I remeber back when i just started playing the TCG.  Fighting was a regular sight in decks.  My first deck after the starter set was a Hitmonchan, Machamp deck.  To be honest I look back at it now and wonder "What was I thinking."  

 

Fighting started off as a semi-dominant force in the Pokemon TCG.  People could safely make fighting decks and not have to worry about Scythers, Mr. Mimes, and other nasties that have an advantage over them.  Then Jungle came, and with it came the newer improved Haymaker.  Scythers with their extreme versatility and fighting resistance, dominated any fighting deck.  The unbeatable Mr. Mime brought loads of new horrors to fighting decks. 

 

Jungle gave fighting nothing to work with.  The Rhydon line is WAY too expensive for what they deliver.  Primape is ok, but confusion is pratical suicide.  Mankey is just way too weak plain and simple.  The Marowak line is ok, it gives some speed to fighting deck, but it's just too weak and unreliable.  All in all Jungle was a flop for fighting.

 

Fossil brought some new hopes for the fighting player.  Most were disapointed though.  Aerodactyl gave a little depth to fighting, as well as a little well needed defense.  Once again Scyther and his team of fighting destroyers came along and ruined the hopes of Aerodactyl in a tournament worthy deck.  Kabutops brought some of the same Aerodactyl did and once again Scyther and his gang ruined it again.  The golem line didn't stand a chance against pretty much everything, Sandslash gave some offensive, but the lone underdog of fighting from fossil was Hitmonlee.  Although weaker than Hitmonchan, his offensive capabilities are a little stronger.  Most still hold close to their well loved Hitmonchans, and with good reason.  Hitmonchan is by far the best fighting card out right now.  One for twenty is very effiecient, and his straight forward Special Punch is a strong attack.  To be honest not much can take his place.  We'll have to take a peek into the future of the Pokemon TCG...

 

Things fighting has too look forward too. The Team Rocket set will bring a newer weaker Machamp.  An even stranger Primape which might actually see some play, and an incredibly sad excuse for a Dugtrio.  Gym set One will help out a lot.  Brocks gym removes that devastating fighting weakness, also most of his guys (especially his onix) are quite strong and can hold their own in the tournament scene.  But the best aspect of Gym One will be Team Rockets Hitmonchan.  This guys is incredible.  He can easily take the place of the old one.  Gym Two won't help much, but one thing really stuck out in the crowd.  Giovannis Machamp is one tough customer.  With high hitpoints, and a possible 120 damage attack, he should be in there duking it out with the best of them.

 

All in all fighting right now is probobly the weakest set out.  It is dead right now.  But the best is by far yet to come...