>>23364632This also serve as a head cannon for me:
The "Champion" position was never intended by GAMEFREAK. Blue's popularity was the only thing that made the "Champion" position a legitimate position in the E4 for future releases. (GSC / RSE / and so on)
In-universe explanation: The champion position never existed until Blue established it. The proof? Lance's losing quote: "I still can’t believe my dragons lost to you, <player>! You’re now the Pokémon League champion! …Or, you would have been, but you have one more challenge ahead......."
If there was a champion position, he wouldn't say that. Why would he? For shits and giggle? There's no way, his character is set as serious.