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

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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

The Unexpected Return of a Legend:

The WWE Universe was sent into a frenzy when the unmistakable glass shattering sound echoed through the arena, signaling the surprise return of Stone Cold Steve Austin! This WWE legend return was a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and had the crowd roaring their approval. The surprise WWE appearance was perfectly timed, injecting immediate energy into an already exciting night.

• The impact of his entrance on the crowd: The eruption of cheers was deafening, a testament to Austin's enduring popularity and legendary status. The crowd chanted "Stone Cold!" for what felt like an eternity.
• His immediate involvement in a significant storyline: Austin didn't just stand there; he immediately inserted himself into the ongoing feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, issuing a challenge for a match at SummerSlam. This unexpected wrestling comeback immediately elevated the stakes.
• Speculation about his future plans within WWE: Austin's appearance sparked immediate speculation. Will this be a one-off appearance, or will the Texas Rattlesnake be back for more? The possibilities are endless, creating exciting anticipation for future WWE RAW episodes.

The Thrilling Main Event Match:

The main event of WWE RAW 5/19/2025 pitted the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, against the rising star, Gunther. This WWE main event was a brutal and breathtaking display of athleticism and power. This championship match delivered everything a wrestling fan could hope for.

• Highlight key moments and near falls: Gunther's relentless offense had Reigns on the ropes multiple times, delivering several near falls that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Reigns's resilience and cunning tactics, however, kept him in the fight.
• Analyze the performance of the wrestlers involved: Both Reigns and Gunther delivered phenomenal performances, showcasing their incredible in-ring skills. The chemistry between these two WWE superstars was undeniable.
• Discuss the implications of the match outcome on the storylines: Reigns ultimately retained his title, but Gunther proved himself to be a worthy challenger, setting the stage for a potential rematch down the line. The wrestling match highlights will be replayed for years to come.

A Refreshing Newcomer Debuts:

The crowd went wild for the debut of Anya Petrova, a powerhouse wrestler from Russia, showcasing exceptional strength and agility. This WWE newcomer immediately caught the eye with her captivating presence and impressive wrestling debut.

• Describe their in-ring skills and charisma: Petrova’s technical skills were outstanding, blending power moves with lightning-fast agility. Her intense stare and confident demeanor commanded the ring.
• Analyze their potential to become a main event player: With her exceptional talent and natural charisma, Petrova has the potential to become a major player in the WWE landscape. She's a WWE prospect to watch out for.
• Mention audience reaction and future possibilities: The audience reaction to Petrova's debut was overwhelmingly positive, signaling a bright future for this new wrestler debut.

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

A Disappointing Undercard Match:

The match between Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders felt underwhelming, falling short of expectations. This WWE undercard match lacked the energy and excitement of other bouts.

• Explain what made the match lackluster: The match lacked a clear storyline and felt rushed, preventing the wrestlers from truly connecting with the audience. It was a slow wrestling match with little build-up.
• Discuss the booking decisions that led to its poor reception: The booking choices did not showcase the wrestlers' strengths, hindering their potential to deliver a more engaging performance. This is a clear example of WWE criticism.
• Suggest potential improvements for future matches: A stronger storyline and more time dedicated to the match could have significantly improved its quality.

A Plodding Storyline Development:

The ongoing storyline between Damian Priest and Finn Balor felt slow and uninspired. This WWE storyline lacked the necessary momentum to engage viewers.

• Explain why the storyline failed to captivate: The storyline relied too heavily on repetitive segments and lacked significant progression, making it difficult for the audience to remain invested. It was a clear case of WWE plot issues.
• Critique the pacing and lack of development: The slow pace and lack of substantial development made the storyline feel drawn out and tedious, leading to audience frustration. This is a typical wrestling storyline criticism.
• Suggest alternatives to improve the storyline: Adding a higher stakes element, like a championship match, could dramatically enhance the storyline's appeal.

Poor Use of a Popular Wrestler:

The Miz, despite being a highly popular figure, was used sparingly and ineffectively on this episode of WWE RAW. This underutilized wrestler has the potential to contribute significantly.

• Identify the specific issues related to their booking: The Miz's appearances were brief and did not allow him to showcase his full comedic and in-ring talents. This is a prime example of WWE misuse.
• Analyze the missed opportunities for their character: The creative team missed opportunities to use The Miz to boost other storylines or build momentum for his own. This reflects WWE booking issues.
• Suggest how WWE could better utilize this talent: Give The Miz more screen time, utilize his comedic timing to add humour to existing feuds and explore storylines that utilize his in-ring ability. This shows how to avoid wrestling criticism.

Conclusion:

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 was a mixed bag. While the surprise return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the thrilling main event match, and Anya Petrova’s impressive debut were highlights, the underwhelming undercard match, slow storyline development, and poor utilization of The Miz were significant letdowns. The impact of these events will shape future storylines. The unexpected return of a legend, in particular, re-ignited excitement for the WWE.

Call to Action: What did YOU think of WWE RAW 5/19/2025? Share your thoughts and opinions on our social media channels! Let's discuss the highs and lows of Monday Night Raw and what you hope to see in future episodes. Use the hashtag #WWERAWReview to join the conversation! Don't forget to check back next week for our next WWE RAW recap!