In episode 8 of the original Pokémon: Indigo League series, titled (ITA: Il sentiero per la Lega Pokémon ), Ash Ketchum’s growing arrogance is met with a harsh reality check. The Pride of a Ten-Win Streak
A.J. then battles Team Rocket, and Sandshrew uses the powerful move to defeat them, securing A.J.’s 100th win . Having reached his goal, A.J. closes his unofficial gym to finally travel and collect official league badges, parting ways with Ash as a respectful rival. EP008 - The Path to the Pokémon League - Bulbapedia Pokemon_Ep_008_ITA.mp4
Ash challenges A.J. , but his team is swiftly defeated by A.J.’s powerhouse . Shockingly, Sandshrew even beats Ash's Flying-type Butterfree, despite having a type disadvantage. In episode 8 of the original Pokémon: Indigo
: His Pokémon wear heavy resistance harnesses (similar to a Macho Brace) to build extreme muscle. Having reached his goal, A
The episode highlights A.J.’s controversial "Training from Hell" methods: