I orrigianlly wrote this for secretdeck.com, so please don't think I'm crazy for writing something so long.
The first thing that really stands out on Wailord is its impressive HP, at an incredible 200. This gives our not-so-litte fellow here quite a lot of longevity, right? Well, this is not the case when Gallade comes in to the picture. Gallade’s first attack, Sonic Blade, deals 150 damage in one devastating blow, which sets up an easy KO from either Gardevoir or Gallade when Wailord sees the active position later in the game. Now, I know what you’re thinking: isn’t there anyway to stop Sonic Blade? Well, yes, there is!
In fact, there are two easy options, one of those being Unown G. Unown G is usually the fastest since it can be searched out from the deck using popular cards such as Roseanne’s Research, Holon Mentor, Pachirisu, etc.
Once in play, it can be attached as a tool to a Pokemon, and it stops all effects done to that Pokemon, excluding damage. This is perfect to stop Sonic Blade, since it places damage counters instead of doing actual damage. But while using Unown G, a Tool card, other Tool cards can’t be attached to Wailord. So, what if I you’re looking to play things like Amulet Coin or Leftovers? Holon Energy WP is your solution!
Holon Energy WP works nicely with Wailord, since its attack allows for one Colorless Energy, which Holon Energy WP provides. Holon Energy WP provides the much needed protection from Gallade, so these are a must in Waliord decks at this time. But don’t get all excited yet! Holon Energy WP has no practical way to searched for from out of the deck; thus, you would be reliant on top decking it.
Now, what combos with this big guy?
Xatu SW
I have seen a few people thinking that Xatu is a good combo for Wailord, since it can remove the Special Condition sleep away from Wailord, and transfer it to the opponent’s Pokemon, but this plan is not perfect. The odds using this Xatu’s Poke-Power to put the Defending Pokemon to sleep for just one turn is an ugly 12.5%. Another problem with Xatu is that it requires Psychic Energy, and Wailord is really hungry for Water Energy. So somehow they would need to share unrelated Energy types, and things would get messy. Double Rainbow Energy is an option, but it only makes Xatu weaker and the same for Wailord. Xatu would only be useful as a 1-1 tech to keep Wailord awake for that 25% of the time he would still be asleep after attacking. It really doesn’t fit in as an attacker. What Wailord really needs a partner that can do a lot of damage and accelerate Energy attachments.
Blastoise SW
Blastoise comes to mind since it helps feed Energy to Wailord with its Poke-Power, Waterlog. Unfortunately, this brings your turn to an end. But think about all of the turns where you wouldn’t have been attacking because you have no energy attached, anyway, and it looks a bit better. Plus, Blastoise can deal some solid damage at a ridiculous cost of five Energy… which isn’t so good. Scramble Energy can help here, since the attack doesn’t require separate Energy Cards to do the extra damage.
To sum all of this up, Wailord is a lot like Torterra (a really bad card for those of you that don’t know): A lot of HP and a bad attack. But at least Torterra gets two attacks. That is definitely Wailord’s downfall, having one costly and weak attack. There really aren’t any truly solid combos for Wailord right now, and it definitely would not be able to function on its own. It is not effective against the metgame since it can’t even OHKO Magmortar or Typhlosion, or even even two-hit-KO Gallade. This ultimately slams the door on this card, and you can rest assured he’ll just be sitting in my binder for a long time.
Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:
Ok guys enough come on. You're missing the big picture. Wailord is not meant to attack....EVER!!! It is simply the best wall I've seen around. It simply meant to stall your opponent while you set up for the big onslaught. Especially if you've got nothing. Forget holon circle considering the fact that most people don't wait for you anyway.
Using it as a wall gives Magmortar time for snipefest. W00T! And that is not good for the Wailord Player. Also, Gallade rips it apart if it is unprotected.