I never expected to get this many replies in one day. Hmm...
My idea was that basically: Earth Realm will lose to Outworld in the first tournament to Goro.
In the original time line, the tournament was a single elimination competition, presumably with Liu Kang and Goro fighting in the finals and then Kang winning. However, Raiden's tampering with the time might worry the Elder Gods. They may fear the corruption of Dark Raiden's tampering more than Shao Kahn conquering Earth Realm, so they'll not only continue rewarding Goro with eternal youth (the gift to MK champions), they will increase his strength in an attempt to counteract Raiden's distortion of reality.
Goro will defeat Liu Kang in the finals because of the actions of the Elder Gods and he will try to fatality Liu Kang until Raiden illegally intervenes.
Normally, this would result in serious consequences, but being cocky with their victory, Shang Tsung and Goro let Liu Kang live out of humility. Additionally, according to the rules of Mortal Kombat, the losing realm can declare a re-match tournament. Shang Tsung, being the Grand Master host, will allow Raiden's interference with preventing Liu Kang's fatality because he is confident Goro will win the next tournament, which will be in Outworld, just like MK2.
I think people don't realize that Mortal Kombat 2 was Outworld demanding a rematch in Mortal Kombat against Earth Realm. I think it will be the case again, except Earth Realm will demand it.
In the Outworld tournament, everything will still be the same except the stakes are even higher for Earth Realm. They have no hero or champion to rely on... Liu Kang is full of self-doubt and Outworld has even more of an advantage having the tournament in Outworld now.
I also think it will be a plot device to eliminate Kintaro and expand the role of Goro and Shang Tsung. It would also make Liu Kang's ascension to Mortal Kombat champion be more dramatic and dark. He may lose but he will have a shot at redemption and becoming champion through Mortal Kombat hosted by Grand Master Shang Tsung in Outworld.
I seriously believe they might do something like this because it has been said by Ed Boon and Hector Sanchez numerous times that Liu Kang winning will be one of the things in the story that will be "twisted" and "changed around". Not necessarily erased, but will happen in "a way you might not expect" (and exact quote from somewhere).
Thoughts?