User blog comment:InklingChris/New challenger Approching!!! Shantae is next? (Check the link down below)/@comment-27998063-20150803094233/@comment-5185663-20150804004356

Nintendo trademarked his name so they could make his kostume. Probably in recognition of his popularity and making sure he has some representation even if he doesn't win.

I hope comes to smash aswell, but we have no clue as to whether or not he'll win the ballot.