WWE RAW Season 31 is hitting its stride, and Episode 19 was another can’t-miss installment of the flagship Monday night show. Airing on May 8th, 2023, this episode came on the heels of some major shakeups, including a new champion being crowned just a few weeks prior.
Fans were eager to see how the stories would continue to unfold, with rising stars and beloved veterans all vying for their chance to make an impact. From high-stakes title matches to intense rivalries reaching a boiling point, RAW delivered an action-packed night that left the WWE Universe buzzing. Let’s dive into the key moments that defined this must-see episode.
Opening Match: Randy Orton vs Riddle
The show kicked off with a huge collision between two of RAW’s biggest stars, Randy Orton and Riddle. These former tag team partners turned bitter rivals have been on a collision course for weeks, and their opening match did not disappoint.
The two started off trading hard-hitting blows, with Orton looking to use his veteran savvy to outsmart the younger, more agile Riddle. But Riddle refused to back down, hitting Orton with a series of his signature strikes and submissions. At one point, it looked like Riddle was going to pull off the upset, but Orton managed to counter Riddle’s RKO attempt and hit an earth-shattering DDT.
Just when it seemed like Orton had the match won, Riddle exploded with a flurry of attacks, hitting Orton with a series of knee strikes and a breathtaking Floating Bro. The crowd was firmly behind the fan-favorite Riddle as he went for the pin, but in a shocking twist, Orton managed to get his foot on the ropes to break up the count.
The battle raged on, with both men hitting their biggest moves, but in the end, it was the cunning and experience of Randy Orton that prevailed. After reversing another RKO attempt, Orton hit Riddle with an awe-inspiring Punt Kick to pick up the hard-fought victory. The message was clear – Orton is still one of the most dangerous and dominant superstars on the RAW roster.
Women’s Championship Match
The main event of the evening saw RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defend her title against the returning Asuka. The EST of WWE has been on an absolute tear lately, but she knew she had her hands full against the enigmatic Asuka.
The match started off with both women feeling each other out, trading technical wrestling holds and strikes. Asuka looked to utilize her speed and martial arts expertise to try and catch Belair off guard, but the champ refused to be intimidated. Belair answered with her own array of power moves, using her strength advantage to try and wear down the challenger.
As the match progressed, the intensity reached a fever pitch, with both women pulling out all the stops. Asuka hit Belair with her signature Asuka Lock, but the champion somehow powered out. Belair then hit Asuka with her devastating KOD finisher, but the resilient challenger kicked out at the last moment.
In the end, it was Belair’s sheer determination and will to win that prevailed. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, Belair hit Asuka with another KOD to retain her RAW Women’s Championship. The two warriors showed immense respect for each other after the match, embracing in the center of the ring as the capacity crowd erupted in cheers.
Tag Team Match: The Judgement Day
Next up, we had a huge tag team showdown between the villainous Judgement Day and the always-entertaining Street Profits. The Street Profits have been on a roll lately, but they knew they had their hands full against the powerhouse duo of Finn Balor and Damian Priest.
The match started off with a flurry of high-octane action, as both teams looked to gain the early advantage. Ford and Dawkins used their speed and athleticism to keep Balor and Priest on their heels, but the Judgement Day members responded with their sheer size and strength advantage.
Just when it looked like the Street Profits were about to pull off the upset, Rhea Ripley suddenly appeared at ringside, causing a momentary distraction. Balor and Priest pounced on the opportunity, hitting a devastating double-team move on Dawkins to pick up the victory.
The Judgement Day’s win was marred by some post-match controversy, as Ripley got involved, attacking Ford and Dawkins after the bell. It’s clear that the Street Profits have become a thorn in the side of Judgment Day, and this feud is far from over.
Main Event: Seth Rollins vs Cody Rhodes
The main event of the evening saw two of RAW’s absolute best go one-on-one, as Seth “Freakin'” Rollins took on Cody Rhodes. These two have been trading blows for weeks, and their highly anticipated showdown did not disappoint.
From the opening bell, Rollins and Rhodes left it all in the ring, trading vicious strikes and bone-crunching maneuvers. Rollins looked to neutralize Rhodes’ speed and agility with his own relentless onslaught, but the American Nightmare refused to back down. Rhodes fired back with his own array of powerful strikes and technical mastery, pushing Rollins to the brink.
The action spilled outside the ring, with both men utilizing the environment to gain an advantage. Rollins smashed Rhodes through the announce table with a thunderous powerbomb, only for Rhodes to come storming back with a devastating Disaster Kick.
As the match reached its climax, the two superstars pulled out all the stops, hitting each other with their signature maneuvers. In the end, it was Cody Rhodes who emerged victorious, hitting Rollins with a massive Cross Rhodes to pick up the huge win. The triumph solidified Rhodes’ status as one of the top stars on the RAW roster, and the two combatants shared a moment of mutual respect after the grueling battle.
Standout Moments and Segments
WWE never fails to deliver some unforgettable moments, and this week’s RAW episode was no exception. The night kicked off with a bang as former Champion Brock Lesnar made a surprise return, hitting the stage to a massive pop from the crowd. The Beast Incarnate wasted no time stirring up trouble, confronting his longtime rival Roman Reigns and setting the stage for a potential title match down the line.
Later in the evening, the tension between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes reached a fever pitch. After weeks of trading barbs, the two superstars finally came to blows in an intense backstage segment that had the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats. The heated exchange culminated in an impromptu match being scheduled for the main event, with both men eager to gain the upper hand in their burgeoning rivalry.
One of the most entertaining moments came courtesy of the legendary tag team of The Usos. In a backstage interview, the twin brothers delivered their signature quips and boasts, reminding the WWE Universe why they are considered one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Their charismatic performance had fans laughing and cheering in equal measure.
Storyline Progression and Character Development
This episode of RAW saw some major advancements in the key feuds and narratives that have been building over the past few weeks. The rivalry between the reigning WWE Champion John Cena and his bitter challenger, “The Viper” Randy Orton, reached a fever pitch as they engaged in a brutal, back-and-forth main event match.
The two veterans pulled out all the stops, trading signature moves and vicious strikes in an effort to gain the upper hand. In the end, it was Orton who emerged victorious, hitting Cena with a thunderous RKO to capture the championship. This win not only solidifies Orton’s status as the top heel in the company, but also sets the stage for a rematch that is sure to be an instant classic.
Elsewhere on the card, the feisty Bayley made a major statement by dethroning Becky Lynch for the Women’s Title. The two had been engaged in a war of words for weeks, with Lynch desperately clinging to her championship. However, Bayley’s sheer determination and grit proved to be the difference, as she hit the hugplex driver to become the new face of the women’s division. This changing of the guard will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the entire RAW roster.
