WWE RAW (5/19/2025) Review: Hits And Misses

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.5

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The Biggest Hits of WWE RAW (5/19/2025)

Match of the Night: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes – Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match

The main event clash between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship was nothing short of spectacular. This match showcased the best of WWE wrestling, blending incredible in-ring action with compelling storytelling. The intensity was palpable throughout, culminating in a truly breathtaking finish.

• Stunning reversal: Rhodes' incredible comeback after a seemingly insurmountable attack by Reigns kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
• Crowd reaction: The electric atmosphere, fueled by the anticipation and the incredible performances, was a testament to the match's quality.
• Technical prowess: Both wrestlers displayed their technical skills, seamlessly blending power moves with precision strikes. The match was a masterclass in WWE wrestling technique.

Storyline Development: The Judgment Day's Continued Dominance

The Judgment Day faction continued their impressive run, showcasing strong character development and effective storyline progression. Their calculated actions and compelling interactions further solidified their position as one of the most captivating storylines in WWE.

• Effective build-up: Their slow burn approach to dismantling their opponents has created a palpable sense of dread and anticipation amongst the audience.
• Character motivations: Each member’s clear motivations and the internal dynamics within the group have added layers of depth and complexity to the storyline.
• Unexpected turns: The unpredictable nature of the group keeps viewers engaged, making it impossible to guess what will happen next.

Surprise Returns/Debuts: The Rock's Shocking Appearance

The night saw a shocking return that sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy – The Rock made a surprise appearance, immediately injecting new energy and excitement into the show. His unexpected involvement promises significant implications for future storylines.

• Crowd pop: The roar of the crowd was deafening; a testament to The Rock's enduring popularity and the impact of his return.
• Future storyline implications: His presence opens up numerous possibilities for exciting storylines and high-stakes matches down the line.
• Overall effectiveness: The surprise return was flawlessly executed, immediately boosting the show’s momentum and leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

The Misses of WWE RAW (5/19/2025)

Disappointing Match: The Miz vs. LA Knight – Singles Match

The match between The Miz and LA Knight unfortunately fell flat. The lackluster performance and unclear storytelling resulted in a match that lacked the excitement and engagement of other bouts on the card.

• Poor pacing: The match felt slow and lacked a compelling structure, making it difficult for the audience to invest in the outcome.
• Lack of excitement: The lack of significant high-impact moves or dramatic near-falls resulted in a predictable and underwhelming match.
• Unclear storytelling: The storyline behind the match wasn't clearly defined, leaving the audience unsure of the stakes or motivations of the wrestlers.

Storyline Stumbles: The ongoing feud between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus

The ongoing feud between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus showed signs of stagnating. While the initial build-up was strong, the recent developments felt repetitive and lacked the necessary creative spark to maintain its momentum. The storyline needs a fresh injection of energy to regain its appeal.

• Unconvincing motivations: The reasons behind their continued conflict have become unclear and less impactful as the storyline has progressed.
• Poor execution: Some of the recent segments have felt rushed and lacked the emotional impact needed to engage the audience effectively.
• Lack of payoff: There's a growing sense of frustration among fans who feel the storyline has dragged on too long without a satisfying conclusion.

Missed Opportunities: Underutilization of NXT Call-Ups

Several NXT call-ups received minimal screen time, representing a missed opportunity to introduce fresh talent and create compelling new storylines. Their underutilization prevented them from making a significant impact on the main roster.

• Better character interaction: More time should have been dedicated to showcasing their personalities and allowing them to interact with established main roster stars.
• More engaging segments: The NXT call-ups deserve more engaging segments to properly showcase their talent and build anticipation amongst the WWE Universe.
• Stronger conclusions: Giving them more meaningful roles and storylines could create a greater impact and build anticipation for their future performances.

Final Verdict on the WWE RAW 5/19/2025 Review

While WWE RAW 5/19/2025 had its shortcomings, particularly in some of the mid-card matches and storylines, the highlights, including the main event and The Rock's surprise appearance, were enough to keep fans engaged. The show offered a mix of thrilling action and disappointing moments, leaving room for improvement in future episodes. The show’s successes, however, outweigh its failures, resulting in a relatively entertaining night of WWE action.

Share your thoughts on the WWE RAW 5/19/2025 episode in the comments below! Let's discuss what worked, what didn't, and what we hope to see next week in our continuing WWE RAW reviews.