>>52408173Contestshipping never even actually happened. May went and traveled on her own and showed back up to Ash still on her own and still holding her half of the ribbon. I wouldn't be surprised if she still has it now. even in JN, she's off doing her own thing and shows up with Lisia and Serena watching Ash's finals match and cheering for him. People just automatically headcanoned that she went with Drew and the misinformation spread into one giant headcanon with nothing to back it up because Pokemon fans can't be assed to actually do their homework and research.
Advanceshipping still has just as much fuel and place in modern times as all the other Ash ships after the girls all rooted for him in the finals. Pearlshipping is still ahead though since Dawn actually showed up in person, but hey, all girls are valid.
