Pokémon Season 1 Episode 81

After making a promise with Richie that he will have the best battle of his life, Ash is kidnapped by Team Rocket, who scheme to prevent him from participating in his fifth round match against Richie, let alone steal Pikachu. Ash is not about to let Team Rocket make him break the promise he made with Richie, so he is able to eventually escape. However, he loses due to his Charizard refusing his orders in the final stretch of his battle against Richie. Richie moves on to the quarterfinals.