I bump this thread with exciting news!
Incineroar is going to be making its anime debut on the 22nd of February!
Episode information on Serebii said:
February 22nd: SM63 - Burn with Passion, Nyabby! Down with Gaogaen!!
Satoshi and the others have gone to the Battle Royal venue. There, Satoshi decides to challenge the greatest Battle Royal fighter of them all, Royal Mask, with his Nyabby!!
This is also likely the episode where Litten evolves, as it has been confirmed it will evolve into Torracat through a magazine scan for the anime season.
That being said, there is one slight issue.
This means Kukui has an Incineroar. Which wouldn't be a big deal, except Kukui is one of the "protagonists" (more like a supporting character while Ash and his classmates are the lead roles, but still).
Typically, "protagonists" don't share the same Pokémon in their on-screen lineup.
This means Ash's Torracat has a chance to
not evolve further because Kukui already has Incineroar.
On the other hand, this could also be Litten's "gateway" into a goal to
become an Incineroar just like Kukui's, with "Royal Mask" giving Ash an Incinium-Z after the battle as something to look forward to using in the future. Malicious Moonsault could easily be showcased here to reveal certain Pokémon can get their
own Z-Moves.
Besides, Kukui's Incineroar may just be for whenever he dons the Royal Mask persona and not a series regular, anyway. We don't know for sure.
Either way, with the movie role for I Choose You! and
possible appearance in this upcoming movie (since it takes place in the same universe), and now an anime appearance, it's hard for me as an Incineroar fan
not to be excited with the love Incineroar has been getting despite the initial hate it had upon being leaked.