These hook-like chains are called Houan Chains, that were originally used by an ancient group of people with the power of necromancy known as the Houan sect.
These shackles were once used as ceremonial relics within the Houan's rituals, especially their sacrificial rituals before the Houan themselves were destroyed by the Earthrealm's thunder god, Raiden, centuries ago. In the present day, the chains would be wrapped around the murdered Liu Kang's wristbands as a way for Dark Raiden to control him after turning him into an undead monster.
During the battle towards the top of the Pyramid of Argus in MK: Armageddon's intro. The Zombified Liu Kang would use the chains and hooks like weapons as he battles his old archenemy & killer: Shang Tsung. Even managing to use it to hook the sorcerer on the back in order to prevent him from reaching Blaze. In MK 2011's Intro this seems to have killed the sorcerer as the same hooks are still lodged on his back.
Despite their presentation in the MK:A intro, the chains have never been usable as weapons during actual gameplay any time Zombie Liu Kang has been playable.
Mortal Kombat: The Return of the Dragon King[]
Dark Raiden utilized those tempting chains as well as the Houan's black arts to resurrect Liu Kang's corpse as his enforcer! With the chains, it was loyal and bound to any of his creator's words, even using them in battle as a sword and shield as demonstrated when he fought against Kung Lao housing Liu's pure spirit. It was thanks to them, the Houan ritual, and the ominous force that nearly pulled his spirit away if it weren't for Ermac and Liu's dragon amulet!
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