Why did Godzilla _____ Kong? (SPOILERS)

So the movie industry could milk out Kong for more money-duh.

Honestly, I don't think Godzilla would've spared Kong after the latter embedded an axe in his leg. He has killed others for much smaller slights.

I mean, they were both going to survive no matter what and they wanted a definitive winner this time to avoid the debacle of the og movie. So, the best they could do is have Kong surrender and not be a threat anymore?

Idk, this was definitely a let down of a movie and the contrived nature of Kong's survival is one of the smaller issues.