Geo-Oblivion's Wrath
Banned
Newbie trainers don't really work as rivals for Ash anymore. The problem, as we saw with Trip, is that the newbie ends up being massively overpowered whilst Ash is made to regress. I prefer it if he gets an experienced rival as there is better tension and feels more respectful towards Ash.
I don't know about that; I feel like people would be equally dissatisfied with an experienced rival if Ash looks bad after losing some of his battles with him. I'd personally like such a rival, but I feel like we need to have a good background with the rival first, as well as a plausible explanation for his motivations and goals, if a majority will have to like him. I might be pressed with an experienced rival if we don't have good enough motivations or background, something that will perfectly explain his existence on the saga.