Weavile
A --> A+
Weavile’s natural speed and priority has become increasingly relevant in the metagame, being able to revenge kill most offensive threats without being locked into a Choice Scarf. While Weavile technically has many offensive checks, including Scizor, Primarina, and Infernape, essentially none are good switch ins because Knock Off’s secondary effect which gives Weavile an excellent matchup against offensive teams.
Sharpedo Mega
A --> A+
Mega Sharpedo’s rise to A+ reflects a number of different trends mentioned in the
nomination. Firstly, Psychic Fangs is quite useful against most Aurora Veil teams. Secondly, the dominance of offensive teams means more prey for Sharpedo Mega as it outspeeds and OHKOs most offensive Pokemon with easy Protect set up. Lastly, priority moves like Ice Shard Weavile and CB Bullet Punch Scizor do little to deter a shark attack. In addition to these trends, Sharpedo Mega has an underrated matchup against bulky teams, as it can 2HKO all bulky waters if it gets a Crunch drop and they can do little back. The only real flaw is the total lack of bulk, especially before Mega evolution.
Gliscor
A --> A+
While Stealth Rock sets make a good supporting Pokemon on bulky offense and balance, its Swords Dance and Rock Polish double dance set can pose a threat to every single playstyle. Gliscor can also be a nearly peerless stalbreaker with access to Swords Dance, Poison Heal and Taunt.
Infernape
B+ --> A-
Infernape has always had only slightly above average stats but a very wide movepool with high powered moves and boosting options. It’s rise comes from a surge in its Z move sets which become incredibly powerful after a boost, reliable for a single turn, and still unpredictable before set up. Additionally, Infernape benefits from Aurora Veil which is increasing in relevance by easier set up.
Crawdaunt
B- --> B+
This rise is likely long overdue, as Crawdaunt has been one of the best wallbreakers, and by extension stall breakers, the tier has ever had. Its prowess has only increased with a fall in Quagsire, Chesnaught, and Tangela as they have become subpar Electric resistances with Xurkitree’s prominence. While Crawdaunt’s significantly below average bulk and reliance on priority means it cannot quite rise to top tier status, it definitely has a very strong niche.
Rotom Cut
B- --> B
Similar to Infernape, Rotom Cut’s rise comes from a new surge in its Z move set, which bolsters the points already made in its
nomination. With Grassium Z, Leaf Storm becomes a powerful tool able to OHKO essentially all Ground Pokemon, including Gliscor, which makes Rotom-C one of the most interesting and useful Electric types to build around when combined with Levitate. The slightly below average stats do hold Rotom Cut back however.
Heracross
unranked --> B+
Heracross has newly found relevance in the metagame because of Conkeldurr’s ban, and is even better at breaking down stall because of its stronger STABs and boosting move. Flame Orb Guts has been the main set, as a direct replacement to Conkeldurr, but even with this set alone Heracross is solidly in the B ranks as an incredible stall breaker. Its mediocre speed and general averageness at everything besides breaking down bulky cores stops it from rising to the top echelons of the metagame as unlike Conkeldurr, it does not have the bulk to tank many hits nor does it have priority.
Crobat to
C+ --> B-
Crobat has more relevance than before because Infiltrator is more useful with the rise of Aurora Veil and the new use of sets that add previously unusual power in Choice Band and Flynium Z. It still suffers from a Stealth Rock weakness and average stats apart from Speed, but it is becoming slightly more mainstream as a threat now.
Bewear to
C --> B-
Two major competitors to Bewear have been banned, Buzzwole and Conkeldurr, and Bewear’s bulk and power with Choice Band is still extremely appreciated in being able to counter Scizor and Mega Sharpedo for example. However, in addition to low speed, slightly below special bulk, and questionable defensive typing via Fluffy, Bewear has trouble with quite a few physical moves. Notably, Fluffy does not work for moves like Weavile’s Icicle Crash, Mamoswine’s Earthquake, and all Z moves. This means Bewear will be a usable but not dominant physical tank.
Cofagrigus
C --> B-
Cofagrigus is yet another Pokemon that has benefitted from a rise in a particular Z set; this time, Z Shadow Ball on offensive Trick Room sets have seen a small surge in Cofagrigus. Still, despite the good power of the set and sweeping potential, along with new partners like the slow Mega pokemon, Cofagrigus needs two turns of set up to be a sweeping threat, something hard to do with a lack of resistances. The sheer costs of using Cofagrigus and the uncertain rewards with Normal types being immune to Z Shadow Ball means it remains mediocre, but very usable.
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