>>37178597>>37180017>>37180076The theory is that they perhaps wanted to implement the Shelmet/Karrablast trade mechanic in Gen 1 for Golem/Machamp, but couldn't due to programming limitations (or laziness). Then they got around to actually introducing it in Gen 5. I've seen the theory discussed before, and while I typically hate headcannon, you have to admit the attributes swapped between Graveler and Machoke after they evolve is pretty clear. Maybe it's coincidence.
