WWE RAW (5/19/2025): Our Top 3 Moments & Biggest Disappointments

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Top 3 Moments of WWE RAW 5/19/2025

The Unexpected Return of Stone Cold Steve Austin:

This surprise appearance ignited the crowd and set the stage for a potential major storyline. The roar of the crowd was deafening as the glass shattered, signaling the return of the Texas Rattlesnake after years of absence.

• How the return unfolded: Austin emerged during a tense confrontation between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, laying out both superstars with Stone Cold Stunners.
• The crowd's reaction: The arena erupted in a frenzy of cheers and chants of "Austin! Austin!" The energy was palpable and immediately shifted the momentum of the entire show.
• Potential implications for future storylines: This return could lead to a dream match against a current top contender at SummerSlam or even a potential WrestleMania appearance. It's a major boost for WWE storylines and upcoming WWE events.
• Specific matches or rivalries hinted at: While nothing was explicitly stated, the confrontation with Rollins and Rhodes suggests potential future matchups with both men. A potential showdown with Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship is also heavily speculated.

Hell in a Cell Match Between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins:

This brutal match delivered thrilling action and showcased the incredible athleticism of both wrestlers. The intensity was off the charts from the opening bell.

• Highlights of the match: Near falls were plentiful, and both wrestlers showcased their signature moves. Cody's Cross Rhodes and Seth's Stomp were both used to devastating effect. The use of the Hell in a Cell structure itself added another level of brutality and unpredictability.
• The match's overall quality and pacing: The match was expertly paced, building tension and releasing it with high-impact spots. It was a true classic that will be remembered for years to come.
• How the match advanced the storylines: The match served as a culmination of their long-running feud, providing a definitive end (at least for now) to their rivalry.
• Specific moves used: The match was a showcase of devastating moves, including the previously mentioned Cross Rhodes and Stomp, along with countless chair shots and other brutal maneuvers.

The Dramatic Confrontation Between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch:

This tense segment built anticipation for their upcoming feud, leaving fans eager to see what happens next. The raw emotion between these two powerful women was palpable.

• What sparked the confrontation: A heated exchange of words following Ripley's successful title defense against Lynch earlier in the night escalated into a physical altercation.
• The verbal exchanges and physical altercation: The two traded harsh words, culminating in Ripley laying out Lynch with a brutal Riptide.
• The implications for their future rivalry: This sets the stage for a likely rematch for the WWE Women's Championship, promising an explosive showdown in the near future.
• Mention any related championships or titles involved: The WWE Women's Championship was the main focus of this confrontation, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming rivalry.

Biggest Disappointments of WWE RAW 5/19/2025

The Underwhelming Segment Featuring Baron Corbin:

This segment fell flat, failing to engage the audience or advance any storylines. It felt like filler content that wasted valuable broadcast time.

• What made the segment underwhelming: Corbin's promo was rambling and lacked direction. The storyline wasn't clear, and the segment didn't build any anticipation for future events.
• Lack of engagement from the audience: The crowd was largely unresponsive, with minimal cheers or boos. This lack of reaction highlighted the segment's failure.
• How the segment could have been improved: A clearer narrative focus and more concise delivery would have helped. Incorporating another wrestler could have injected some much-needed energy.
• Potential reasons for its failure: Poor writing and a lack of compelling storyline were likely the primary culprits.

The Botched Finish to the Tag Team Match Between The Usos and The Street Profits:

A technical error marred the end of this match, leaving fans frustrated. A miscommunication between the wrestlers resulted in a confusing and unsatisfying finish.

• Description of the botch: Jimmy Uso accidentally broke his own pin, leading to a restart of the match that ended abruptly with a disqualification.
• Impact on the match's outcome and overall reception: The botched finish overshadowed what had been a competitive and entertaining match up to that point. Fans were left feeling cheated out of a satisfying conclusion.
• Potential explanations for the error: The error could have been due to miscommunication or a simple mistake in executing the planned finish.

Lack of New Rivalries Introduced:

The show lacked the introduction of any compelling new rivalries, hampering its overall impact and feeling somewhat stagnant.

• Specific missing element and its significance: Introducing new rivalries keeps the show fresh and engaging, providing storylines for the future.
• Impact of its absence on the show's quality: The lack of fresh matchups contributed to the show feeling somewhat predictable and lacking in excitement.
• Suggestions for improvement in future shows: WWE should focus on introducing new rivalries to keep the audience engaged and generate excitement for future events.

Conclusion:

WWE RAW (5/19/2025) presented a mixed bag of triumphs and failures. While moments like Stone Cold Steve Austin's return and the Hell in a Cell match between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins provided excitement, segments like the one featuring Baron Corbin and the botched match finish left much to be desired. To stay updated on the latest WWE news and analysis, including future WWE RAW reviews and breakdowns, be sure to check back regularly for more coverage of WWE RAW and all things WWE! Don't miss out on the next WWE RAW; we'll be here to give you our expert analysis of the action.