WWE RAW (5/19/2025) Review: Best And Worst Moments

Natalie Brooks

6 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.1

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Last night's WWE RAW (5/19/2025) delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and frustration in equal measure. From unexpected returns to disappointing segments, the show had it all. This review dives into the best and worst moments, offering a comprehensive look at what made this episode of Monday Night Raw memorable – or forgettable.

The Best Moments of WWE RAW (5/19/2025): Unexpected Thrills

The Stunning Return of Stone Cold Steve Austin:

The electrifying return of Stone Cold Steve Austin sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. His surprise appearance, emerging from the crowd during a heated confrontation between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, ignited a frenzy of cheers and chants of "Stone Cold!" The arena erupted; it was a moment of pure wrestling magic that instantly became a trending topic on social media.

• Details on the return: Austin emerged from the crowd, glass shattering sound effects punctuating his arrival, immediately laying out Rollins with a Stone Cold Stunner.
• Potential feuds and storylines: Austin's return immediately sets up potential dream matches and rivalries. A showdown with Rollins seems likely, perhaps culminating in a match at WrestleMania 38. Could we even see a rematch with The Rock? The possibilities are endless.
• Impact on WWE ratings and social media buzz: Austin's return undoubtedly boosted WWE RAW's viewership and social media engagement. Twitter and other platforms were flooded with reactions, making it the most talked-about wrestling moment of the week.
• Analysis of the superstar's in-ring performance: While a full match wasn't delivered, the single Stunner was enough to remind everyone of Austin's legendary aura and in-ring prowess. The impact was devastating, and the crowd went wild.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins – A Masterclass in Professional Wrestling:

The main event match between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins was a technical masterpiece showcasing the best of modern professional wrestling. Both wrestlers delivered a high-octane performance filled with near falls, breathtaking maneuvers, and compelling storytelling. The match lived up to the hype, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.

• Highlight key moments and sequences: The match featured a series of incredible reversals, culminating in a nail-biting finish where Rollins nearly secured the victory with a Curb Stomp. Rhodes's resilience and determination shone through.
• Praise specific wrestlers' performances: Both Rhodes and Rollins displayed exceptional in-ring chemistry, their performance a perfect blend of technical skill and emotional intensity.
• Discuss the match's place in the broader context of the WWE storyline: This match served as a crucial step in the ongoing feud between Rhodes and Rollins, setting the stage for their future encounters.
• Mention any significant spots or finishes: The match ended with a dramatic reversal, Rhodes countering Rollins's finisher and securing the victory with a Cross Rhodes.

A Moment of Heartfelt Connection: Sami Zayn's Emotional Promo:

Sami Zayn delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant promo, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude to the WWE Universe for their unwavering support. The authenticity and vulnerability of his speech struck a chord with fans, creating a truly unforgettable moment.

• Description of the segment and its emotional impact: Zayn's speech was raw, honest, and deeply personal. He spoke from the heart, thanking the fans for believing in him and acknowledging the highs and lows of his career.
• Explain why it worked and what made it so effective: The sincerity and genuine emotion in Zayn's delivery resonated powerfully with the audience. He connected with fans on a human level.
• Analysis of its contribution to character development or storyline progression: This heartfelt promo further solidified Zayn's connection with the audience, paving the way for potential storylines focused on his gratitude and redemption.

The Worst Moments of WWE RAW (5/19/2025): What Went Wrong?

The Miz vs. LA Knight – A Dud of an Episode:

The match between The Miz and LA Knight fell disappointingly flat. Lacking compelling storytelling and significant stakes, the match felt like filler, failing to generate any real excitement or interest from the audience.

• Explain what didn't work in the segment/match: The lack of a compelling storyline and weak build-up significantly hampered the match's potential. The in-ring action was predictable and lacked impactful moments.
• Identify specific flaws: The booking was questionable, and both wrestlers seemed to deliver phoned-in performances, lacking the usual energy and passion.
• Discuss the potential negative impact on the storylines or characters involved: The match did little to advance either wrestler's storyline, essentially wasting valuable television time.

Underwhelming Crowd Response to the 24/7 Championship Segment:

The 24/7 Championship segment failed to ignite the audience. The comedy felt forced and tired, failing to elicit laughs or genuine engagement from the crowd.

• Explain why the crowd's reaction was lackluster: The segment relied heavily on outdated humor and lacked originality, failing to resonate with the modern WWE audience.
• Analyze the reasons behind the audience's disengagement: The audience likely felt the segment was a waste of time, lacking the energy and excitement expected from a WWE show.
• Suggest improvements for future segments: Future segments need a fresh approach, incorporating humor that aligns with modern sensibilities, more exciting spots, and a better story arc.

A Disappointing Finish to the Women's Tag Team Championship Match:

The Women's Tag Team Championship match ended abruptly and unsatisfactorily with a controversial referee decision. This left many fans feeling cheated and frustrated.

• Describe the disappointing finish and why it failed: The abrupt ending felt contrived and undermined the efforts of the wrestlers involved. It was a cop-out that left many fans unsatisfied.
• Suggest alternative conclusions: A more fitting conclusion could have included a clean victory for one team, further developing their characters and rivalries.
• Discuss the potential ramifications of this disappointing conclusion on future storylines: The unsatisfying conclusion could potentially damage the credibility of the Women's Tag Team division.

Conclusion:

WWE RAW (5/19/2025) was a mixed bag, offering both exhilarating highs and disappointing lows. While the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the exceptional match between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins provided unforgettable moments, segments like The Miz vs. LA Knight fell significantly short of expectations. Ultimately, this episode of WWE RAW highlights the unpredictable nature of live wrestling and the constant need for improvement and innovation. To stay updated on the latest WWE news and reviews, including future WWE RAW analyses, be sure to check back regularly for more in-depth WWE RAW reviews and wrestling insights. Don't miss out on the next exciting episode of WWE RAW!