Uh Aquaman... to have control of this match you need to do one of two things:
- Get a knockdown on him quickly since his wakeups are shitty and you have the advantage there,
- For combos/damage launch him quickly. LAUNCH 'IM REAL GOOD. That way trait won't be as much of a problem
DON'T jump in too much if at all, if you do jump in you
WILL get d2'd since Aquaman's is one of the best in the game. Use empty jumpins cancelled into smoke bombs to bait the d2 but obviously don't do this too much as it's VERY punishable on block.
Cartwheel is probably your best option for a bit of pressure and getting in, mix it up between:
- Db2u- Side Kick (for frame advantage, this option is whiff punishable by ducking though)
- Db2- Bat-wheel (hits overhead to catch out those ducking to punish cartwheel up, -14 on block though so not hard to punish)
- Db2d- Low punch (hits low for another mixup/mindgame, -9 on block so slightly harder to punish)
You can also use cartwheel/up/down after a blocked trident rush (normal or MB) to check the opponent since cartwheel starts up in 12 frames and trident rush is -11, so it won't be backdashable or get beat by another move.
Of course use your vortex when you can to an extent, Aquamans period of traitlessness is probably best for doing vortex. Otherwise, if he has trait but you manage to get a launch, go for damage-optimized combos and try to stuff his wakeups after a knockdown or keep the pressure on.
In general it
is a stupid match, but with a bit of patience you might find it a bit easier. The other Batgirl mains can elaborate on anything I've missed here since they'll have played it more than me but this is everything off the top of my head.
Other POSSIBLE solutions: Don't take my word for this but from certain distances you may be able to punish a blocked trident rush with flying bat since trident rush is -11, but that would only be helpful if the Aquaman lands close enough to you at the end of the move. I haven't played the match enough to know if this works so again refer to BG mains more experienced in the matchup, but that's my two pennies (I'd say cents but I'm not American
)
Edit: Refer to Pan1cmode's post below too