Steeler first appeared in Zap!! A Rising Beam of Light as a wild Dynamaxed Pokémon in a Pokémon Den at the Rolling Fields. After Henry, Casey, and two Team Yell Grunts fell into his den, they challenged him to a Max Raid Battle. A Thievul belonging to one of the Team Yell Grunts managed to burn Gurdurr with Fire Fang, but that only activated his Guts Ability, making his attacks even stronger. After a long battle, the Muscular Pokémon was finally defeated when his steel beam was heated up by the Fire-type attacks from Thievul and Casey's Scorbunny, distracting him long enough for Lancelot to land a super effective Brave Bird attack on him. This allowed Henry to catch him and nickname him Steeler.
In Watch Out!! Strong Rivals, Steeler was used in Henry's Gym battle against Milo. Steeler quickly took Milo's Gossifleur down with Close Combat. However, once Milo sent his Eldegoss onto the field and Dynamaxed it, he was switched out in favor of Lancelot.
In Blazing!! Bede's Feelings, Steeler was used in a battle against Bede and his Galarian Ponyta. Steeler started the match off with Hammer Arm, which Ponyta dodged, allowing it to respond with Agility and dodge his attacks. In order to counter Ponyta's speed, Henry has Steeler use Rock Slide, creating a dust cloud for him to hide in. Ponyta seemingly finds him through and charges for him, but instead, it hits his steel beam. Steeler, who had been hiding under the rocks, swings his steel beam into Ponyta and sends the Unique Horn Pokémon flying, knocking it out.
In Rising!! Opal of Ballonlea, Steeler was used to battle Opal's second Pokémon, Togekiss, who was quickly taken down with a Rock Slide. Steeler was then switched out in favor of Lancelot.
Like most Gurdurr, Steeler is shown to be quite proficient in using his steel beam in battle. He is also shown to be a powerful Pokémon, as seen when he managed to face Henry, Casey, and the two Team Yell Grunts with little difficulty, and only fell to them once he was distracted by the heat of his steel beam. This power is also displayed in the Gym battles that he participates in, often knocking a Pokémon out in one hit and getting switched out.
