Ash-Greninja debuted in the Pokemon XY and Z anime in 2015 as a special form Greninja gains through its bond with Ash, later appearing in Pokemon Sun and Moon games via a demo and in Super Smash Bros as part of Greninja's Final Smash. Fan editors lifted its battle theme from the series and shared it across YouTube, TikTok and soundboards as a shorthand for a synced power-up. Its continued use comes from instant recognition among Pokemon fans, who associate the rising music with determination, teamwork and a turning point in battle.