Cliff was the first Team GO Rocket Leader encountered by one of Professor Willow's assistants. Blanche and Professor Willow, while testing an unsuccessful prototype of the Rocket Radar, were suddenly approached by Cliff, warning them that they were "encroaching on Team GO Rocket territory." Cliff told the two to retreat in a surprisingly gentle tone. Professor Willow and Blanche, unprepared for a battle, decided to return to the lab.[1]
He has a short temper, and he is feared for his strength and his intolerance to disloyalty. However, he's also renowned at the same time for his big heart and kind soul.[2]
On November 5, 2019[3], Cliff sent the following message to Blanche:
"Blanche. You overthink.
You overcalculate.
You overcomplicate.
But can’t you see? It’s pretty simple. Your time as a leader is OVER!!!"
On July 26, 2020, during Pokémon GO Fest 2020, Cliff battled Blanche. Blanche initiated the battle by sending out a Lapras, while Cliff sent a Shadow Tyranitar.[4] Tyranitar used Stone Edge but Lapras retaliated with Hydro Pump.[5] In the end, Blanche won the battle when Giovanni recalled Cliff to him along with the other Team GO Rocket Leaders.[6]
Cliff uses a team of three Shadow Pokémon in a Trainer Battle, each independently and randomly selected from separate pools. Green-colored cells denote the Pokémon that will be encountered during the bonus challenge. The Shadow Pokémon left by Cliff have a chance of becoming Shiny, as denoted by the icon.