Its probably a stretch to say the least, but I have a few predictions based on what is already known, and speculations based on the end of mk9.

We know that Liu Kang defeated Shinnok in mk4, and yet shinnok survived armageddon because he wasnt there. What if he has been altering the timeline to this point the same way raiden did, because he knows he could not win while Liu Kang lives? Does he know Quan chi has his amulet? I cant see Netherealm making the same mistakes with him after how badly received he was in mk4.

Going further into this, the dragon king. I have suspected since deception that
Shao Kahn wears the dragon kings remains as armor. Maybe there's more to the end of mk9 with quan chi picking up the damaged helmet. Merely damaged. Even by the power of the elder gods.

Where these two ideas come together would be (assuming they are true) the dragon king returning under control of Shinnok. Remember, Quan chi, Shang Tsung and raiden were caught off guard by the dragon king's return last time.