Summary Basic Fighting Energy cards are essential for decks focused on the Fighting type, with some cards dating back to early 2000s expansions
Getting to cast Channel in Commander is a hell of a drug, and thankfully its gated behind a three drop that then needs you to have a power seven or greater creature, and then have that three drop (and you!) survive a full turn cycle

Abandon the Post Abandoned Sarcophagus Abhorrent Oculus Abstract Performance Acorn Harvest Advanced Reconstruction Aerial Extortionist Alaundo the Seer Alex Wilder, Runaway All-Fates Stalker Aloe Alchemist Alrund's Epiphany Altar of Bhaal Alter Reality Ambush Wolf Amethyst Dragon Aminatou's Augury Amped Raptor Analyze the Pollen Ancestral Tribute Ancestral Vision Ancient Grudge Angel of the Dire Hour Angelfire Ignition Angelic Favor Annie Flash, the Veteran Annoyed Altisaur Anticausal Vestige Antiquities on the Loose Apex Devastator Apex of Power Appa, Steadfast Guardian Appeal // Authority Aquatic Alchemist Arc Blade Arcane Bombardment Arcane Heist Arcane Infusion Arcane Proxy Arcane Savant Archaic's Agony Archfiend's Vessel Archmage's Newt Ardent Plea Ardenvale Tactician Army of the Damned Arrogant Wurm Artful Dodge Artful Maneuver Arvinox, the Mind Flail Ashiok, Nightmare Muse Assert Authority Atraxi Warden Augury Raven Auron's Inspiration Aurora Phoenix Auspicious Starrix Author of Shadows Avatar's Wrath Aven Interrupter Azula, Cunning Usurper Back from the Brink Baron Helmut Zemo Bash to Bits Basking Rootwalla Battle Mammoth Battle Screech

There are numerous Sphinxes in Magic that synergize with both of the commanders and are inexpensive, from the alt win-condition of Atemsis, All-Seeing to a potential draw three every turn thanks to Prognostic Sphinx
On that note, the stretch of time between his final badge and the Pokemon league were intended as the time for him to train his Pokemon, somewhat mirroring how even after defeating the final gym, there was still a stretch of routes and trainers that players would need to build up their team's strength in order to be capable