Nidoking

Nidoking's amazing typing lets it check prominent Pokemon such as Zapdos and Alolan Muk, gives a helpful Stealth Rock resistance, and makes it immune to both Toxic and Thunder Wave. Unfortunately, Nidoqueen shares these traits and outclasses it defensively, and Alolan Dugtrio overshadows it in terms of Speed and therefore often in offensive presence. Nidoking therefore acts as a versatile midground choice with greater power than both, greater Speed than Nidoqueen, and a better movepool and tanking ability than Alolan Dugtrio. Its reduced bulk compared to Nidoqueen gives Nidoking a worse matchup against many common metagame threats such as Alolan Dugtrio, Melmetal, and Mega Charizard X, but its range of attacking options and solid power make it near impossible to consistently switch into. Due to its increased offensive capability, it is less prone than Nidoqueen to being exploited by Pokemon like Cloyster and Gyarados, which can use Nidoqueen for a somewhat free turn. Before its set is properly scouted, many major metagame threats risk heavy damage from one of Nidoking's coverage options or being hamstrung by its perfectly accurate Toxic.