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

Natalie Brooks

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 when the unmistakable glass shattering sound echoed through the arena. Stone Cold Steve Austin, in all his glory, made a surprise return to WWE RAW, sending shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. This wasn't just a cameo; it was a full-blown, in-your-face return that immediately ignited the energy in the building and online.

• Surprise Entrance: The way Austin emerged, seemingly from nowhere, was pure magic. The element of surprise was perfectly executed, leaving fans breathless.
• Impactful Confrontation with [Insert Heel Wrestler]: His immediate confrontation with the reigning champion, [Insert Heel Wrestler], was electric. The intensity was palpable, setting the stage for a potential future match.
• Crowd Reaction: The deafening roar from the crowd, chanting "Stone Cold! Stone Cold!" was a testament to Austin's enduring legacy and the impact of his surprise appearance. This was a genuine "pop" moment that Raw desperately needed.
• Keywords: Stone Cold Steve Austin, WWE return, surprise appearance, Raw highlight, WWE wrestling, pro wrestling

The Steel Cage Match Between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes

The main event, a brutal Steel Cage Match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, lived up to the hype. This wasn't just a physical contest; it was a masterclass in storytelling, showcasing both wrestlers' strengths and pushing the boundaries of athleticism.

• High-Flying Action: Cody Rhodes showcased his incredible agility, executing stunning maneuvers despite the confined space.
• Brutal Power Moves: Roman Reigns, as always, dominated with his signature power moves, showcasing his strength and dominance.
• Near Falls: The match was filled with nail-biting near falls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
• Unexpected Twist: [Insert spoiler-free description of a key moment that added to the match's impact]. This added layer of intrigue will undoubtedly keep fans talking for weeks.
• Keywords: Steel Cage Match, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, WWE match, wrestling match, Raw match, great match, WWE wrestling

The Development of Rhea Ripley's Character Arc

Rhea Ripley's continued dominance and ruthless persona were on full display, and her character development continues to impress. This week's segment saw her subtly manipulate [Insert Wrestler's Name], further solidifying her position as a top heel. The storyline hints at a future clash and cleverly plants the seeds of doubt in the mind of the audience.

• Subtle Manipulation: Ripley's ability to manipulate her opponent through cunning tactics rather than brute force makes her character all the more compelling.
• Intriguing Dialogue: The sharp and concise dialogue further amplified the power dynamics and solidified her as a formidable force.
• Strategic Alliance: The subtle hints of a potential alliance with [Insert Wrestler's Name] add another layer of complexity to the storyline and future possibilities.
• Keywords: Rhea Ripley, character development, WWE storyline, Raw storyline, compelling narrative, WWE wrestling

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

The Botched Figure Four Leglock

During the match between [Insert Wrestler A] and [Insert Wrestler B], a botched Figure Four Leglock attempt led to a jarring and awkward moment. The execution was sloppy, visibly breaking the flow of the match and momentarily killing the crowd's energy. This was a significant blemish on an otherwise solid bout.

• Missed Spot: The wrestlers clearly missed their mark, resulting in a dangerous and uncomfortable-looking scenario.
• Awkward Transition: The attempt to recover from the botch felt forced and unnatural, further damaging the match's momentum.
• Lack of Recovery: The commentators attempted to cover the mishap, but it was obvious to everyone in attendance and watching at home.
• Keywords: WWE botch, Raw blunder, wrestling mistake, poor execution, WWE wrestling

The [Insert Wrestler's Name] Segment

[Insert Wrestler's Name]'s segment felt entirely out of place and lacked any clear purpose. The jokes fell flat, the interaction with other wrestlers felt forced, and the entire segment dragged on unnecessarily. It was a significant waste of valuable television time that could have been used to further other storylines.

• Slow Pacing: The segment's slow pacing made it incredibly difficult to follow and ultimately unengaging for the viewer.
• Lack of Engagement: The crowd's lack of reaction spoke volumes. The silence was deafening.
• Poor Storytelling: The segment failed to advance any existing storylines or introduce new ones.
• Keywords: [Insert Wrestler's Name], disappointing performance, bad match, Raw criticism, WWE wrestling

The Lack of Meaningful Rivalries

While some storylines were advanced, the show felt lacking in compelling, long-term rivalries. Many matches and segments felt disjointed and lacked the emotional investment that strong rivalries bring. This led to a feeling of overall disconnect and diminished the overall impact of the show.

• Missed Opportunities: Several opportunities to further develop existing rivalries or establish new ones were missed.
• Lack of Stakes: Many matches felt inconsequential, lacking any real stakes or long-term consequences.
• Weak Build-Up: The show lacked the necessary build-up to create truly gripping and engaging rivalries.
• Keywords: WWE RAW shortcomings, missed opportunities, lack of excitement, Raw disappointment, WWE wrestling

Conclusion

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 was a mixed bag. While the unexpected return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the incredible Steel Cage match, and Rhea Ripley’s continued character development were highlights, a botched Figure Four, a pointless segment featuring [Insert Wrestler's Name], and the lack of meaningful rivalries dragged the show down. What are your thoughts on WWE RAW 5/19/2025? Share your favorite and least favorite moments in the comments below! Let's discuss this WWE RAW recap and what we hope to see next week. Don't forget to check back for our next WWE RAW review!