Ash's Forgotten Pokémon: Who Could Make A Surprise Return?
What's up, guys? Let's dive deep into a topic that's probably been rattling around in every Pokémon fan's head: which of Ash's amazing Pokémon, the ones that aren't his absolute main aces or part of his current Journeys team, could possibly make a mind-blowing comeback? Seriously, think about it. Ash has caught so many incredible Pokémon over his decades-long journey, and while Pikachu, Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, Greninja, and Lucario often steal the spotlight as his 'aces,' there's a whole roster of other fantastic friends chilling at Professor Oak's lab or with other trainers, just waiting for their moment. We're talking about the forgotten Pokémon, the ones that might not have headlined every major battle but still hold a special place in our hearts. Wouldn't it be epic to see one of these old pals make a surprise return in a big fight, proving they've grown even stronger? This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about the potential for incredible strategic twists and emotional reunions that could totally elevate any given match. Get ready, because we're about to speculate on some seriously cool comebacks that could shake up the Pokémon world! We're talking about the ultimate sleeper picks that could turn the tide when you least expect it, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to Ash's already legendary journey.
Why a Non-Ace Comeback Matters
Okay, so why should we even care about Ash's forgotten Pokémon making a surprise return? It's not just for the 'aww' factor, guys; there's a serious strategic and emotional punch that such a comeback could deliver. First off, imagine the sheer hype! When you're expecting to see Pikachu or Lucario, and then suddenly, boom, Ash sends out an unexpected Pokémon from his past, it's an instant jolt of excitement. It shows off Ash's deep bond with all his Pokémon, not just his heavy hitters. This isn't just about winning a battle; it's about telling a richer story. A non-ace comeback allows for deeper character development, not just for Ash, but for the returning Pokémon itself. We get to see how much they've grown, how their training at Oak's lab (or wherever they've been) has paid off. It's a testament to the fact that Ash values every single one of his companions, recognizing their individual strengths and giving them a chance to shine on the grandest stages. Think about the fan service, too! Long-time viewers have a profound connection to all of Ash's Pokémon, and seeing an old friend step up to the plate can ignite a wave of nostalgia and appreciation for the entire series' history. It validates years of storytelling and character investment. Moreover, from a purely tactical perspective, bringing back a less-expected Pokémon introduces an element of unpredictability. Opponents might have thoroughly scouted Ash's main team, but who's preparing for a well-trained Kingler or a Bulbasaur with years of experience under its belt? This surprise element can be a game-changer, forcing opponents to adapt on the fly. It highlights Ash's versatility as a trainer and his ability to trust in the unique capabilities of each of his Pokémon. It also reinforces the idea that every Pokémon has potential, not just those with legendary power or type advantages. Sometimes, the most powerful move isn't a Z-Move or a Gigantamax, but the sheer willpower and unexpected skill of a Pokémon that everyone else might have overlooked. The narrative power of a forgotten Pokémon making a surprise return is immense, adding layers of depth, excitement, and emotional resonance that are truly invaluable to the show's enduring appeal.
The OG Squad: Kanto & Johto's Hidden Gems
Alright, let's kick it old school, guys, and talk about some forgotten Pokémon from Ash's original Kanto and Johto adventures that could absolutely make a sensational surprise return. These are the true OGs, many of whom haven't seen the light of day in major battles for ages, but who undoubtedly still hold immense power and potential. First up, we've got Bulbasaur and Squirtle. While they're often overlooked in discussions of his aces, these two are absolute powerhouses who chose to stay at Professor Oak's Lab, leading the charge for all the other Pokémon there. Bulbasaur's Vine Whip and Sleep Powder are iconic, and imagine the strategic plays it could pull off now, with decades of experience! Similarly, Squirtle, leading the Squirtle Squad as a firefighter, clearly has developed incredible teamwork and leadership skills. Its Water Gun and Rapid Spin would be fantastic against a variety of opponents, and the emotional impact of seeing these two step back into a high-stakes battle? Priceless. Then there's Kingler. Remember that guy? Ash's Kingler evolved in its very first battle and swept an entire match at the Indigo League! It's a strong contender for a surprise appearance, boasting powerful Water and Fighting moves like Crabhammer and Bubble Beam. Its raw strength and surprising speed could catch any opponent off guard. And how about Muk? Yeah, Ash’s big, squishy pal. While not traditionally seen as a battle Pokémon, Muk's Acid Armor and Sludge Bomb could be incredibly disruptive. It's unique, memorable, and certainly a forgotten Pokémon that would get a massive cheer if it showed up. Don't forget Tauros! Ash caught a herd of them, and while we only occasionally saw one, they're known for their sheer power and speed. A well-trained Tauros with Take Down or Horn Attack could be a formidable force, especially if it’s one of the ones that has been honing its skills at Oak's. And let's not overlook Snorlax. While Snorlax has definitely had its moments and is arguably an ace in terms of raw power, it's certainly not part of his Journeys team and doesn't get the consistent spotlight. Its incredible bulk and devastating moves like Body Slam and Hyper Beam make it a constant threat. A surprise return from Snorlax would be a nightmare for any opponent who isn't prepared for its resilience and power. Finally, who could forget Primeape? The Fighting-type with an incredible backstory, who Ash reluctantly left for further training. Imagine if Primeape returned, fully mastered, ready to unleash its incredible fighting spirit. That would be an epic comeback for a truly forgotten Pokémon. These Kanto and Johto stalwarts represent not just nostalgia, but a reservoir of untapped potential that could totally shock the competitive scene.
Mid-Journey Powerhouses: Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova's Underdogs
Moving on from the absolute classics, let's shine a light on some mid-journey powerhouses from Ash's Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova adventures. These guys might not always get the ace treatment, but they are far from weak and could absolutely deliver a jaw-dropping surprise return. From Hoenn, Corphish immediately comes to mind. This feisty Water-type had an incredible personality and often pulled off impressive feats. Its Bubblebeam and Crabhammer were no joke, and its scrappy attitude made it a fan favorite. A surprise appearance from a now even stronger Corphish would be fantastic. Then there's Torkoal, the lovable, emotional Fire-type. While often seen as slow, its raw power, especially with attacks like Overheat and Flamethrower, is immense. Imagine Torkoal coming out, supercharged, ready to absorb hits and dish out massive damage. It's a perfect forgotten Pokémon with a lot of heart that could make an impactful comeback. Now, let's jump to Sinnoh. Gliscor is a prime candidate. This Flying/Ground type, initially timid, grew into a formidable force under Ash's guidance, known for its aerial maneuverability and powerful X-Scissor. Its unique typing and high-flying combat style would be a major asset for a surprise return. And how about Staraptor? Ash's primary flying-type for the region, Staraptor is fast, strong, and knows powerful moves like Brave Bird and Aerial Ace. A refined Staraptor could easily take down opponents with its speed and aggressive tactics. From Unova, Krookodile often felt like an ace, but it’s definitely not on his Journeys team, and there are other strong contenders too. Krookodile's sheer power and swagger make it a formidable force, and it would definitely be a thrilling surprise return. But let's look at other forgotten Pokémon from Unova. Boldore is a rock-solid option. Evolving from Roggenrola, Boldore possessed incredible defense and powerful Rock-type attacks like Rock Blast and Flash Cannon. Its ability to withstand heavy hits and retaliate with force would be invaluable. And don't forget Palpitoad! This Water/Ground-type showed surprising versatility and strength. Its Hydro Pump and Sludge Wave could be incredibly effective, especially if it's had more time to train and refine its moves. Another Unova friend, Leavanny, could be a stylish and strategic choice. Its String Shot could slow down faster opponents, and its X-Scissor and Energy Ball would be strong Grass/Bug attacks. The beauty of these forgotten Pokémon from Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova is their established skill sets combined with years of off-screen training, making them ripe for an unexpected and truly impactful surprise appearance in a major battle.
Newer Eras, Older Friends: Kalos & Alola's Benchwarmers
Alright, guys, let's fast-forward to the more recent sagas: Kalos and Alola. Even in these newer regions, Ash had some absolute gems who, while incredibly strong and integral to their respective teams, might not get classed as his absolute top-tier aces and certainly aren't on his Journeys roster. These older friends are perfect candidates for a surprise return! From Kalos, Hawlucha is a fantastic choice. This Fighting/Flying type is a master of aerial combat and pro wrestling moves. Its High Jump Kick and Flying Press are devastating, and its unique fighting style would throw any opponent for a loop. Hawlucha's flair and agility make it a prime forgotten Pokémon to make a truly spectacular comeback. Then there's Goodra. Ash's Goodra was an absolute powerhouse, incredibly strong and surprisingly gentle, but he left it to protect its swamp. Imagine its return, having grown even more powerful defending its home! Its Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam are serious threats, and its ability to absorb hits with its gooey body makes it a tank. A surprise appearance from Goodra would be an emotional rollercoaster for fans and a strategic nightmare for opponents. Also from Kalos, Talonflame is another strong contender. This speedy Fire/Flying type was Ash's go-to for aerial battles and quickly became a fan favorite. Its Flame Charge and Brave Bird could decimate opponents with sheer speed and power. A battle-hardened Talonflame making a surprise return would be thrilling to witness. Moving to Alola, while Rowlet, Lycanroc, and Incineroar were integral, they generally aren't considered the same level of