Who will be Ash's main rival in Sun/Moon?

[Charlie Brown]

I'm not sure if Hau will appear in the anime tbh (or if he does, I don't think he'll play a big role). I can see Kiawe acting as Ash's rival given what we've seen of him in the trailers, or potentially an anime-exclusive character being his rival.

What are your thoughts?

 

[CidHazard]

Since it's a school settings... with only a handful of students. I think it's safe to assume that every one of his classmates.

It's a Companion/Rival sort of relationship, going on adventure with Ash/Satoshi to different islands and growing together.

 

[Z25]

With how Fierce they make Kiwae, he feels very rival like from what we've seen. Not as impressed with Ash joining, or he doesn't show happiness. So he could be a slightly mean rival.

 

[Iceshadow3317]

I think Kiawe may be the main rival for a bit, but I think everyone will be somewhat a rival. I have a feeling there may be another anime exclusive rival as well.

 

[Charlie Brown]

Since it's a school settings... with only a handful of students. I think it's safe to assume that every one of his classmates.

That's a good point - and I guess they'll all play out this rival relationship in a different way. For example Kiawe seems to be a bit more aggressive and upfront in his relationship with Ash, whereas Mallow might have a more playful rival relationship with him.

 

[5qwerty]

Obviously Samson Oak's grandson AKA Alolan Gary.

 

[Hikamaru]

Kiawe is going to be one of Ash's new companions, so it can't be him. I feel it might be another anime-original rival, like Trip or Sawyer.

 

[Charlie Brown]

If he receives an anime-exclusive rival, what sort of characteristics would you want them to have? How would you like them to be treated differently in the anime compared to other anime-exclusive rivals like Paul and Sawyer?

 

[Z25]

If he receives an anime-exclusive rival, what sort of characteristics would you want them to have? How would you like them to be treated differently in the anime compared to other anime-exclusive rivals like Paul and Sawyer?

I don't know what characteristics to have. Paul and Sawyer worked for the way they were. I woudn't mind a kind rival or a jerk rival again. I'd like to see and interesting team. Sawyer's was good, so if the new rival gets another like it, then I'm down for it. More backstory to the main rival could work to.

Alain had backstory, Sawyer had some but could have used more. I'd like to see make an interesting character all around, from story to Pokemon roster.

That's what makes for a good rival imo.