During a flashback of Paul's battle with Maylene it was revealed that Murkrow had evolved and had defeated Maylene's Meditite and fought her Machoke to a draw. Later Honchkrow was used in a battle with Ash's Turtwig and although Turtwig evolved during the battle, Honchkrow was still victorious. Ash's Staravia also evolved whilst battling Honchkrow in a Pokeringer contest. Earlier in this contest Honchkrow was shown to be powerful enough to knock out a Dragonite with one Sky Attack.
During Paul's first six on six battle with Ash, Honchkrow battled Grotle for the second time and was victorious once again.
