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Random battle part 22
Yeah it can do either way tbh. Flint made it to the top 8 for a bit then got knocked out. So did Raihan. Flint held his own against Leon's base ZARD better than Mega ZARD X did too rewatching the fight. Flint's impressive.
Narratively though, since Raihan is Leon's rival, I can see them giving him the W.
I'm giving it to Raihan because he had a better showing against Leon than Flint, but at this point it's anyone's game. Lance vs Diantha showed that even if someone is placed higher in the Masters 8, it doesn't necessarily mean they are stronger for that one battle.
This.
As per Journeys it seems like most E4 members and Galar Gym Leaders (and trainers of notable strength like Alain and Paul) are close in power/strength or whatever to the Champions. I think if you match any of them up it could usually go either way, just based on which Pokémon they use, which gimmick they use, and which way the wind is blowing.
Also Volkner seemed close to early JN champion Iris too. He gave Ash just as good of a fight (id actually say better but I digress) as earl Journeys Iris. Of course Iris got stronger but Volkner seemed to be able to give a more experienced Ash that's also using his ace, just as good of a fight. JN has kinda odd scaling but it's cool to see the lines blurred between champion and non-champions.
Also. there are a few people who don't like that Pokemon has inconsistent power scaling.
I say that this inconsistency is realistic. Real life athletes aren't always going to be in top shape every match, and even the very best in their sport is going to have a loss sooner or later (with exceptions, of course). So Lucario beating Cynthia in one match then more or less jobbing to Leon one match later is for me, in line with what happens in real life sports (see: Brazil's 1:7 loss against Germany during the 2014 FIFA World Cup).
Probably Raihan but it's close
Raian Mid. He was former masters 8. Flint is tough but Raian handles this
Flint was also part of the masters 8 in a flashback showing him losing to Leon.
Huh… ok ok I see you… hmm I’m still gonna go Raian but high instead of Mid
Both characters have been Master Class at some point, though Raihan probably takes this as he's well known for utilizing weather tactics in his battles which would give him an advantage over Flint. (ESPECIALLY with Rain)