He came frighteningly close to attaining godlike power in 's story goes his way, Shang Tsung may become more powerful than ever before, much to everyone else's chagrin.

Source: https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-1-reborn-universe-mileena-skarlet-shang-tsung/

He cannot participate in Mortal Kombat, limiting his ability to interfere with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's plans.

Source: https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-strongest-kombatants-lore/

Shang Tsung not only knows the inner machinations of the Hourglass of Time but can withstand its strain should he decide to shape time in his image.

Source: https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-strongest-kombatants-lore/