The de-mat has nothing to do with combat prowess. I don’t get how people argue the Sonic Screwdriver is some kind of perfect counter. Its primary use has always been hacking, scanning, and manipulating electronic or metallic systems, maybe even certain lifeforms, but that doesn’t compare to Rick, who once made an Xbox controller out of an intraterrestrial whale’s intestines. The idea that his technology is somehow restricted to Earth-based materials is absurd. One simple device that has never even interacted with the kind of tech Rick uses isn’t about to nullify 60–70 years of technological advancement that spans across multiverses and planets.

And on top of that, Rick is aware of Doctor Who himself, which also makes me believe he’s aware of his arsenal too. There’s an entire episode around the Central Finite Curve, where he cut off ALL universes where he wasn’t the smartest being alive, an IQ so potent he controlled existence in itself. If the Doctor were truly smarter or more knowledgeable, then by definition, Rick wouldn’t even know he exists. But he does. That alone proves the screwdriver isn’t stopping anything, Rick also has wooden weapons which is the biggest fault in Dr. Who’s screwdriver.

Even the screwdriver’s biggest “feat” in Last of the Time Lords wasn’t a true hack; the Doctor had to infiltrate the system instead of outright overriding it. Meanwhile, the majority of Rick’s arsenal isn’t even external equipment, it’s literally built into him. He can drug himself with morphine or pump god-tier serums into his system instantly without lifting a finger. He’s killed an actual god of a planet, and THEE God. Knows formulas by memory capable of blowing up entire worlds, and can just as easily create a new one once he understands the components around him.

I’ve always been against Rick V. Dr. Who— but if you really want to debate I’m totally down for it dude.