He initially had no backstory, aside from being established as a demon of the Netherealm worshipping a fallen Elder God in UMK3, until Mortal Kombat: Deception established him as being the original Sub-Zero, who had been killed by his nemesis, Scorpion, during the events of the first Mortal Kombat and then resurrected as a vengeful revenant. Originally, Noob Saibot shared moves and graphics with the various "ninja" characters in the games before being given his own unique moveset and appearance.