Shimano 11spd MTB with road compatibility

Would an XT M8000 medium cage derailleur (and the M8000 shifter connected to it) work with SRAM Rival 22 11 - 25 cassette and chain?

If not, would it work with 105 equivalent (I know Rival and 105 cassettes work because I've done it before).

I don't see why it wouldn't but just want to make sure.

the chain would be fine, but I was under the impression that Shimano MTB and Road are incompatable as the cable pull is different

Oh yeah, I'm fairly sure you're right too but I'm not wanting to mix and match road and MTB shifter/derailleurs. I'm just curious whether the medium cage MTB derauiller will work fine with a road cassette and chain (such as Rival 22 or 105).

And tbh I'm fairly sure it will because everything is 11spd but I'm trying to make sure since I know very little about MTB shifting.

I haven't tried it but I suspect you'd be fine; the road and mtb groups share the same chain design so the cog spacing is probably the same.

Question is...why would you want to do this?

Ahmm, was running a 1x Rival 22 Hydro setup on my steed for a while and thought I would experiment with a riser setup for a change. Got some Easton XC risers, M8000 brakeset and a SRAM Apex trigger shifter. This has turned out to be exceptionally fun so would like to go full Shimano. M8000 brakes, shifter, derailleur and then 105/Ultegra chain and cassette (only need 11-25 or 12-26).