Johnny Cage and Goro's intro sequences against each other reference the "Mortal Kombat" movie, wherein they fought each other in Shang Tsung's tournament.

When Goro starts his dialogue first, Johnny will jokingly ask Goro about the "sunglasses" that Goro owes him, referencing the scene in the movie just before their fight in which Goro crushes Johnny's $500 sunglasses as an intimidation tactic.

Johnny's intro has him reference Goro "heading for a fall", referencing Goro's demise in the film.