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

Pedro Alvarez

6 min read Post on May 20, 2025

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

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

The Phenomenal Match Between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes:

A Masterclass in Storytelling: The match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes was a masterclass in professional wrestling storytelling. The intensity was palpable from the opening bell, with both wrestlers showcasing their incredible skills and captivating the audience with their emotional performance. The near falls had the crowd on the edge of their seats, genuinely believing either wrestler could win at any moment.
Technical Prowess on Full Display: We witnessed a blend of power moves from Reigns and high-flying maneuvers from Rhodes, highlighting their diverse skill sets. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, resulting in a match that felt both brutal and breathtaking. Key moments included Rhodes' desperate comeback attempts and Reigns' calculated counters, showcasing their wrestling prowess.
Crowd Reaction and Story Advancement: The crowd was electric throughout the match, roaring with each near fall and significant move. This incredible energy significantly contributed to the match's success. The match also successfully advanced the storyline, setting the stage for a potential rematch and further escalating the rivalry between these two top WWE superstars. Keywords: WWE RAW, wrestling match, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, amazing wrestling, great match, incredible performance, WWE Championship

The Surprising Return of Becky Lynch:

A Shocking Comeback: The moment Becky Lynch’s music hit, the arena erupted. Her surprise return, after a cleverly orchestrated absence, was a genuinely shocking moment that instantly revitalized the women's division. The unexpected nature of her entrance made it one of the most memorable parts of the entire show.
Storyline Implications: Lynch's return immediately injected new energy into several existing storylines. Her history with several current female wrestlers suggests multiple potential rivalries and high-stakes matches in the near future. The WWE Universe is buzzing with speculation about who she'll target next.
Future Matches and Angles: Lynch's return opens up a plethora of possibilities. We could see dream matches against current champions or fresh rivalries with rising stars in the women's division. Her presence alone elevates the stakes and creates a sense of anticipation for upcoming WWE RAW episodes. Keywords: WWE RAW, surprise return, Becky Lynch, shocking moment, comeback, storyline implications, women's wrestling

The Development of Seth Rollins' Character Arc:

A Deeper Look at the Visionary: The show highlighted a more vulnerable side of Seth Rollins, showcasing his internal struggles and motivations. Through subtle character moments and intense interactions, we saw a more complex and nuanced portrayal than previously shown.
Narrative Impact: This shift in Rollins' character adds depth to his current storyline and creates intriguing possibilities for future conflicts and alliances. The previously arrogant Rollins is now showing signs of doubt and vulnerability, creating a more compelling and relatable character.
Future Storylines: This development sets the stage for compelling storylines, exploring his vulnerabilities and potential confrontations with both allies and rivals. Will he succumb to his inner demons, or will he find redemption? This question hangs over his future and keeps fans engaged. Keywords: WWE RAW, character development, Seth Rollins, storyline progression, character arc, wrestling narrative, psychological depth

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

The Unsatisfying Conclusion to the Judgment Day Storyline:

A Letdown for Fans: The resolution of the Judgment Day storyline felt rushed and unsatisfying. The long-simmering tensions and rivalries were abruptly concluded without a truly impactful payoff, leaving many viewers feeling cheated.
Alternative Approaches: A more gradual build-up, with more significant stakes and meaningful consequences, would have made the conclusion far more impactful. The current approach felt like a missed opportunity to deliver a satisfying ending to a prolonged narrative.
Impact on Audience Engagement: The unsatisfying conclusion could lead to decreased viewer engagement and potentially damage the credibility of future storylines. A more thoughtful approach is needed to maintain audience investment and trust. Keywords: WWE RAW, storyline, Judgment Day, disappointing ending, poor booking, wrestling narrative, storyline resolution

The Lackluster Match Between Damian Priest and Finn Balor:

Missed Opportunities: The match between Damian Priest and Finn Balor lacked the energy and excitement of other matches on the card. The pacing felt slow, and the storytelling within the match was weak, hindering its overall impact.
Comparison to Other Matches: Compared to the high-octane action of other bouts, this match felt significantly underwhelming. The lack of significant stakes and a clear narrative arc further contributed to its lackluster performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: Future matches between these two talented wrestlers need a stronger narrative focus and more intense build-up to capture audience interest and deliver a more compelling match. Keywords: WWE RAW, wrestling match, Damian Priest, Finn Balor, poor match, disappointing performance, wrestling criticism

The Over-Reliance on Interruptions and Distractions:

Repetitive Story Device: The overuse of interruptions and distractions as a plot device became predictable and repetitive, significantly hindering the overall flow and pacing of the show. It felt like a cheap tactic to extend storylines instead of a genuine narrative tool.
Negative Impact on Quality: This over-reliance detracted from the quality of several matches and storylines, making them feel less impactful and less credible. It created a sense of frustration and predictability for the viewers.
Suggestions for Improvement: More creative storytelling techniques are needed to move storylines forward and maintain audience engagement without resorting to excessive reliance on cheap heat-generating tactics. Keywords: WWE RAW, wrestling tactics, storyline device, repetitive, predictable, stale, wrestling innovation

Conclusion:

WWE RAW 5/19/2025 provided a mixed bag of entertainment. While the phenomenal match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, the surprising return of Becky Lynch, and the character development of Seth Rollins were highlights, the unsatisfying conclusion to the Judgment Day storyline, the lackluster match between Damian Priest and Finn Balor, and the over-reliance on interruptions and distractions were significant drawbacks. Ultimately, this week's WWE RAW served as a reminder that even the best wrestling shows have their ups and downs. To stay updated on future WWE RAW events and reviews, be sure to check back for our next analysis of WWE RAW! Keep up with all the exciting developments in the world of professional wrestling!