The semi-finals of the Clubsplosion Battle Tournament are about to get under way, with Stephan and Sawk versus Bianca and Emboar battling first. Although Bianca and Emboar have been victorious twice in a row, a massive Karate Chop from Sawk eliminates them from the tournament, sending Stephan into the finals.

Next up is Ash and Scraggy versus Montgomery and Throh. Right away, Scraggy seems intimidated by the hulking Throh, and can’t seem to concentrate on its Focus Blast. The attack misses over and over again, and when Montgomery finally tells Throh to attack, its overwhelming power quickly ends Ash and Scraggy’s bid for the finals.

So, after all their tension outside the arena during the first several rounds, Stephan and Sawk are going up against Montgomery and Throh for the title—an aggressive and fairly even matchup! Throh’s power is fearsome indeed, and there are several instances when it seems Sawk is under threat from Throh’s Circle Throw. But on Stephan’s command, Sawk manages to drop and roll away from the grapple, avoiding most of the damage.

Finally, just as Throh has Sawk in a powerful Bind, Stephan calls for Sawk to use Bulk Up, which frees it from Throh’s grip—and then it unleashes a powerful Close Combat with its buffed-up muscles, giving Stephan and Sawk the win. And the wish Stephan made at Mistralton Tower has come true!

After celebrating with their friend, it’s time for our heroes to resume their journey to the Icirrus City Gym, where Ash hopes to win his seventh Gym Badge!