During the August Reveal Trainer for Pokemon Sword & Shield, it was revealed that players will actually have a handful of rivals throughout the Main Story. Even though Hop will be the Main Rival of the games, players will have a number of other competitors that they will come across (and have to battle) during their adventures within The Galar Region.
Bede is one of these additional rivals. Bede is a trainer also trying to complete the Gym Challenge, the same who was actually sponsored by none than Chairman Rose himself. However, it seems that Bede will also have a few other intentions in mind.