Raw Preview 5/19/25🔮, Darby Reaches The Top 🏔️, Drew's Favorite Match 🏆

Monday, May 19th, 2025

🎤 John Cena Addresses Revisiting His Thuganomics Roots

John Cena squashed rumors of a return to his 'Doctor of Thuganomics' persona at the Philadelphia Fan Expo. While appreciative of the love for his old 'Chain Gang' era, Cena is focused on moving forward. 'I’m so grateful for people that repped like the Chain Gang. I think that’s dope. I’ve just moved forward in my life and I look back on that fondly,' Cena said, emphasizing the importance of growth and evolution over reliving the past. Cena will face R-Truth on May 24 at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

📊 National Poll Asks If Americans Buy Allegations Against WWE's Vince McMahon & Others

A recent poll by YouGov America has revealed that 24% of US adults believe the sexual misconduct allegations against WWE's Vince McMahon. The poll, part of a larger study on sexual abuse allegations against prominent figures, had 1,135 participants. McMahon was not alone on the list, which also included names like Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Jeffrey Epstein, and Bill Cosby. While 24% believed in McMahon's allegations, 9% did not, and a significant 68% were 'not sure'.

🔄 Matt Cardona Will Wrestle Until The Wheels Fall Off, Says Chris Jericho Compared Him To Bret Hart

Matt Cardona, once known as Zack Ryder in WWE, has found success on the independent circuit since being released from the company. Despite not yet landing a full-time spot in WWE or AEW, Cardona is committed to wrestling as long as he's physically able. He told Chris Van Vliet on Insight, "Until the wheels fall off. I love it... This is gonna sound ridiculous, but when Jericho and I were having that little AEW thing, he compared me to Bret Hart... I can have a great match with anybody, and I feel like that's one of my best qualities."

🏆 Drew McIntyre Names His Favorite Match From WWE Career

Drew McIntyre, one of WWE's most reliable performers since his 2017 return, has named his most cherished match. In a chat with 'Juicy Darts', the 'Scottish Warrior' highlighted his WrestleMania 39 showdown against Sheamus and GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Championship. "It's incredible. The match was probably my favorite match...the match itself, was so proud of it and the guys, I love them both." Despite his thrilling bout with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, the triple-threat match remains his favorite to date.

🥦 What Is The Cauliflower Alley Club?

The Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) is a non-profit organization extending financial aid to professional wrestlers and boxers, and honoring their achievements through awards. Named after the cauliflower ear condition common in these sports, the club is open to all through paid memberships. Notable awards include the Iron Mike Mazurki Award and the Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, the CAC now hosts its annual reunion in Las Vegas, with recent awardees including Sting, CM Punk, and Mickie James.

🔥 WWE didn’t properly capitalize on the New Day’s heat

In the aftermath of the New Day breakup, there are claims that WWE didn't effectively harness the group's momentum. Despite Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods still flying the New Day flag, the heat they generated when they ditched Big E has faded. "They’re champions now, but that great heat they got from ditching E was long gone and they feel like an afterthought." Could WWE have played their cards better?

🏔️ AEW Star Darby Allin Successfully Reaches Mt. Everest Summit

Darby Allin has planted his flag at the top of Mount Everest, according to online logs of his climb. The arduous journey began in April, and now the descent begins. Unfortunately, delays in the climb meant Allin missed the Owen Hart Cup and his ongoing storyline with Jon Moxley is still on hold. With Allin removed from the Owen Hart Cup, Will Ospreay and Hangman Page have made it to the finals. Allin's return to AEW and any potential health impacts are still unknown.

📺 AEW Collision Broadcast Abruptly Ends 30 Minutes Early Due To 'Technical Difficulties'

This weekend's AEW Collision: Beach Break airing unexpectedly cut off 30 minutes early, shocking fans who were treated to The Rock's Black Adam movie instead. AEW CEO Tony Khan confirmed that 'technical problems with our studio transmission' were to blame. He assured fans the complete show will be aired on MAX and TNT Drama later. Despite the hiccup, the West Coast airing and on-demand versions will not be affected and will be available 'as soon as possible.'

🎤 Young Bucks Discuss Differences Between Wrestling In AEW And NJPW, Having Less Obligations In NJPW

The Young Bucks recently touched on their experiences wrestling in AEW and NJPW. They pointed out that working for NJPW allows them to focus solely on wrestling, with 'less obligations' compared to AEW. In contrast, AEW offers a buffet of styles condensed into a quick two-hour show with multiple commercial breaks, making it a different experience. The Bucks, who returned to NJPW earlier this year, have already bagged the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships for the second time.

🎤 Former TNA Broadcaster Josh Matthews Confirms New AEW Role

Josh Matthews is on a new journey with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Post his TNA exit, Matthews has been working behind the scenes in AEW's production truck. He revealed on Maven Huffman's YouTube channel, "Right now, [I'm] shadowing Mike Mansury... It'll be a busy night." Mansury, the EVP and Head of Global Production at AEW, was previously the Vice President of Global Television Production in WWE. Matthews' wife, Madison Rayne, also works with AEW as a coach and in-ring performer.