‘WWE Raw’ Review (May 5th 2025
Welcome to our review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly! Let’s see what went down on the now Netflix-broadcast show…
Match #1: Penta def. JD McDonagh
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Penta had to deal with constant interference during his match against JD McDonagh, as Carlito smacked him in the face behind the referee’s back. Finn Bálor also got involved, but the official caught The Prince in the act and ejected The Judgment Day from ringside. Just when Penta thought he had a fair match, Chad Gable arrived to interfere, but Penta fought off the attack. Penta nailed the Mexican Destroyer on McDonagh to win.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Sheamus def. Austin Theory
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Celtic Warrior made his return, taking on Austin Theory. Grayson Waller was initially set to face Sheamus, but he tricked his partner into battling Sheamus, as Waller wanted no part in taking on the former World Champion. Sheamus executed the Cloverleaf and White Noise before nailing Theory with the Brogue Kick to win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: IYO SKY def. Roxanne Perez
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a first-time matchup, two former NXT Women’s Champions lit up the WWE Universe, as Roxanne Perez attacked IYO SKY’s knee. SKY tried going for a knee strike in the corner, but her knees gave out, allowing Perez to keep fighting. The Genius of the Sky went for the Over the Moonsault, but Perez moved out of the way as SKY landed on her bad knee. Perez and SKY traded unique pinning attempts before SKY pinned Perez.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #4: Rusev def. Otis
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Competing in his first WWE match in five years, Rusev took on Otis. Otis tossed Rusev over the announce table as the two men clobbered each other. Rusev, however, locked in the Accolade to gain the victory by submission. After the match, Akira Tozawa stood up for his Alpha Academy teammate, only to get beaten down by Rusev in front of a horrified Maxxine Dupri.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Seth Rollins def. Jey Uso (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Jey Uso made his first defense of the World Heavyweight Title, taking on the first-ever champion Seth Rollins. Jey sent Rollins over the announce table, leaving a mark on the challenger’s head. After Rollins missed a frog splash, the World Heavyweight Champion went for a Spear, but The Visionary countered with an earth-shattering Pedigree for a long two-count. Sami Zayn then arrived to attack Bron Breakker, evening the odds for Uso. Uso followed up with a Superkick, Spear and an Uso Splash, but Rollins kicked out. Paul Heyman distracted the referee, allowing Breakker to Spear Uso. Rollins then hit a Stomp, but CM Punk arrived, took out Breakker and whacked The Visionary with a steel chair to end the match in a disqualification.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
This week’s Raw delivered a thrilling, chaotic show that perfectly built momentum heading into Backlash. The main event between Seth Rollins and Jey Uso was intense, though the disqualification finish after Bron Breakker and CM Punk’s interference felt slightly overbooked. Still, the wild brawl involving Sami Zayn kept the energy high. Sheamus’ return win over Austin Theory was a highlight, reminding fans why he’s such a reliable powerhouse. Penta’s victory over JD McDonagh added fresh excitement to the midcard. Iyo Sky’s match with Roxanne Perez was solid but deserved more time. Overall, a strong, storyline-driven episode.
