WWE RAW 5/19/2025: 3 Things We Loved & 3 We Hated

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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3 Things We Loved About WWE RAW 5/19/2025

The Unexpected Return of Stone Cold Steve Austin

The crowd erupted as the unmistakable glass shattering sound echoed through the arena. The surprise return of Stone Cold Steve Austin on WWE RAW 5/19/2025 was a moment that will be etched in wrestling history. This unexpected comeback completely shifted the dynamics of the ongoing storyline with Seth Rollins, injecting a much-needed dose of adrenaline into the Monday Night Raw landscape. The impact was immediate and significant; the crowd went ballistic, a testament to Austin's enduring popularity and legendary status. This surprise return hints at a potential WrestleMania-level showdown, promising a major feud that will undoubtedly dominate future WWE events.

• Spectacular entrance: Austin's signature entrance, complete with the iconic music and the unmistakable swagger, was a perfect blend of nostalgia and electrifying energy.
• Dominating performance: Despite being away from the ring for some time, Austin showcased his undeniable charisma and in-ring prowess, reminding everyone why he's considered one of the greats.
• Hints at a major feud: The brief but impactful confrontation with Rollins sets the stage for a potential dream match, fueling speculation and excitement amongst wrestling fans worldwide.

The Phenomenal Match Between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes

The main event clash between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes on WWE RAW 5/19/2025 was nothing short of incredible. This wrestling match delivered on all fronts, showcasing the technical brilliance of both superstars, incredible storytelling, and a palpable emotional impact. The in-ring action was breathtaking, with a series of stunning reversals and near-falls that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The match perfectly blended high-octane action with compelling narrative, building towards a genuinely emotional climax. This WWE RAW match was a masterpiece of athleticism and storytelling.

• Technical brilliance: Both Reigns and Rhodes showcased their exceptional skills, seamlessly blending power moves with technical wrestling mastery.
• Stunning reversals: The match was filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
• Emotional climax: The final moments of the match were intensely emotional, building to a satisfying – though not conclusive – end.

The Development of Rhea Ripley's Ruthless Character Arc

Rhea Ripley’s continued dominance and evolution as a heel on WWE RAW 5/19/2025 is a testament to compelling storyline development. Her ruthless aggression and unwavering determination have captivated audiences, driving her character arc forward in a remarkably effective way. This compelling storyline keeps fans engaged and curious about her future actions, highlighting her character growth and evolution as a dominant force within the women's division. The increased tension and drama surrounding Ripley's actions create an intriguing future for her character and potential feuds.

• Increased tension and drama: Ripley's actions consistently escalate the tension and create compelling drama, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next.
• Character growth and evolution: We've seen Ripley grow and evolve as a character, making her more intimidating and compelling than ever.
• Intriguing future prospects: Ripley's current trajectory suggests many exciting possibilities for future storylines and feuds.

3 Things We Hated About WWE RAW 5/19/2025

The Disappointing Tag Team Match

The tag team match between The Usos and The Street Profits, unfortunately, fell flat. The match lacked the energy and excitement we’ve come to expect from these talented teams. The pacing was sluggish, and the finish felt unsatisfying and rushed, robbing the match of its potential impact. This disappointing match demonstrated poor booking decisions and missed opportunities for a compelling storyline development. This was a missed chance for a show-stealing performance.

• Lackluster pacing: The match felt slow and lacked the necessary energy to keep the audience engaged.
• Uninspired finish: The sudden and predictable conclusion left viewers feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.
• Missed opportunities: The match had the potential to be great, but poor booking choices let it down.

The Overreliance on Interruptions and Distraction Finishes

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 suffered from an overreliance on interruptions and distraction finishes. This overuse of a stale wrestling tactic led to predictable outcomes and diminished audience engagement. This repetitive storyline device hampered the overall quality of the show, highlighting a need for fresh creative ideas to prevent the storylines from becoming stale and predictable. Viewers deserve better than this unimaginative approach.

• Predictable outcomes: The constant interruptions and distraction finishes made the matches feel less impactful and predictable.
• Diminished audience engagement: The predictability led to a decrease in audience engagement and excitement.
• Need for fresh creative ideas: WWE needs to move beyond this overused trope and find more innovative ways to tell stories.

The Unclear Direction of The Judgment Day Storyline

The Judgment Day storyline felt muddled and confusing on WWE RAW 5/19/2025. The lack of clear direction and inconsistent booking created a sense of frustration among viewers. The storyline lacked coherence, leaving many plot points unresolved and creating missed opportunities for compelling storytelling. This inconsistent narrative undermined the potential for a captivating storyline arc.

• Lack of coherence: The storyline felt disjointed and lacked a clear narrative structure.
• Missed opportunities for storytelling: The unclear direction wasted opportunities to create compelling storylines.
• Frustration for viewers: The confusion and lack of clarity left viewers feeling frustrated and disengaged.

Conclusion

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 delivered a mixed bag of excitement and frustration. While the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the phenomenal match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes were highlights, the disappointing tag team match and the unclear direction of The Judgment Day storyline left much to be desired. The overreliance on interruptions also detracted from the overall enjoyment. Ultimately, the show demonstrated both the potential and the pitfalls of WWE programming. Stay tuned for our next recap and continue the conversation using #WWERAW and #MondayNightRaw! What were your favorite and least favorite moments from WWE RAW 5/19/2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!