Oh I can't pick one throughout the video I kept going "Ah I love them 💞" except for the Unova and Kalos rivals since I never paid attention to those series lol
Paul and Gary were probably the only effective rival I’ve seen for ash. In my opinion the amount of rival battles didn’t matter, it’s what they meant for ash. For Gary it was a childhood rivalry to prove that he could be a true trainer. For Paul it was proving that teamwork and trust was more important than raw power and cruel treatment. I just think these two had a more powerful impact than just “oh we are kind of equal and walk a similar path. Let’s be competitive just to be competitive”
I also consider both of them the best rival for Ash as well. My reason is that they test Ash main personality. Gary test Ash in his 'never give up' altitude. In their rivalry I see that Ash try to be better no matter how Gary bark how inferior Ash is to him, he also motivate Ash to better even after Johto League. Paul test Ash in his 'way of training Pokemon. Ash want to prove that his Pokemon can be strong with 'love and bonding'. If there's another rival that can be effective, I think it have to be a rival that made Ash question about his love of 'Pokemon Battle' but this Pokemon anime may need a storyline to be more violence which is not fit for a kid show like Pokemon nowadays.
@@arktidasagency7968 if only pokemon can explore many more facets of humanity and morality which it can, but i doubt they would release any pokemon material geared to a more mature audience. a boy can dream though *sigh
@@bau9894 well, in Pokemon anime original series, there's some kind of violence and filler that I enjoyed which sadly disappeared as time passed. There is almost no way they will adapted something like Pokémon Adventure feeling to Ash storyline.
@@whereisezraa5825 Tbf, Ash only lost to Sawyer once and the reason that happened is because Ash was in shock that Ash-Greninja wasn't happening and he didn't give Greninja any commands. Sawyer's victory was basically gift wrapped to him.
Honestly I never thought of Paul as a rival because if you ask me rivalry should always be a friendly rivalry not a bully sorta rival which Paul happens to be a bully especially to poor Chimchar and Ash was simply trying to prove to Paul that any Pokemon can be trained if trained with friendship,caringness,thoughtfulness,and selflessness. That's why when Ash evolved Chimchar to Infernape the final battle against Paul with his Electivire it was simply just beautiful when they won. And then Paul and Ash gained a mutual respect for one another which I've gotta say I would have never expected to Paul to gain respect for Ash because Paul basically defines everything that Ash is not personality wise.
I’m happy we get to see Gary again after so many years. Hopefully this opens the door for more of Ash’s rivals to return. With BDSP releasing this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barry come back
Alain coming back having earned a mega ring and mega stone for himself could be a great way for the anime to revisit Mega Evolution and provide payoff for how his story was concluded at the end of XY. The Alola episode used Z moves.
Yeah if alain comes back greninja has to come back so that greninja can get that well deserved victory over charizard after all these years don’t get me wrong im happy ash finally won a Pokémon league but let’s be honest here he should have won kalos but at the end of the day I’m just happy he finally won a Pokémon league tournament
Most likely Ritchie still has a bunch of similar Pokemon to Ash with cute nicknames cause that was kind of his Pokemon's thing. Casey making a return would be pretty cool. I would love to see her actually be on a baseball team.
Yeees Tobias for me is very good character) Which shows why so many people in Pokemon go have legendaries... And who are 4 his other pokemon? Entei, Cresselia, Giratina altered form probably:)
@@whereisezraa5825 Ye it'd be cool to see the 4 other ones~ And of course I'd not mind for him to woop some arceus again xD Yeah it's a plot device, yes Ash should have won Sinnoh league if Tobias didn't exist, but since we have Tobias we have Tobias But I feel he'd maybe have at least 1 of the legendary beasts and birds Maybe either Raikou/Articuno or Suicune/Zapdos since perhaps he could have had a Heatran too? Or maybe not, I could also feel like an Azelf/Mesprit/Uxie there. Cresselia no, Darkrai is already there and while it'd be fun to have the complete pair, I think he'd only have 1 out of each pair, o no Latias either As for the last one, it'd seriously be cool to see a non-legendary. It'd be a cool change, a surprise~ And what better than to have that be his starter : ) Doesn't Have to Be a starter, but it'd be ok with me! Infernape would have been a neat little strong powerhouse parallel. Empoleon is regal and could tank a lot of the legendaries' things, but I still see Infernape as the more likely one. Torterra, also a cool possibility as a calm but strong tank, but mm.. Nah. Could also be from another region. Typhlosion would be cool, Decidueye as well But overall, wouldn't see stuff like Mewtwo/Kyogre/Groudon/Palkia/Dialga/Arceus on him. Lugia/Ho-Oh are very unlikely too, but we have seen a baby Lugia so I Feel they'd be more likely. Big but not Giants or man made. But I'd prefer his surprise strongest mon being just a good ol' starter. Maybe it's a non-traditional starter, but, starter
@@emmareiman64 I agree, really nice addition it would be) great list of pokemon) I guess if Tobias has Latios, he must have Latias, cause they always are together I think) And yeah, it would be fascinating to see Ash v Tobias in the Journies league) Also Volkner, Dawn, Darcrai, Cresselia appear, can't wait to see Sinnoh guys)
2:00 So that's the reason Ash does this. That's...actually I was never too mad by it. Sure it sucks that Ash never brings them back for leagues or other big things anymore but I like the sort of self imposed challenge he gives himself. Imagine in Unova if Ash brought his Sinnoh team and then went to go fight Cilan Chili and Cress. It wouldn't be interesting at all for Ash, the Pokemon or the viewer unless you consider the massacring of three monkeys interesting. Plus they would've found a way to get rid of them slowly like they did in Johto to make room for the actual Pokemon of the region. So yeah thanks Gary. Can't wait to see you and Infernape take on a freaking Moltres.
I wonder if Pokemon Anime would follow the same as the Pokemon Origins series where Brock asked Red how many badges he had, then when he said none, Brock chose two Pokemon accordingly. Maybe they could've used stronger Pokemon if they had them based off opponents teams. Cause it would really be unfair if like Roark kept using his Rampardos against 1st gym trainers
@@AznYunHou That is actually the rule in the anime. Even before Origins was made. In Johto, when Ash brought Charizard, Falkner, even though he is the first gym leader, used a Dodrio and a Pidgeot in their battle.
I always understood Ash starting with a new team (minus Pikachu) but I've got a soft spot for the old days when he'd bring the same team. We had Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Totodile (Squirtle too?) on the same team. Or when he used Charizard in his first Johto gym battle. But at least we still get Ash using legacy Pokemon for later region League battles (Cyndaquil & Heracross, for instance).
I feel like he might return alongside Cynthia since she had been overseeing their rivalry throughout Sinnoh. Hell I'd imagine it would be an episode where Leon and Cynthia are battling each other
Paul could had beated brandon in first time but he bought the pokemon to fight against the snowpoint gym which is ice type if he had known this he could have changed his lineup lol
I love Nando~! I love/miss him so much! He got snubbed so much in the Anime, got very little screentime... I really want Nando to return so badly! I know, the chances of him returning are very slim, but I'm hopeful. A girl can dream! And if he does end up coming, I really hope he gets more screentime!
I really miss A.J. (the guy that trained Pokémon harshly in the first season). I watched his episode a few times when I was a kid and it stuck with me to this day.
An interesting angle on a Paul return might be in Alola, as Z moves work by the bond between trainer and Pokemon. Like how in GSC Silver has a Crobat, this could demonstrate how Paul has learned to connect with his Pokemon.
So most of these rivals are either MIA or just in their own region with a small chance of coming back. Welp, like the Sinnoh anime stan I am, I have to point out my hope for Paul returning cause he was the best rival Ash has ever had and their final battle at the Sinnoh league is still my favourite battle in the anime and how I just want a cool 6v6 battle between them in the "champions league" just like Cynthia promised. Either him or Alain, just to see how he's doing with Marin and the Mega Evolution thing.
If only anime logic worked in the games and it was possible to befriend and capture a wild Electivire in D/P and Platinum but sadly Gary just has to be so lucky.
I mean, if you have Emerald, stick it into your DS while playing DPPt and you can find an Ursaring at Lake Acuity, likely pummeling a Buizel, Staraptor, and Pikachu
If you ask me, I would expect to see Alain return over Paul. As much as I'd love to see the two battle again (since I think Paul is the best rival XD), Ash already had his ultimate victory over Paul and another battle, while still being amazing, wouldn't have as much of an impact. On the other hand, Ash hasn't beaten Alain... it would be a really cool "revenge" type of battle, not to mention that Alain is maybe one of the strongest trainers in Pokemon world that we've see so far. It would just make more sense for a meaningful Alain rematch than a rematch against Paul that practically CANT be as good as the last time they fought!
Hopefully if Alain comes back for the Champions League, he'll be shown wiping the floor with Tobias' Six-Legendary Pokémon Team in the First Round. Despite wanting to see Ash triumph over Tobias, he needs that win over Alain more, and Alain is the only other Trainer I can see being able to take Tobias down...
@@lianaverwood9810 I have mixed feelings about Tobias returning in the Laegue. I agree that if he does return, it would probably be best if Alain or Leon or one of the TOP top trainers takes him down. Though even then, Tobias *should* win, regardless of what Charizard he goes against, just on the fact that he has SIX legendaries. But I kind of don't expect him to appear in the League. He probably has a goal besides being the strongest trainer, I mean theres gotta be a reason why legendaries let them be caught. It would be interesting to see his backstory, and what he actually does with his life.
Well i dont want to see alain anymore hes a tobias lite while ash using only his kalos pok and non mega poks he go toe to toe with him if ash would have bought his old poks he would be beated without non mega poks
As far as Gary is concerned, I heard that after he lost to Ash in the Silver Conference, Gary's Cheerleaders all turned against him, beat him up and tossed him in a dumpster outside the stadium.
Its obvious that the rivals obtains the power of immortality and waits for years until a new protagonist is born and he changes his identity so that the story will play out just like it did the last time
Honestly Paul was the Perfect Rival for Ash and will most likely never be surpassed! Stephan was a joy and the only thing I LOVE about the BW Anime series.
Good video JPR, extremely insightful. This also reminded me what happened to them and how they just kinda vanished with Ash's Pokemon. I do hope Journey's continues adding more his rivals. From the looks of it they seem like they are going back through everything so there's a chance for more of his rivals and even minor rivals to make an appearance .
My favorite rival was Paul simply because he's from Sinnoh and that's the region I grew up with, as for who has the best chance of returning that would be Gary, as you've stated he was confirmed to be returning, other than that I'd have to say Gladion since we're shown a "where is he now" scene, but haven't got any concrete proof of his return.
As someone who only watches the dub Pokémon I was spoiled about Garry and Ash's old Pokémon returning, but I don't mind spoilers it just makes me look forward to when they show up
I always thought Tyson, Tobias, Ritchie, Virgil, Conway, & Harrison would be Ash rival but they only appear once or twice (sometimes battle him like Barry & Nando)
That first real trainer Ash meant AJ could've been a great rival for Ash as in his early loss to AJ showed Ash that a balance between harsh training and positive reinforcement are needed to effectively training pokemon.
I think it would be cool for both gary and paul to be in the world championship I know gary retired as a trainer but he could do it as a past time He does travel from region to region as much as ash and is the anime version of blue arguably second strongest in the games after red
If I remember correctly, The Champion League is where the winners of the regional league challenge the Elite 4 and the Champion. So I think Cynthia was basically saying she expected them to challenge her at some point. The World Championship is just a tournament where all the champions compete against each other.
Really? He’s one of ash’s most popular rivals. I mean yeah he has his share of haters(you can see why) but more people love him as a rival than hate him
I consider to be a rival too. I mean she definitely is now after Journeys but even back in Unova they were constantly competing in those Don George tournaments.
I 100% think Paul is the best rival and I think he'll be coming back in Journeys along with Alan. Paul doesn't need much explanation since he and Ash take similar paths and that Cynthia mentions the Champion League which is basically the World Championship. Alan being a champion of Kalos and seeking a cure for Chespin, maybe he finds a cure and then seeks to become stronger?
6:20 The Champion League is the tournament that takes place after the Pokemon League. The winner of the Pokemon League battles the Elite Four, with the winner having the right to challenge the Champion for their title. Has nothing whatsoever to do with the World Coronation Series.
Stephan is my favorite unova ash rival hes a nice guy cameron is a good rival as well but even i agree him bringing 5 Pokémon to a 6 on 6 was not a good idea but ive seen worse episodes in Pokémon which isnt a lot sorry dudes
Gary and Paul disrespected Ash that's what a real Rival does, Ash did have the last laugh at the end specially when Ash defeated Paul w the Pokemon Ash caught in Sinnoh.
So, in my opinion, Ash's Rivals are: Gary, Paul, Trip, Sawyer, Alain, and Gladion. Now, what I feel like they are all doing after the end of their Journeys that we see that are intertwined with Ash's Journey: Gary- We obviously have this 1 confirmed... A part of Project Mew, and Researching around the World. Paul- I feel like he went back to Snowpoint, battled Brandon, lost again, and vowed to challenge him again, once he has gotten even stronger... and he ends up traveling to Unova and Kalos League's to do this. Unova League placement- Runner Up. Kalos League Placement however...- Winner! And I do predict Ash and Paul to battle in the World Coronation Series, Masters 8, Top 4/Semi Finals Round! Trip: Honestly, Trip was kinda blah, besides the obsession with defeating Alder, and in his fit of overconfidence during the Junior Cup, wanting to defeat Cynthia, despite this feeling like a stretch, since we know The Unova League was Trip's first League since he was a new trainer when Ash arrived, upon losing to Ash, I could see Trip actually traveling to Kanto next to compete in the Kanto Gyms, collect 8 badges, and take part in the Indigo League conference. Here, I do believe Trip's knack for battles and knowledge, would have Trip finish in the Top 4, for his 2nd League placement. Sawyer: Also, pretty much confirmed, helping Steven Stone as his Apprentice. After that, Honestly, probably challenging the Hoenn League Ever Grande Conference, and odds are, Winning! Alain: He only entered the Kalos League, to battle other Mega's and Ash, so I really think he is strictly working on becoming the strongest Mega Evolution user in the World... which means, I do predict Ash and Alain battling in the World Coronation Series. In my Masters 8 Tournament Arc prediction, I have Ash vs Alain in the Top 8 Quarter Finals Round! Gladion: Also, pretty much confirmed... him, with Lillie too, looking for their Father!
It's so weird but I feel like the best rival was actually the guy from unova. Those two genuinely battled and hated each other and it was so satisfying to see ash beat him in the qualifying round just as a huge middle finger
![[TH] RNT vs SPG - VCT Ascension Pacific - Day 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUTkf8Detj8/mqdefault.jpg)
Who are your favorite Ash Ketchum Rivals?
...and yeah I know, I'm a day late, figured I'd give yall some time to play Pokemon Snap lol
Definitely Paul
Mine is paul because of the sinnoh anime being the first one i watched
As a rival, my favorite is Paul. But as a character, Alain is by far my favorite, and my third favorite Pokémon character overall.
Paul no contest
Oh I can't pick one throughout the video I kept going "Ah I love them 💞" except for the Unova and Kalos rivals since I never paid attention to those series lol
Paul and Gary were probably the only effective rival I’ve seen for ash. In my opinion the amount of rival battles didn’t matter, it’s what they meant for ash. For Gary it was a childhood rivalry to prove that he could be a true trainer. For Paul it was proving that teamwork and trust was more important than raw power and cruel treatment. I just think these two had a more powerful impact than just “oh we are kind of equal and walk a similar path. Let’s be competitive just to be competitive”
I also consider both of them the best rival for Ash as well. My reason is that they test Ash main personality.
Gary test Ash in his 'never give up' altitude. In their rivalry I see that Ash try to be better no matter how Gary bark how inferior Ash is to him, he also motivate Ash to better even after Johto League.
Paul test Ash in his 'way of training Pokemon. Ash want to prove that his Pokemon can be strong with 'love and bonding'.
If there's another rival that can be effective, I think it have to be a rival that made Ash question about his love of 'Pokemon Battle' but this Pokemon anime may need a storyline to be more violence which is not fit for a kid show like Pokemon nowadays.
Yes exactly this
@@arktidasagency7968 if only pokemon can explore many more facets of humanity and morality which it can, but i doubt they would release any pokemon material geared to a more mature audience. a boy can dream though *sigh
@@bau9894 well, in Pokemon anime original series, there's some kind of violence and filler that I enjoyed which sadly disappeared as time passed. There is almost no way they will adapted something like Pokémon Adventure feeling to Ash storyline.
Paul reminds me of Silver from the Gen 2 games
I was honestly surprised Paul and Ash didn't throw hands, those two absolutely hated each other.
Gen 1-3 Ash definitely would've. Sinnoh Ash was tame.
😂😂😂
@@denickart And XY Ash, Cus he saw what bonnie had became.
@@bassmantjox1299 xy Ash is pathetic) lost from a kid Sawyer..
@@whereisezraa5825 Tbf, Ash only lost to Sawyer once and the reason that happened is because Ash was in shock that Ash-Greninja wasn't happening and he didn't give Greninja any commands. Sawyer's victory was basically gift wrapped to him.
Ash's best rival was bicycles
Torched three of them in a row. I wish Iris had a bike. I really liked that gag.
Ash used appear! It’s super affective! The bicycle was incinerated!
I second that notion!
True
@@NamebeDale_592 true
Paul literally defined what a Rival should be
EXACTLY
I wish Gary was like him. It’s such a shame how long it took for Ash to actually battle him.
Honestly I never thought of Paul as a rival because if you ask me rivalry should always be a friendly rivalry not a bully sorta rival which Paul happens to be a bully especially to poor Chimchar and Ash was simply trying to prove to Paul that any Pokemon can be trained if trained with friendship,caringness,thoughtfulness,and selflessness. That's why when Ash evolved Chimchar to Infernape the final battle against Paul with his Electivire it was simply just beautiful when they won. And then Paul and Ash gained a mutual respect for one another which I've gotta say I would have never expected to Paul to gain respect for Ash because Paul basically defines everything that Ash is not personality wise.
Pretty epic when he busted out that dictionary, yeah
@@markayers-marsh3745 and that's why folks love Paul, the opposing ideology and them adapting each other style.
In my opinion if Paul comes back it is going to effectively break the internet
I agree in this statement
This man is spitting facts!!!!
We want paul (༎ຶ ෴ ༎ຶ)
Thats true, considering at the time of diamond and pearl almost all the pokemon fans hated paul
He better come back with a competitive team tho, his team at the time was good but now it’s outdated
The Paul vs Ash final battle was the most hype I’ve ever been for an anime battle lmao
Companions- dumped into Johto
Rivals- vanish after the league
Except Gary because of blatant Gen 1 bias
if paul comes back, i hope the trailers won't spoil it
Wouldn’t it be crazy if he was a member of the battle frontier when/if we see him again?
I don't think so he is ever gonna come back
@@dorakake7484 I don’t like him, he never change, I want to see him punished. He is unforgivable.
Well they learned to respect each other near the end of sinnoh league victors
@@nascour5991 nahhh
They get trapped in suspended animation off-screen.
Or off camera much like many cartoons they're just sitting in their condos with all the fancy cars and stuff
@@HarryPeanut
Well, Gary would at least.
Idk where Morrison lives, Paul probably stays with his brother, nobody cares about Trip, and Alain idk
I’m happy we get to see Gary again after so many years. Hopefully this opens the door for more of Ash’s rivals to return. With BDSP releasing this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barry come back
Yea dawn cynthia paul.its endless possibilities
Cameron: *Exists*
JPR: No
Who tf is cameron?
@@ErenYeager-wx1ir a dumbass who beat Ash in the Unova League despite only bringing 5 pokemon
@@Alpha-nj8gn what the fuvk
@@ErenYeager-wx1ir The less we talk about it the better...
@@ErenYeager-wx1ir
A man who deserves respect for being smart enough to use Hydreigon.
Alain coming back having earned a mega ring and mega stone for himself could be a great way for the anime to revisit Mega Evolution and provide payoff for how his story was concluded at the end of XY. The Alola episode used Z moves.
Yeah if alain comes back greninja has to come back so that greninja can get that well deserved victory over charizard after all these years don’t get me wrong im happy ash finally won a Pokémon league but let’s be honest here he should have won kalos but at the end of the day I’m just happy he finally won a Pokémon league tournament
When Kukui sent out Lucario you could just feel Ash's PTSD from the Unova League
Even though Hydreigon was tougher
Souyar is the Pokémon version of Deku from MHA. Thanks, now I can’t unsee that especially since he has green hair too.
Dang you are so right
Yea deku and shota are both analytic kind of people with Versatile pokemon/abilities.
Even some of the older side rivals like Casey and Ritchie I always wanted to see return, and what Pokémon they have now
Yeah, same. Especially Richie. Last time we saw them was Pokemon Chronicles.
@@TheZebbga A Chronicles type side series would be really good, showing what former companions and rivals are doing.
@@jbcatz5 I would enjoy that more than the main series to be honest.
Most likely Ritchie still has a bunch of similar Pokemon to Ash with cute nicknames cause that was kind of his Pokemon's thing. Casey making a return would be pretty cool. I would love to see her actually be on a baseball team.
Castform 7 Don’t they actually have baseball in Unova?
I want ash to get his revenge to Tobias on the Pokémon world Championship.
I don't want to see that walking plot device ever again, personally.
@@jollydino2416
I kind of do, mainly to see what his other four Pokémon were other than Darkrai and Latios
Yeees
Tobias for me is very good character)
Which shows why so many people in Pokemon go have legendaries...
And who are 4 his other pokemon? Entei, Cresselia, Giratina altered form probably:)
@@whereisezraa5825 Ye it'd be cool to see the 4 other ones~ And of course I'd not mind for him to woop some arceus again xD Yeah it's a plot device, yes Ash should have won Sinnoh league if Tobias didn't exist, but since we have Tobias we have Tobias
But I feel he'd maybe have at least 1 of the legendary beasts and birds Maybe either Raikou/Articuno or Suicune/Zapdos since perhaps he could have had a Heatran too? Or maybe not, I could also feel like an Azelf/Mesprit/Uxie there. Cresselia no, Darkrai is already there and while it'd be fun to have the complete pair, I think he'd only have 1 out of each pair, o no Latias either
As for the last one, it'd seriously be cool to see a non-legendary. It'd be a cool change, a surprise~ And what better than to have that be his starter : ) Doesn't Have to Be a starter, but it'd be ok with me! Infernape would have been a neat little strong powerhouse parallel. Empoleon is regal and could tank a lot of the legendaries' things, but I still see Infernape as the more likely one. Torterra, also a cool possibility as a calm but strong tank, but mm.. Nah. Could also be from another region. Typhlosion would be cool, Decidueye as well
But overall, wouldn't see stuff like Mewtwo/Kyogre/Groudon/Palkia/Dialga/Arceus on him. Lugia/Ho-Oh are very unlikely too, but we have seen a baby Lugia so I Feel they'd be more likely. Big but not Giants or man made. But I'd prefer his surprise strongest mon being just a good ol' starter. Maybe it's a non-traditional starter, but, starter
@@emmareiman64 I agree, really nice addition it would be) great list of pokemon)
I guess if Tobias has Latios, he must have Latias, cause they always are together I think)
And yeah, it would be fascinating to see Ash v Tobias in the Journies league)
Also Volkner, Dawn, Darcrai, Cresselia appear, can't wait to see Sinnoh guys)
2:00 So that's the reason Ash does this. That's...actually I was never too mad by it. Sure it sucks that Ash never brings them back for leagues or other big things anymore but I like the sort of self imposed challenge he gives himself. Imagine in Unova if Ash brought his Sinnoh team and then went to go fight Cilan Chili and Cress. It wouldn't be interesting at all for Ash, the Pokemon or the viewer unless you consider the massacring of three monkeys interesting. Plus they would've found a way to get rid of them slowly like they did in Johto to make room for the actual Pokemon of the region. So yeah thanks Gary. Can't wait to see you and Infernape take on a freaking Moltres.
I wonder if Pokemon Anime would follow the same as the Pokemon Origins series where Brock asked Red how many badges he had, then when he said none, Brock chose two Pokemon accordingly. Maybe they could've used stronger Pokemon if they had them based off opponents teams. Cause it would really be unfair if like Roark kept using his Rampardos against 1st gym trainers
@@AznYunHou That is actually the rule in the anime. Even before Origins was made. In Johto, when Ash brought Charizard, Falkner, even though he is the first gym leader, used a Dodrio and a Pidgeot in their battle.
I always understood Ash starting with a new team (minus Pikachu) but I've got a soft spot for the old days when he'd bring the same team. We had Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Totodile (Squirtle too?) on the same team. Or when he used Charizard in his first Johto gym battle. But at least we still get Ash using legacy Pokemon for later region League battles (Cyndaquil & Heracross, for instance).
If Paul does return in Journeys I hope they show or at least mention the result of his rematch with Brandon from the Battle Frontier.
if they do, what if he's a Frontier Brain
@@AznYunHou knowing Paul I don't feel like he would be a frontier brain
I feel like, after his final battle with Ash, he started treating his Pokémon better and the result of this is him beating Brandon
I feel like he might return alongside Cynthia since she had been overseeing their rivalry throughout Sinnoh. Hell I'd imagine it would be an episode where Leon and Cynthia are battling each other
Paul could had beated brandon in first time but he bought the pokemon to fight against the snowpoint gym which is ice type if he had known this he could have changed his lineup lol
I can't believe Ritchie only fought Ash once.
Yeah considering they kept him around for 3 generations
Woah woah, Infernape focus AND Gary upcoming? Plus the Iris stuff too, I gotta catch up
"At least two times" Rip Ritchie, Tyson and Harrison
Said since Harrison had one of the most explosive 🧨 battles I’ve since for real charizard vs blaizken was sick
I lovr how ash and paul ended up respecting each other at the end of sinnoh
I love Nando~! I love/miss him so much! He got snubbed so much in the Anime, got very little screentime...
I really want Nando to return so badly! I know, the chances of him returning are very slim, but I'm hopeful. A girl can dream! And if he does end up coming, I really hope he gets more screentime!
I'd like Alain to come back because Ash never actually beat him
gmaxInteleon vs gmaxCharizard
Alain Returned
But Tobias Didn't 😂
@@StylesAdy and then Alain proceeded to get curbstomped in the quarterfinals where Alain went 1-3
@@bulborb8756 But Did Better Than Diantha 😂
I really miss A.J. (the guy that trained Pokémon harshly in the first season). I watched his episode a few times when I was a kid and it stuck with me to this day.
You know what really happened?
The Writers forgot about them..
An interesting angle on a Paul return might be in Alola, as Z moves work by the bond between trainer and Pokemon. Like how in GSC Silver has a Crobat, this could demonstrate how Paul has learned to connect with his Pokemon.
Oh god, imagine how powerful some of his Z Moves would be.
_Imagine his Ursaring's All Out Pummeling._
So most of these rivals are either MIA or just in their own region with a small chance of coming back. Welp, like the Sinnoh anime stan I am, I have to point out my hope for Paul returning cause he was the best rival Ash has ever had and their final battle at the Sinnoh league is still my favourite battle in the anime and how I just want a cool 6v6 battle between them in the "champions league" just like Cynthia promised. Either him or Alain, just to see how he's doing with Marin and the Mega Evolution thing.
Yesss Paul returning and facing Ash in the Champions League would be Amazing!!!
If Paul comes back I'm going to watch the entire Pokemon series from the beginning.
I wish Cameron never existed as a Rival. That battle hurts my soul WAY worse than Ash vs Alain battle.
Couldn't agree more👍
I want that jerk Paul (evil) to be punished offscreen, he doesn’t dersve to be Pokémon trainer. He cross that line. He a monster.
Cameron was a dirty cheat! His Lucario evolves during the battle and proceeds to destroy Pikachu, how is that even possible!
If only anime logic worked in the games and it was possible to befriend and capture a wild Electivire in D/P and Platinum but sadly Gary just has to be so lucky.
Not a Electvire as far im aware, but in Sword/Shield a wild pokemon can willingly join your team while you're making curry
No, Gary captured Elekid in Kanto which later evolved into Electrivire in Hoenn.
I mean, if you have Emerald, stick it into your DS while playing DPPt and you can find an Ursaring at Lake Acuity, likely pummeling a Buizel, Staraptor, and Pikachu
If you ask me, I would expect to see Alain return over Paul. As much as I'd love to see the two battle again (since I think Paul is the best rival XD), Ash already had his ultimate victory over Paul and another battle, while still being amazing, wouldn't have as much of an impact. On the other hand, Ash hasn't beaten Alain... it would be a really cool "revenge" type of battle, not to mention that Alain is maybe one of the strongest trainers in Pokemon world that we've see so far. It would just make more sense for a meaningful Alain rematch than a rematch against Paul that practically CANT be as good as the last time they fought!
Hopefully if Alain comes back for the Champions League, he'll be shown wiping the floor with Tobias' Six-Legendary Pokémon Team in the First Round.
Despite wanting to see Ash triumph over Tobias, he needs that win over Alain more, and Alain is the only other Trainer I can see being able to take Tobias down...
@@lianaverwood9810 I have mixed feelings about Tobias returning in the Laegue. I agree that if he does return, it would probably be best if Alain or Leon or one of the TOP top trainers takes him down. Though even then, Tobias *should* win, regardless of what Charizard he goes against, just on the fact that he has SIX legendaries. But I kind of don't expect him to appear in the League. He probably has a goal besides being the strongest trainer, I mean theres gotta be a reason why legendaries let them be caught. It would be interesting to see his backstory, and what he actually does with his life.
Well i dont want to see alain anymore hes a tobias lite while ash using only his kalos pok and non mega poks he go toe to toe with him if ash would have bought his old poks he would be beated without non mega poks
And maybe when he comes greninja will come back
Third Gary match: “you had one job Pikachu”
Crazy how every prediction you made came true
You must keep a bunch of fire extinguishers in your house because you only put out fire content my brother!
lol thank you!
As far as Gary is concerned, I heard that after he lost to Ash in the Silver Conference, Gary's Cheerleaders all turned against him, beat him up and tossed him in a dumpster outside the stadium.
Barry stayed and watched Ash fight both Paul and Tobias! Don't rule him out, he's a true pal!
I really wish he came back in Journeys
Its obvious that the rivals obtains the power of immortality and waits for years until a new protagonist is born and he changes his identity so that the story will play out just like it did the last time
Your predictions are almost spot on
Honestly Paul was the Perfect Rival for Ash and will most likely never be surpassed! Stephan was a joy and the only thing I LOVE about the BW Anime series.
Not only is Paul the greatest rival hands down. I think he's the best antagonist in the whole damn show. Seriously.
Good video JPR, extremely insightful. This also reminded me what happened to them and how they just kinda vanished with Ash's Pokemon. I do hope Journey's continues adding more his rivals. From the looks of it they seem like they are going back through everything so there's a chance for more of his rivals and even minor rivals to make an appearance .
Perhaps Morrison is out training for a Tournament of Power?
Gladion, Paul and Gary were the only best rivals.
Agreed, also here before the xy/xyz mega fanboy mentions Alain 💀
Nah, Paul is the still the worst.
I choose gary
I thought Barry was pretty awesome too
My favorite rival was Paul simply because he's from Sinnoh and that's the region I grew up with, as for who has the best chance of returning that would be Gary, as you've stated he was confirmed to be returning, other than that I'd have to say Gladion since we're shown a "where is he now" scene, but haven't got any concrete proof of his return.
Phew thank Arceus Cameron doesn't count in these qualifications for the sake of everyone's sanity.
Indeed!!
B-But he has Hydreigon.
@@goldenhydreigon4727 Let's pretend that his dad lent it out to him for the battle or something
i’m so so excited to see gary again 😭😭 i hope he can make more appearances
also i’ve only just started journeys and i really hope after awhile it stops writing ash like a brand new trainer 😭😭
"You know, kinda like a high school graduation?" LMAOOOO
As someone who only watches the dub Pokémon I was spoiled about Garry and Ash's old Pokémon returning, but I don't mind spoilers it just makes me look forward to when they show up
Love Arcanine being a significant part of your profile. Arcanine is my all time favorite Pokémon
I always thought Tyson, Tobias, Ritchie, Virgil, Conway, & Harrison would be Ash rival but they only appear once or twice (sometimes battle him like Barry & Nando)
So, who’s your favorite NEW rival after Alain? Mine is Gatekeeper Dave
my favorite is the guy who came early to the pokemon league but forgot to sign up. I think his name is cameron, but I might be wrong
@@MisterMeister1 Cameron was before Alain
@@DigiRangerScott oh, oh yeah sorry, I think mine is probably Galadon or whatever Lily's brother's name was
@@MisterMeister1 Dendes?
@@DigiRangerScott No his name isn't Dendes, he is Lily's brother in Sun&Moon
The virgin Gary vs the Chad Paul
(This is a joke pls don’t roast me)
this is factual lul
This goat is spitting facts!!!!
Roasts
Gary is to this day still my favorite character, I wish they would keep being rivals in a way that we got to see Gary a lot.
Ngl, it makes me happy that Gary went to be a researcher like his Grandpa.
If anything most ppl do forget about ash rivals in the hoen region such as Morrison and Tyson hope to see them come back as well.
Tervor Tierno and Shuna are traveling together throughout the Kalos region, it's shown in the credit scene of the final XYZ ep
I swear I remember Ash battling Gary right before Diamond and Pearl arch where ash battled his Electavire
The thumbnail was so hilarious to me
Thank you so much for all videos you made. You are one of my absolutely best youtubers ever. :)
Jsi borec. Mám moc rád tvoji tvorbu.
Lol Morrison and Tyson were just there 😂
Does Ritchie just not exist?
Paul is returning! HELL YEAH
If Paul comes back the Internet is gonna break
I'm a Sinnoh anime fan so I'd go with Paul. That rivalry was so good. Sucked the series had to end with Tobias and his Pokemon
Ikr they just made a excuse for him to lose
The only thing I'm dreading about the upcoming Champion League Arc is seeing Tobias return with a Mega Rayquaza, Deoxys, Ultra Necrozma and Arceus...
@@lianaverwood9810 hee wheres eternamax eternues
Paul was definitely my favorite, hope he makes a return
That first real trainer Ash meant AJ could've been a great rival for Ash as in his early loss to AJ showed Ash that a balance between harsh training and positive reinforcement are needed to effectively training pokemon.
I think it would be cool for both gary and paul to be in the world championship
I know gary retired as a trainer but he could do it as a past time
He does travel from region to region as much as ash and is the anime version of blue arguably second strongest in the games after red
It would be cool to see Gary and Paul face off in an Electivire vs Electivire duel
Side note Paul and Alain returned in the masters eight saga
I was hoping you would do Ritchie
That's why I clicked on this video in the first place lol.
What about Lillie's brother Gladion? He and Ash battled 4 times, and he's specifically called a Rival. You forgot him.
-Eaten by a lion
-Went down in an air plane
-Drowned in a hot tub
-Etc etc
Gray hands down
Gary now hangs out with Ash’s mom on the daily.
If Goh catches moltres i will lose it
We may very well see the rivals again.
They came back! :D ...For better or worse lol
If I remember correctly, The Champion League is where the winners of the regional league challenge the Elite 4 and the Champion. So I think Cynthia was basically saying she expected them to challenge her at some point. The World Championship is just a tournament where all the champions compete against each other.
I was surprised to see how many people like Paul.
I thought I was in the minority!
Really? He’s one of ash’s most popular rivals. I mean yeah he has his share of haters(you can see why) but more people love him as a rival than hate him
@@epicfan1598 I guess I just never knew. I think Paul was a very good rival though. (And nice pfp)
Gary got that BW Kanto champion outfit on
Paul and alian was deadly rival
he called Soyer the pokemon version of DEKU LMAOOOOOO BEST THING IVE HEARD ALL DAY
I think what we can take from this is that water types are totally weak against fire types, specifically Charizards.
From Blastoise to super Greninja, Charizard just gives the big middle claw to type advantages.
More like, blastoises are weak against charizards
@@epicfan1598 and Greninjas
I consider to be a rival too. I mean she definitely is now after Journeys but even back in Unova they were constantly competing in those Don George tournaments.
Nando miss his pokemon and lovess
Anyone has noticed that Paul ressembles Silver in some aspects?
im here from the future and Gary is coming back
idk im a sucker for the classics, gary, ash, misty, brock and so on
Great video! What happened to Richie?
I 100% think Paul is the best rival and I think he'll be coming back in Journeys along with Alan. Paul doesn't need much explanation since he and Ash take similar paths and that Cynthia mentions the Champion League which is basically the World Championship. Alan being a champion of Kalos and seeking a cure for Chespin, maybe he finds a cure and then seeks to become stronger?
Nah 0%
Okay i respect your opinion but i think gary is the best rival (no hate):)
@JPRPokeTrainer98 what pokemon journey trailer did hyped you the most so far?
Definitely the newest one from last week! Looks like there's some cool stuff coming up!
6:20
The Champion League is the tournament that takes place after the Pokemon League. The winner of the Pokemon League battles the Elite Four, with the winner having the right to challenge the Champion for their title. Has nothing whatsoever to do with the World Coronation Series.
Stephan is my favorite unova ash rival hes a nice guy cameron is a good rival as well but even i agree him bringing 5 Pokémon to a 6 on 6 was not a good idea but ive seen worse episodes in Pokémon which isnt a lot sorry dudes
Stephan was Great and literally should have been Ash's main instead of that idiot Cameron.
@@dekaritheprofessor2631 that i can agree
Cameron seems nice but I just can't get over that stupid battle. It has tainted my entire view on his character as a whole.
@@narxmagee727 alot of people still cant but i can see why
@@acetrainerleo483 Yeah, and I can see why people like him. His goofiness and slow mind can be charming at times. I just can't with that battle.
paul def coming back for that BDSP promo
Gary and Paul disrespected Ash that's what a real Rival does, Ash did have the last laugh at the end specially when Ash defeated Paul w the Pokemon Ash caught in Sinnoh.
That’s what a jerk rival does. Friendly rivals are also real rivals.
I honestly liked Morrison, and Tyson for that matter. They came late but they left an impression. I hope they come back.
So, in my opinion, Ash's Rivals are: Gary, Paul, Trip, Sawyer, Alain, and Gladion.
Now, what I feel like they are all doing after the end of their Journeys that we see that are intertwined with Ash's Journey:
Gary- We obviously have this 1 confirmed... A part of Project Mew, and Researching around the World.
Paul- I feel like he went back to Snowpoint, battled Brandon, lost again, and vowed to challenge him again, once he has gotten even stronger... and he ends up traveling to Unova and Kalos League's to do this. Unova League placement- Runner Up. Kalos League Placement however...- Winner! And I do predict Ash and Paul to battle in the World Coronation Series, Masters 8, Top 4/Semi Finals Round!
Trip: Honestly, Trip was kinda blah, besides the obsession with defeating Alder, and in his fit of overconfidence during the Junior Cup, wanting to defeat Cynthia, despite this feeling like a stretch, since we know The Unova League was Trip's first League since he was a new trainer when Ash arrived, upon losing to Ash, I could see Trip actually traveling to Kanto next to compete in the Kanto Gyms, collect 8 badges, and take part in the Indigo League conference. Here, I do believe Trip's knack for battles and knowledge, would have Trip finish in the Top 4, for his 2nd League placement.
Sawyer: Also, pretty much confirmed, helping Steven Stone as his Apprentice. After that, Honestly, probably challenging the Hoenn League Ever Grande Conference, and odds are, Winning!
Alain: He only entered the Kalos League, to battle other Mega's and Ash, so I really think he is strictly working on becoming the strongest Mega Evolution user in the World... which means, I do predict Ash and Alain battling in the World Coronation Series. In my Masters 8 Tournament Arc prediction, I have Ash vs Alain in the Top 8 Quarter Finals Round!
Gladion: Also, pretty much confirmed... him, with Lillie too, looking for their Father!
It's so weird but I feel like the best rival was actually the guy from unova. Those two genuinely battled and hated each other and it was so satisfying to see ash beat him in the qualifying round just as a huge middle finger
ash and gary also had a macth with pikachu and electivire at the end of the battle frontier series with gary winning.
sorry i mist the part ween you menching it.