Pokemon Retired Champion [ 2024-2026 ]

Not all retirements are peaceful. Former Hoenn Champion Steven Stone admits he struggles with identity loss.

“I was a terrible Champion,” Alder admits, laughing over a plate of Casteliacones. “I was grieving. I let my partner die of an illness because I was too arrogant to see the symptoms. The title was a cage.” Pokemon Retired Champion

The canon conclusion of Ash's story is the ultimate arc. He didn't open a Gym. He didn't defend his title. He walked away to travel again with new friends in the Pokemon Horizons epilogue (implied). Not all retirements are peaceful

The Life of a Pokémon Retired Champion: Beyond the Hall of Fame ” Alder admits