• English / United States: Lt. Surge's Raichu
• Japanese / Japan: マチスのライチュウ
• Japanese (Romanized) / Japan: Matis no Raichu
• Japanese (TL) / Japan: Matis' Raichu

Lieutenant Surge made a dramatic entrance in the original series episode Electric Shock Showdown where he showcased his Raichu. Lt. Surge's attitude towards Pokémon is to evolve them as soon as possible so they are as strong as possible.

With a condescending smirk, Surge mocked Ash's Pikachu, dismissing it as a weak. Despite Pikachu's small stature, Ash Ketchum accepted the challenge. However, Lt. Surge's Raichu overwhelmingly stronger Electric attacks quickly overwhelmed Pikachu and he lost the match.

After a brief recovery at the Pokémon Center, Ash returned to the gym for a rematch. This time, Pikachu used its speed and agility to evade Raichu's attacks. In a desperate attempt to gain the upper hand, Lt. Surge had Raichu unleash a powerful Thunderbolt, shattering the gym's windows and plunging it into darkness.

Surprisingly, Pikachu remained unharmed, having grounded itself with its tail to absorb the electricity. Lt. Surge's Raichu on the other hand, was exhausted from using such a powerful attack. Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu delivered a decisive blow, defeating Raichu and earning Ash the coveted Thunder Badge.