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So it turns out you actually CAN face the OG Elite 4 in Crystal Clear without using the shitty simulator, only they're bosses in the game's battle facility, the Kanto Underground, along with a ton of other characters like the gym leaders and a bunch of OCs including Randy Savage so good luck actually getting the opportunity to fight them.
They also have different designs and titles, Will is now called Illusionist Will. I think in Crystal Clear's lore, every member of the Elite 4 quit for some reason.