conspiracy theory ahoy:
A kind of character symmetry is at work on the select screen. This is rough, but...observe:
Top left, top right: Kung Lao, Kung Jin, family
Second right, second left: Jax, Jacqui: family
Third right, third left: Sonya, Cassie: family
Fourth right, fourth left: Kenshi, Takeda: family
Fifth right, fifth left: Kitana, Mileena: Family (technically)
Sixth right, sixth left: Scorpion and Sub-Zero - mortal enemies, traditionally
There's not too much going on on the bottom level:
Bottom left, bottom right: Shinnok, Goro, MK4 boss figures.
(And if you wanna be funny, second left, second right - Kano, Quan Chi - both previously played by Richard Divizio
)
But there are SOME relations when considering adjacent characters on both levels:
Sonya, Johnny: family
Kitana, Liu Kang: Often paired together as lovers
Scorpion, Ermac: Ninja subgroup
Sub-Zero: Reptile: Ninja subgroup
It'd be impossible to directly tie absolutely everyone together for every case, but there's an obvious intent going on here IMO.
Only person without any possibility of a partner is Kotal, whom the ? block is immediately above.
Remember that Trophy/Achievment "There Is a Ruler?" Remember whose armor was in the image?
Emperors adjacent, perhaps?
I wouldn't say with 100% certainty, but fucking so much is building to it. Ermac has his soul. His armor is in the Netherrealm. They seem to be trying to grow him a new body.
One thing's for certain: If it ain't Shao Kahn, I'm pretty sure that ? block is reserved for whoever DOES become Emperor.