Raikou

The ability to function as a setup sweeper, pivot, and screen supporter makes Raikou an easy fit on many team styles. In addition to its versatility, thanks to its pseudo-BoltBeam coverage and excellent Speed, Raikou can also check some of the top threats seen in the metagame such as Garchomp, Talonflame, and Mega Salamence. With Pressure and a reliable setup move in Calm Mind, Raikou beats defensive threats such as Rotom-W and Cresselia. Raikou not only has advantages over its fellow Electric-types, such as better defenses and not requiring a Mega slot, but also is a great check to other Electric-types, such as Thundurus and Zapdos. However, despite having a decent Special Attack, it lacks the firepower to OHKO Garchomp and Mega Salamence without the aid of Life Orb or Choice Specs, limiting its options. In a more physically oriented metagame such as Battle Spot Singles, Raikou's inferior physical bulk is also a problem, as Ground-type moves are so common even as coverage moves.