The episode begins moments after Ash Ketchum is crowned the Champion of the Manalo Conference. The celebration is abruptly cut short when a massive, ominous Ultra Wormhole opens in the sky above the stadium. Two powerful Ultra Beasts emerge: the Blacephalon and Xurkitree.
Unlike previous Ultra Beast encounters, these two are not interested in crossing paths—they immediately begin to battle one another, causing destruction to the stadium and endangering the spectators. Lusamine, Gladion, and Lillie attempt to use their Pokémon to stop the beasts, but the Ultra Beasts are too strong and easily repel their attacks.
To understand the weight of Episode 140, you must remember the previous episode’s shocker: Ash Ketchum won the Alola Pokemon League. For the first time in 22 years of anime history, Ash became a regional Champion. Episode 140 deals directly with the aftermath.
The episode opens not with celebration, but with dread. The artificial Pokemon Magearna—which had been sleeping in the basement of the Masked Royal’s mansion—awakens and transmits a warning. The Ultra Wormhole is opening above the Manalo Stadium. Necrozma, the Prism Pokemon, is stealing the light of Alola.
The core plot of Episode 140 revolves around a race against time:
Episode 140 is a definitive "must-watch" for fans of the series. It successfully balances quiet, world-building moments regarding Alolan traditions with explosive battles. It sets the stage for the final arc of the series, giving Ash the tools he needs to compete at the highest level.
By the time the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of anticipation: Ash has his new ring, he has the power, and the Alola League is just on the horizon.
Rating: 9/10 – A perfect blend of lore and action.
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon—Ultra Legends Episode 140 "Z-Move Showdown!" in English or "Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!"
in Japanese) is a high-octane turning point that shifts from Ash's historic championship win to an all-out Ultra Beast invasion. The Great Guzzlord Invasion
Just as Ash is crowned the first-ever Alola Pokémon League Champion, the ceremony is crashed by
, an gluttonous Ultra Beast. The threat escalates when two more Shiny Guzzlords
emerge from Ultra Wormholes, forcing the Alolan heroes into three distinct fronts to defend the stadium: The Kahunas and Tapus:
Island kahunas and the region's guardian deities face the standard Guzzlord. The Pokémon School Class:
Ash’s classmates, alongside Gladion and Hau, team up to battle one of the Shiny variants. Ash and the Masked Royal: Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140
The champion and his mentor take on the final Shiny Guzzlord. Major Reveals and Milestones
This episode is renowned for two massive status-quo changes in the series: Naganadel’s Surprise Return:
Ash’s former companion, Poipole, returns from Ultra Space having evolved into
. It arrives just in time to assist Ash and the Masked Royal in the battle. The Masked Royal Unmasked:
During a combined Z-Move assault, the sheer force of the energy wave rips away the Masked Royal’s mask, revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and the entire stadium. Episode Records & Trivia Z-Move Record:
This episode holds the record for the most Z-Moves performed in a single episode, with a total of Shiny Milestone:
It marks the first time two Shiny Pokémon of the same species appear in a single episode. Team Rocket Growth:
In a rare display of heroism, Team Rocket uses their giant Bewear robot to protect the Alola region from the invasion, highlighting their deep bond with the local Bewear.
You can catch this climax of the Alola League on streaming platforms like Prime Video full 6-on-6 battle between Ash and Professor Kukui that follows this episode?
Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 140: Guzzlord Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!! Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled " Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!
" (Japanese title: Akuziking Shinnyu! Ikkatsu Z-Waza!!), originally aired in Japan on September 22, 2019. This high-stakes episode follows the monumental moment of Ash Ketchum being declared the first-ever champion of the Alola Pokémon League. A Sudden Invasion
The celebration of Ash's victory is cut short when a massive Guzzlord (known as Akuziking in Japan) suddenly appears through an Ultra Wormhole, disrupting the award ceremony and causing chaos at Manalo Stadium. The threat quickly escalates as two more Guzzlords—both Shiny—emerge from additional wormholes, forcing the heroes and Alolan authorities into immediate action. The Heroes Unite
The episode features a massive collaborative effort to protect the crowd and defeat the Ultra Beasts:
The Kahunas and Guardian Deities: The Island Kahunas, alongside the Tapu guardians of Alola, team up to take on the standard-colored Guzzlord, eventually forcing it back through the wormhole using their combined Z-Moves. The episode begins moments after Ash Ketchum is
Ash's Classmates and Rivals: Gladion, Hau, and Ash’s classmates work together to fend off the first Shiny Guzzlord.
The Secret Revealed: In the midst of the battle, Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally exposed to Ash and the others. Key Highlights and Returns
Naganadel’s Return: Ash’s Poipole makes a surprise return, having evolved into Naganadel. It joins the battle to assist Ash and the Masked Royal (Kukui) in defeating the second Shiny Guzzlord with a powerful Z-Move.
Ash's Full Team: With Naganadel’s return, Ash officially has a full party of six Pokémon for his final Alolan challenges: Pikachu, Rowlet, Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Torracat, Melmetal, and Naganadel.
Team Rocket's Role: Team Rocket attempts to fight the invasion using their Bewear-inspired robot, but it is ultimately the real Mama Bewear who arrives to save them and her cub from the Guzzlords' rampage.
This episode serves as the final precursor to the much-anticipated exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui in Episode 141. Kukui exhibition match?
Episode 140: Z-Move Showdown! Episode 140 of the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime, titled " Z-Move Showdown!
" (Japanese: Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!!), is a pivotal climax to the Alola League arc. It aired as part of the Ultra Legends season and features the chaotic aftermath of Ash Ketchum’s victory in the Manalo Conference. Key Plot Highlights
The Guzzlord Invasion: The victory ceremony for Ash, the first-ever Alola League Champion, is interrupted by the sudden arrival of three Guzzlord through Ultra Wormholes.
Return of Naganadel: Ash’s former companion, Poipole, makes a surprise return as an evolved Naganadel to assist in the fight against the Ultra Beasts.
A Unified Defense: The Alolan heroes, including the Trial Captains, Gladion, and the Island Kahunas, team up to fend off the Guzzlords. The Kahunas and Tapu Koko face one, while Ash’s classmates and rivals tackle another.
Team Rocket's Heroism: In a rare turn of events, Team Rocket steps in to protect Bewear and Stufful from a Guzzlord’s assault, showcasing their deep bond with the Pokémon that frequently "rescues" them.
The Masked Identity Exposed: During the chaos, Professor Kukui’s secret identity as the Masked Royal is finally revealed to Ash and the public when his mask is blown away after a combined attack.
Episode 140 Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon—Ultra Legends "Z-Move Showdown!" "Akuziking Attacks! The Decisive Z-Move Battle!" The episode opens not with a flashy explosion,
in Japanese), the Alola Pokémon League's award ceremony is disrupted by an invasion of three Guzzlords. Plot Summary The Invasion
: Just as Ash is crowned the first Alola League Champion, a massive Ultra Wormhole opens and a Guzzlord emerges to destroy the stadium. Soon after, two more Shiny Guzzlords appear. The Defense
: Ash and his friends, along with the Island Kahunas and the Masked Royal, team up to defend Alola. Ash guides the Kahunas to target Guzzlord's weak spot on its head. Naganadel's Return
: Ash’s former partner, Poipole, makes a surprise return, having evolved into The Climax : The episode features a record-breaking 13 Z-Moves
. Ash and the Masked Royal use a double "Gigavolt Havoc" to send the final Guzzlord back through the wormhole. The Reveal
: The force of the final Z-Move blast blows off the Masked Royal’s mask, finally revealing his true identity as Professor Kukui to Ash and Rotom. Key Episode Details Series Number Sun & Moon ) / 1,079 (overall). Major Milestone
: This episode contains the highest number of Z-Moves performed in a single episode of the anime.
: It marks the last time Ash's Pikachu uses the Z-Move "Gigavolt Havoc" and the first time two Shiny Pokémon of the same species appear together.
For a deep dive into reviews or specific episode discussions, resources like the Bulbapedia Episode Guide or community threads on Reddit's r/pokemon provide extensive breakdowns.
The episode opens not with a flashy explosion, but with silence. The Manalo Stadium is packed. Professor Kukui, the masked referee, stands solemnly as the six-on-six full battle reaches its final phase. Both trainers are down to their last Pokémon.
The camera lingers on Lillie, who is torn between cheering for her brother (Gladion) and her closest friend (Ash). Her emotional turmoil sets the tone: no one wins here without a cost.
Tapu Koko, the de facto rival and guardian of Melemele Island, appears before Ash. In a beautiful piece of visual storytelling, Tapu Koko does not speak. Instead, it flashes back to the very first episode of Sun & Moon— Ash getting slammed by a Thunderbolt. The audience realizes: Tapu Koko has been watching Ash since Day 1. Without a word, Tapu Koko bestows the Legendary Electrium Z.
Perhaps the most touching subplot involves Lillie. She is still struggling with her fear of touching Pokemon (a trauma from her encounter with the Ultra Beast, Nihilego). In this episode, she must receive a Z-Crystal from Tapu Fini, who resides in a misty cave. Lillie cannot battle. Instead, she simply sits down and talks to Tapu Fini about her mother, Lusamine, and her brother, Gladion. Result: Tapu Fini, the Pokemon of life and death, acknowledges that true courage isn't about fighting—it’s about vulnerability. Lillie receives the Legendary Waterium Z while clutching Snowy, her Vulpix, without flinching.
