>>53811774The real answer:
Eri is meant to have (non-human) primates as a sort of “theme”. She appears to be a savage brute at first glance, but she’s actually quite composed and caring - not even hidden beyond a first impression.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough fighting type primates to go around. Infernape isn’t in the game and even if they did put it in, it’s a starter from another region so would seem odd for her to have. But Primeape was a fully evolved Pokémon until this Gen so it’s “good enough”. It also brings to mind it being a “student” or even family member to her Annihilape which matches her nurturing nature.
