‘WWE Raw’ Review (May 12th 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. Chad Gable
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Penta took on Chad Gable, looking for retribution on the man who many believe to be El Grande Americano. Penta went for the Sacrifice, but Gable picked the ankle of his competitor. Penta, however, got Gable in a pinning combination to escape the Ankle Lock. As the two were fighting near the corner, Penta spiked Gable with a Mexican Destroyer to win the match.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: The Creed Brothers def. The War Raiders
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Creed Brothers took on The War Raiders as World Tag Team Champions The New Day provided guest commentary. Julius Creed hit a massive superplex on Erik, followed by a moonsault from Brutus, but Erik kicked out. As The War Raiders began to dominate, Xavier Woods interfered, which allowed The Creed Brothers to hit the Brutus Ball for the win.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: AJ Styles def. Finn Bálor
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
AJ Styles took on Finn Bálor, who was without Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio. After The Prince attempted a Pele Kick, Styles caught him with the Calf Crusher, but Bálor escaped. Styles cinched in the Calf Crusher after Bálor went for a Coup de Grace. Styles then hit the Styles Clash, but The Prince kicked out. Bálor connected with 1917, but Styles somehow kicked out. Penta arrived to give a Mexican Destroyer to Carlito off the back of JD McDonagh. Styles then nailed the Phenomenal Forearm to pick up the impressive victory.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #4: IYO SKY & Rhea Ripley def. Roxanne Perez & Giulia
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Giulia made her Raw debut, teaming with Roxanne Perez to take on Women’s World Champion IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. Ripley hit a huge Razor’s Edge followed up by a basement dropkick on Perez, but The Prodigy kept the fight going. SKY hit an Over the Moonsault, but Perez saved Giulia from the pinfall. Perez inadvertently struck Giulia off the top rope after Ripley sent Giulia into Perez as she came flying down. Ripley then nailed the Riptide on Giulia for the victory.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
This week’s Raw underwhelmed overall. Despite a promising lineup, matches felt flat and overly reliant on interference. Xavier Woods’ involvement marred the tag bout, and Penta’s random run-in during Styles vs. Bálor distracted from what could’ve been a classic. Giulia’s debut was botched by clunky miscommunication, and even strong performers like Chad Gable weren’t given much room to shine. With weak finishes and little storyline payoff, the episode struggled to feel must-watch. As I’ll keep saying on weak weeks like this, RAW on Netflix needs more than name value; it needs substantial wrestling too!
