Phantom_Nook posted... it's also possible that Gary was the first challenger to beat the Elite Four, making him the first Champion.
Then wouldn't Lance be the champion? I mean the gym systems been clearly around for at least a bit (long enough for Viridian City to both get a leader and fall into disrepair) so it's clearly not 'new'. It's possible that, with
Giovanni leaving the gym there haven't been challengers for a while since no one could get eight badges and they were looking for a replacement. But that doesn't change that there were people before...
Seems far more likely that the prior champ just abdicated or was removed. Here's a crazy idea, what if it was because of Team Rocket? Like either they had ties to Rocket or, alternatively, were pressured to resign by them?
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I am the gentle hand who heals, the happy smile who shields, and the foot that will kick your ***! - White Mage