Matori Matrix
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 Matori Matrix in Pokémon Journeys: The Series | ||||||||||||
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The Matori Matrix (Japanese: マトリマトリックス Matori Matrix) is a group of recurring characters who appeared in the Pokémon anime. They are a special Team Rocket elite unit under the leadership of Matori, Giovanni's personal secretary.
History
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
Matori Matrix debuted in Filling the Light with Darkness!, where they approached Alola by helicopter. They were contacted by Giovanni, who asked for a briefing on the progress of their mission. Their target was to catch the "Blinding One".
In Full Moon and Many Arms!, they were approaching Alola, only to suddenly be left lethargic due to Necrozma draining Ultra Aura from the adults around the region. Despite this, they succeeded in catching Necrozma, who had fused with Lunala to take on its Dawn Wings form. However, Necrozma quickly broke free of the net. They later launched another attack on Lunala and Nebby, but were forced to retreat after being hit by Flash Cannon. They reappeared, no longer feeling lethargic when Necrozma fused with Nebby and fled through an Ultra Wormhole.
In The Prism Between Light and Darkness!, they witnessed the Ultra Guardians following Lunala through an Ultra Wormhole. They attempted to follow, only to be stopped by Professor Kukui, Faba, and their Pokémon. Having sustained too much damage, it was unsafe for them to proceed through the Ultra Wormhole. Gozu and several Team Rocket Grunts subsequently headed down to Ten Carat Hill whilst Matori remained on the aircraft to conduct repairs. Gozu easily defeated Hypno, Alakazam, and Braviary with his Mega Aggron, only to be defeated by Incineroar in Securing the Future!. Gozu's group returned to the aircraft when Matori announced the completion of the repairs. They prepared to flying through the Ultra Wormhole, only to be attacked by Tapu Koko, forcing them to retreat.
They reappeared in Spying for the Big Guy!, when Matori arrived in Alola to collect Bewear for Giovanni. Realizing that getting Bewear was near impossible, Matori decided to return with Stufful instead, only to be tricked by Jessie, James and Meowth who disguised Meowth as Stufful. Bewear came to Meowth's rescue, causing the helicopter to crash.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
In A Little Rocket R & R!, Matori led a group of Grunts to steal Pokémon in the Resort Area. They initially succeeded, but with Jessie and James's help, Ash and Goh managed to get the stolen Pokémon back and force Matori and her Grunts to retreat.
They reappeared in Nightfall? Nightmares! and A Midsummer Night's Light!, attempting to capture the Lunar duo. After Cresselia escaped, Matori contacted Jessie, James and Meowth to assist with Matori planning to blame any failure on their part. After finding Cresselia and Darkrai, Matori led an attack, only for Ash, Dawn, Goh and Chloe stopping them before being put to sleep by Darkrai's Dark Void.
Alternate World counterparts of the Matori Matrix members appeared as part of Alternate World Team Rocket in JN090. Unlike their counterparts from the main world, they were under the command of Alternate World Jessie, James and Meowth instead of Matori.
Pokémon
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| Meowth is Matori's only known Pokémon. Matori took it with her during her trips to Alola where it was able to motivate them when they became lethargic due to Necrozma draining Ultra Aura from the adults around the region. | ||
| Debut | Acting True to Form! | |
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| Voice actors | ||
| Japanese | Rikako Aikawa | |
| English | Pete Zarustica | |
 
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| Aggron is Gozu's only known Pokémon. It can Mega Evolve into a Mega Aggron with its Aggronite. It was first seen when Gozu sent it out to battle Professor Kukui and Faba, during which it easily defeated their Pokémon with a single Heavy Slam. It reappeared in Securing the Future!, where it was defeated by Kukui's Incineroar.
Aggron's known moves are Heavy Slam and Flash Cannon. | ||
| Debut | The Prism Between Light and Darkness! | |
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| Voice actors | ||
| Japanese | ||
| English | Carter Cathcart | |
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| Rhyperior was used by a Rocket Grunt attacking the Resort Area. It managed to defeat Goh's Raboot, and when Team Rocket was later forced to retreat, Rhyperior provided cover for their escape.
Rhyperior reappeared in JN074, assisting in the search for Cresselia. Rhyperior's only known move is Stone Edge. | ||
| Debut | A Little Rocket R & R! | |
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| Voice actors | ||
| Japanese | Kenta Miyake | |
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| Purugly was used by a Rocket Grunt attacking the Resort Area. It managed to defeat Ash's Riolu, but it later lost to Pikachu.
Purugly reappeared in JN074, assisting in the search for Cresselia. Purugly's known moves are Fury Swipes and Slash. | ||
| Debut | A Little Rocket R & R! | |
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| Toxicroak was used by a Rocket Grunt attacking the Resort Area. It managed to defeat Ash's Pikachu, but it later lost to Goh's Raboot.
Toxicroak reappeared in JN074, assisting in the search for Cresselia. Toxicroak's known moves are Sludge Bomb, Venoshock, and Poison Jab. | ||
| Debut | A Little Rocket R & R! | |
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| Voice actors | ||
| Japanese | ||
| English | Bill Rogers | |
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| Skuntank was used by a Rocket Grunt attacking the Resort Area. It created a wall of fire to stop Ash from saving his Pikachu from the Grunts.
Skuntank reappeared in JN074, assisting in the search for Cresselia. Skuntank's only known move is Flamethrower. | ||
| Debut | A Little Rocket R & R! | |
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Trivia
- Matori Matrix is the first recurring Team Rocket unit in the anime to feature more than three recurring members.
- It is also the first unit to not be associated with a Team Rocket scientist.
- The Purugly, Skuntank and Toxicroak prominently used by the Matori Matrix mimic the signature Pokémon of Team Galactic members Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
