In Kung Lao’s Hat Tricks variation, he gains access to Z Hat, or . By ending combos with + into Z Hat, this will create a knockdown setup. If your opponent does a Getup Attack, it will trade with the Z Hat and your opponent will be knocked down. If your opponent does a Roll Escape, you will recover in time to pressure them. Your opponent will have no choice but to block the Z Hat. The Z Hat is very advantageous on block and allows Kung Lao to freely pressure the opponent.

Another option is to cancel out of the Z Hat and go for a throw. This will make your throw even more difficult to react to.