Team Rocket, released in 2000, marked a pivotal moment in Pokémon TCG history as the first set to introduce villain-themed cards. This groundbreaking expansion challenged the heroic narrative of earlier releases, giving collectors darker interpretations of familiar Pokémon. The set's edgy aesthetic and mechanical innovations made it a landmark release that energized the hobby during the trading card boom of the early 2000s. Dark Gyarados stands as one of the set's most iconic cards, presenting the fearsome sea dragon under Team Rocket's sinister influence. The card's striking artwork and powerful presence in competitive play made it a cornerstone pull for collectors and players alike. Dark Gyarados remains a defining piece of this transformative era.