Thoughts on Ash and Professor Kukui in the Alola League
Ash battling Kukui makes the most sense. The final fight being against Guzma and Kukui would be good for their connection, but a big final battle not being a main character like Ash would seem kind of weird. And Guzma wants to destrot the League. I don’t see him only destroying the League (if he goes through with it) after defeating every other opponent. And Ash has a reason to fight against him as well, due to Ash’s fights with the Masked Royal and helping Ash out with his Litten and Torracat.
Ash was the one to give Professor Kukui the idea for the Alola Pokemon League and the ending to SM125 said that the meeting between Ash and the young Professor Kukui would connect to the Alola Pokemon League. Sure, it could be talking about Professor Kukui creating it, but with the League scene in the current Opening and how close they are, it could be referring to another battle, this time ending in a draw or Ash almost winning. Don't forget, Ash consoled Professor Kukui when he time traveled and defeated him, so that could be a foreshadowing to Professor Kukui saying the same thing or something similar after he defeats Ash. And, finally, Professor Kukui was meant to fight Ash in the second episode, and maybe Ash could face him in the League but he finds out who he is during the battle.
