For me how fix "recently" episodes:
After Ash defeated Raihan Master Class members revealed: 8. Ash, 7. Iris, 6. Diantha, 5. Lance, 4. Steven, 3. Zinnia, 2. Cynthia, 1. Leon.
In episode 114 not just Paul arrive to Oak Lab, but also GARY, ALAIN, TYSON, GLADION came too after prof. Oak requested them.. former best Ash's rivals going to train Ash for aiming become one of best Master Class competitor, they together get 1 vs 1 battles against Ash in order.
Pikachu vs Tyranitar (Gary's)
Mega Lucario vs Mega Charizard X (Alain's)
Dragonite vs Garchomp (Paul's)
Gengar vs Metagross (Tyson's)
Dracovish vs Nihilego (Gladion's)
Sirfetch'd vs Ash's Sceptile
I know that would stole more screentime for hanging out with some old mons, but that would be a 10x more better than actual Paul's episode, because interactions between all Ash's best rivals.
For episode 115, just put new debuted character and this is Zinnia with her ace Rayquaza instead of Alain, that would prove show Leon is strongest trainer with base Charizard defeating one of mega evolved legendary pokemon. Writers didn't have creativy idea, they just put "someone strongest who have also charizard too".