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

Kenji Nakamura

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 a WWE Legend

The crowd erupted when the iconic theme music of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin filled the arena. His surprise return, after years of retirement, sent shockwaves through the WWE universe. This WWE Legend's impact was immediate. His presence alone injected a much-needed dose of energy into the show, and the social media buzz was incredible.

• Impact on Storylines: Austin's return immediately reignited the feud between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, adding a layer of unpredictability that had fans on the edge of their seats. The potential for a dream match between Austin and a current superstar is palpable.
• Fan Reactions: #StoneColdIsBack trended worldwide on Twitter, with fans sharing their excitement and speculation about what this return means for the future of RAW and WrestleMania 39. The energy in the arena was electric, showcasing the enduring power of this WWE legend.

The Phenomenal Match Between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre

The main event clash between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre was a masterpiece of athleticism and storytelling. From the opening bell to the final pin, the match was a back-and-forth battle, showcasing the incredible skills of both wrestlers.

• Wrestling Highlights: The match featured a series of breathtaking near-falls, including a perfectly executed Claymore Kick by McIntyre that nearly ended Reigns' reign. Reigns' calculated counters and his dominant presence kept the audience enthralled.
• Captivating Aspects: The storytelling was superb, with the match effectively highlighting the personal animosity between the two rivals. The crowd was fully invested, roaring with each impactful move and near-fall. The match perfectly blended technical wrestling prowess with dramatic storytelling, making it a true highlight of the night.

The Intriguing New Storyline Development: The Mystery of the Attack on Becky Lynch

A shocking attack on Becky Lynch after her match left fans guessing about the perpetrator. The assailant remained hidden, adding an element of mystery and suspense to an already compelling storyline.

• Future Implications: This development creates an intriguing setup for future episodes. The mystery surrounding the attacker promises weeks, if not months, of thrilling speculation and potential twists, significantly boosting viewership for upcoming RAW episodes and potentially leading to a major WWE PPV storyline.
• Intrigue and Excitement: The unexpected nature of the attack, combined with the lack of immediate answers, has successfully raised the stakes and added significant intrigue to the world of WWE. The possibilities are endless, creating excitement for wrestling fans everywhere.

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

The Disappointing Conclusion to the AJ Styles vs. The Miz Feud

The long-running feud between AJ Styles and The Miz culminated in a disappointing match that lacked the intensity and excitement expected from such a rivalry. The match felt rushed and lacked a proper build-up, leaving fans feeling unfulfilled.

• Underwhelming Aspects: The match lacked the emotional depth and compelling storytelling that characterized previous encounters between Styles and Miz. Several key moments felt anticlimactic, and the resolution felt unsatisfying.
• Improvements: A longer match with a stronger narrative would have better served this established rivalry. More emphasis on the history between the wrestlers and greater build-up to the final match could have improved audience satisfaction considerably.

The Overuse of Interruptions and Distractions

The overuse of interruptions and distractions throughout several matches hindered the momentum and enjoyment of the contests. Too many outside influences prevented the wrestlers from fully showcasing their skills and storytelling.

• Examples: Several matches were disrupted multiple times by outside interference, making it difficult for the audience to become truly invested in the outcome. This led to a sense of frustration and diminished the impact of the in-ring action.
• Impact: The constant interruptions detracted from the quality of several matches and made it harder to follow the storylines being presented. This could lead to audience dissatisfaction and a decreased interest in future WWE RAW episodes.

The Lackluster Build-up to SummerSlam

The show failed to generate sufficient excitement for the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view. While some storylines were hinted at, the overall promotional efforts were underwhelming.

• Improvement Suggestions: More compelling promotional videos and segments dedicated to SummerSlam, featuring wrestler interviews and match previews could have generated more buzz. Highlighting the stakes and potential outcomes of upcoming matches would have been beneficial.
• Impact: The weak promotion could potentially lead to lower ticket sales and viewership for SummerSlam, which would be detrimental to the WWE's overall success.

Conclusion

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 delivered some incredible moments, notably the return of a WWE Legend and a phenomenal main event match, alongside an intriguing storyline development. However, the show also had its shortcomings, including a disappointing match conclusion, overuse of interruptions, and a lackluster build-up to SummerSlam. Overall, the show offered a mixed bag of highs and lows.

What did YOU think of WWE RAW 5/19/2025? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss your favorite and least favorite moments from this week's episode! Join the conversation and share your WWE RAW experience!