I understand that Culex in SMRPG is a fun commentary on the 3D style but I'm imagining a timeline where it was Gilgamesh challenging Mario and friends instead. It'd be hilariously in character and also we'd get Battle on the Big Bridge in a Mario game

defeat Smithy, bridge to bowser's keep gets repaired. if you've defeated Culex, Gilgamesh shows up at that bridge.