Team Rocket set to leave Pokémon anime alongside Ash

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is bidding farewell to Ash and Pikachu, marking the end of an era for fans, however it looks like they won't be the only established characters to be stepping out of the series.

Ash finally became a champion after 25 years, meaning that he has a lot in common with a certain Argentinian football captain, and it was a significant moment to tie up his story. The final episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys featuring the character are focusing on Ash's new and old friendships, as lest we forget, he is literally only 10 years old. How long has he been 10 years old? A while.

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However, a screenshot of the episode Team Rocket Strikes Back! seems to suggest that Team Rocket will be replaced with a new adversary. Nothing has been specifically said about the dastardly duo's time in the new series but we see Team Rocket surrounded by a lot of the critters they've travelled with over the years.

The episode releases on 10 March so we'll be waiting for an official confirmation. Plus, Pokémon has plenty of villains for the new series to select from: Team Galactic, Team Plasma, Team Skull, Team Yell and Team Star have had very minimal appearances in the anime. Fans are also wondering where are the Rocket Pokémon that aren't in that screenshot, like Chimecho, Arbok, Ekans, Mareenie and Weezing. Ergo, this might not be Team Rocket's final bow.

In all likelihood, if they are out, it's in with Team Star as the next season is confirmed to follow Scarlet and Violet's three starters with two new unnamed characters.