For Red, becoming Champion was the end of everything. The moment he received the title, he was bind to it. Those years spent on top of the mountain, they were done out of obligation. As long as he still holds the title of champion, he's unable to set foot from Mount Silver. There was nowhere else to go once you reached the top.
When his Pikachu fell against the boy's Typhlosion, he realized how truly wrong he was. Having the world at the palm of his hand was not the cause of this stagnant pause - his disability to dive back in was.
In the middle of the raging storm, he stood up, cradling his Pikachu gently in his arms. Looking straight at the younger boy, Red regarded him with a small smile.
"Thank you."
It was a soft whisper; he doubted the boy could hear him, but it didn't matter. He wouldn't understand. He didn't know of the pain that passed through Red's chest. He didn't know of the endless loop Red was trapped in. He didn't know the years of agony he halted. Still, Red was more than grateful to him; grateful for giving him a new beginning.