In "What If…?" Season 2, Episode 4, titled "What If... Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?", we venture into a reality where the Battle of New York takes an unexpected turn. Instead of the climactic conclusion seen in 2012's "The Avengers", the portal above the city closes prematurely, leaving Tony Stark adrift in space. In a twist of fate, Stark is not flung back to Earth but is sent hurtling across the galaxy, ultimately crash-landing on the planet of Sakaar, in the home of the eccentric Grandmaster.
The episode opens with a spectacle that is both familiar and alien, as Stark finds himself in the midst of a bizarre celebration of his arrival, orchestrated by the Grandmaster. The planet's ruler, known for his love of games and spectacle, has taken a keen interest in the fallen Avenger, turning him into a local celebrity. To mark the occasion, and Stark's birthday, the Grandmaster introduces him to a death race, a high-octane event featuring several familiar faces, including Korg and Valkyrie.
As the race unfolds, Stark's heroic instincts kick in, and he intervenes to save Korg from a dangerous situation. This act of defiance earns him the ire of a vengeful Gamora, who has come to Sakaar with a mission for the Avenger, courtesy of Thanos himself. Both Stark and Gamora are captured by the Grandmaster's enforcer, Topaz, and imprisoned in the Grandmaster's tower alongside other gladiators.
It is within the confines of their prison that Gamora reveals her mission to Stark, a revelation that sparks a plan in Stark's mind to escape and liberate Sakaar from the Grandmaster's rule. With the help of Valkyrie and Korg, Stark constructs a new suit of armor and challenges the Grandmaster to a race that will determine the fate of Sakaar.
The Grandmaster, ever the showman, accepts Stark's challenge and recruits Gamora to improve his chances of victory. The race that follows is a chaotic and thrilling affair, with the Grandmaster employing every trick in his arsenal to eliminate his competitors and secure a win. As the race narrows down to its final contenders—Grandmaster, Topaz, Gamora, Stark, Valkyrie, and Korg—Stark begins to close the gap on the Grandmaster, all while trying to convince Gamora to abandon her mission and join him in his fight for Sakaar's freedom.
Stark's ingenuity and determination pay off as he crosses the finish line first, but the Grandmaster, with the aid of Topaz, attempts to renege on their agreement. However, a timely intervention by Valkyrie changes the tide, as her melt-stick inadvertently strikes the Grandmaster, reducing him to nothing more than a puddle. In the aftermath, Valkyrie is appointed as Sakaar's new ruler, with Korg serving as her top advisor, and Stark departs the planet with Gamora, their sights set on taking down Thanos.
"What If... Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?" is a thrilling and humorous exploration of what might have been if Tony Stark's journey had taken him to the far reaches of space. This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit of heroism, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. With a blend of high-stakes action, unexpected alliances, and a dash of cosmic humor, this episode of "What If…?" expands the Marvel Multiverse in a delightful and unexpected direction.