Ups & Downs: WWE Raw Review (May 15)

Our WWE Raw review as Simon Miller talks about Cody Rhodes' response to Brock Lesnar, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The Miz, an Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender's Battle Royal, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs Judgement Day, Becky Lynch's response to Trish Stratus, Xavier Woods vs. Dominik Mysterio, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Chelsea Green, Ronda Rousey’s return and much more.
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[@SimonMillerYT]

T’was a good RAW. Thanks, my friends! 🤗

[@jeansalomon8225]

Is that you Repo Man?

[@babarazamsucks]

You’re welcome, my friend! 🤗

[@babarazamsucks]

Repo Man! *cues Repo Man entrance theme*🎵

[@MainEventTy]

For some reason I watch your review then watch my recording of the show. Your jus always spot on

[@SixWinsWrestling]

You da man!

[@tesfa145]

It's crazy that KO and Sami are feuding with 3 faction at once (imperium, judgement day, bloodline) if you count Heyman and Ripley that's 12 vs 2💀 It really makes them look like one of the most formidable tag teams of all time

[@zeospark9715]

It really does. I'm hoping they still have a lengthy reign with them and Reigns can screw off he doesn't need to be a title hogger. Sorry I just don't like him as much anymore.

[@GusJenkinsElite]

@@zeospark9715 I wouldn't mind roman and solo getting the *smackdown* tag belts, but don't give him both. Split the tag belts already

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Well it clearly means KO & Sami are retaining the tag belts especially Imperium & Judgement Day are wanting tag titles shot

[@rja9797]

@@zeospark9715 he doesn’t book the shows

[@alexnieblas7618]

I saw someone on Twitter say that their momentum was gone or something like that and that that was the reason WWE shouldn't listen to the fans. I don't know what show they're watching. KO and Sami are basically main eventers right now.

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

Mustafa Ali winning the battle royal was the biggest surprise of the night for me. I never would've seen that coming in a million years.

[@badonkeykong7506]

Yeah, I'd have bet large sums of money on it going to Reed or Riddle. It does make sense for the venue in Saudi, but it was not on my bingo card.

[@_justinblizzle]

@@badonkeykong7506I’m just glad it wasn’t Riddle but yes my money was on him or Reed as well. I also foolishly thought maybe one of the NXT call ups

[@Russelxtv]

After they let zelina challenge Rhea I'm not surprised.

[@badonkeykong7506]

They presented Veer and Sangra incredibly well. They came off as legitimate threats, and looked imposing. Not going to lie, when Sangra yelled for the jobber to tag his partner I popped. I'm not a fan of squash matches, but that one was fun.

[@MDestron2282]

I'm not into squashes either, but yeah, that was a pretty good moment.

[@rjgoodman4056]

The Bloodline, The Judgment Day, and Imperium all feel like their forming some kind of United Alliance of Evil and i kinda love it.

[@module15]

This might set-up a faction war leading to Survivor Series. Imagine the Bloodline, Imperium, and Judgment Day vs Sami/KO/Rhodes, LWO, and The OC in an elimination match. That would be super lit. We won't need other matches book for that night.

[@LUWiseguy08]

It’s almost like some… Dangerous Alliance

[@Colt502]

​​​​@@module15usos don't betray roman then i could see happening a 11 v 11 match of where one member gets pinned then another one of there team comes into match the match would the bloodline judgement day with there new member mcdonagh and imperium vs ko sami cody riddle lwo and oc

[@rjgoodman4056]

@@module15 Cody is about to form the Justice League to fight the Legion of Doom.

[@dylanogg347]

And now we await the true mastermind: Dark Spectre! "Try Mami-O's! Part of a completely EVIL Breakfast! Nya-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

[@kayeszumon8763]

Simon, you didn't mention Finn Balor in the background and looking at JD McDonaugh when he was leaving. JD joining JD (Judgement Day) should be really interesting! Also Paul Heyman talking with Damien Priest and Finn in the background when Becky Lynch was heading towards the ring. This justifies Paul Heyman coming during the main event and Damian likes that. Anyways, I love these background details, those give much more depth to the product! Loved this Raw, soooo good!

[@DavidAbraham87]

I laughed way too hard when the apple scream happened 😂

[@seetrickey]

Can we please get more Simon-feld skits? That was great. Keep up the good work!

[@robertstarks3889]

I think KO deserves more then WWE gives him, but he plays his part perfectly. I loved how Gunther almost broke character, great stuff

[@Kevmaster2000]

Of course we need the brand split. Not only is it just great having a different cast on Raw and Smackdown, which makes them unique, but it also allows more wrestlers to appear. If they were all on both shows, we would only see the same people all the time. It’s much better having different wrestlers and championships on different shows.

[@WizKiddAnt91]

Agreed. Never understood how some people didn’t see the benefits of a true brand split.

[@orozco1302]

Raw was great this week, whole flew by quick because it was actually entertaining.

[@mr.flaxonwaxon9283]

2 things did I miss or did Simon not mention the JD McDonough exiting the arena with Fin Balor watching him segment and Smackdown better do the same type of sit down interview thing for AJ Styles otherwise it's painfully obvious the belt is going to Seth, I mean it is anyway but still lol

[@Maadcapminis]

Ko and Zayns gimmick is just being the only two Sane fellows in a nuthouse.

[@OriginalBarGuy]

The segment with Becks talking about her going through some shib, and then Simon talking about it hit hard, as Im going through the hardest changes in my life ever. Recently lost my dog, my wife wants a divorce (just grew apart), and lost my job due to 1 person making false accusations against me. So at almost 50 (will be 50 in a couple weeks), I am starting all over from scratch.

[@ianacquaye3719]

Hope things get better bud ❤

[@OriginalBarGuy]

@@ianacquaye3719 thanks. Hope so too. 1 day, sometimes 1 moment at a time

[@bestinthebiz45]

@Dan Stark hang in there brother, things will get better 🙏

[@matrixmessiah6083]

Keep your head up man, I'm sorry for your loss.

[@CJApps87]

Best part of the Battle Royale was when Macé ran off to the back all scared and a kid in the front row thought it was the most hilarious thing and cackled with laughter. Gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling in my tum-tum.

[@dan7291able]

I also made a note of that lol, hope Mace heard it

[@Reofenja]

Mustafa Ali winning and going to Saudi Arabia for NoC sounds like the most obvious WWE choice I can think of.

[@Johnnybsknees]

I didn't think about that until the moment he was climbing up. Before that I thought it could only be Riddle or Reed. Then I saw him go up and was like, oh, damn that actually makes sense.

[@bbsy1]

As soon as he won I said, oh yeah! Lol! He needs to look good.

[@scottmcfarlane7524]

You do realize he is South east Asian right??? He is the son of a Pakistani father, and an Indian mother. NO Arabia roots so not sure why that would be obvisous other then they think he maybe is Arab

[@vishnunaidu95]

Lots of Indian and Pakistani people will be there in Saudi... Huge diaspora from the subcontinent in the middle east

[@bbsy1]

@@scottmcfarlane7524 I thought he was from an Afghanistan heritage? He is an American, I know that for certain lol.

[@vgacxvi]

18:00 last time I remember Candice stopped Nikki to ask why she was spying on her, when Nikki said that she lonely so it made Candice feel a certain way. So this checks out

[@SixWinsWrestling]

Raw was pretty entertaining! The Seth segments made us excited for Night of Champs. You’re the best, Simon!

[@monicabrill5821]

Seth sucks

[@MonkeyDJman]

I was there In person sucked we didn’t see rollins, but he’s still human at the end of the day and deserves his breaks

[@popeymadethis]

That American stand up bit was fantastic. Simon, you are a treasure!

[@stew713]

“The least devastating move in sports entertainment…. The blue thunder bomb” 😂😂😂

[@johnnyboy3289]

It sucks because it’s such a cool move

[@JestTTV]

Did you see Finn in the background up the ramp watching JD leave? Didn’t know who JD was but I thought he reminded me of Finn and boom, there he was! Is Finn looking for another potential recruit to Judgement Day?

[@dreamszn4906]

I was hoping someone else peeped that! Finn also trained JD, I believe, in the past. Would love that connection to play out on screen

[@skummybear2084]

@@dreamszn4906 I saw that too. Was waiting for Simon to talk about it but he may have missed it lol

[@dan7291able]

I think its obvious JD will join judgment day, and if anything, at some point JD will start getting "ideas" and an internal feud between JD and Finn should materialize, pretty this is where its headed

[@xixixipeopl]

​@@dan7291able teacher and the student

[@MainEventTy]

Yo its crazy seeing the Greensboro skyline on the blue screen mainly cause thats where im from. Nothing to do with wrestling just thought that was awesome to see thanks Simon Miller

[@anthonyadams1325]

The Blue Thunder Bomb is my favorite Sami Zayn move. Just looks cool.

[@levy9595]

Agreed it looks like a dope legitimate finisher. Too bad it really does never get wind smh

[@40088922]

I just want The Judgement Day to get more wins, Rhea seems like the only credible member of the group, and it's fine that she's getting hella pushed, but why not make EVERYONE shine too?

[@Mightywhite13]

Im so glad that I stumbled across Whatculture videos. Best part of my day and Simon can always make me laugh with his goofiness… Goofy KZbinrs 4 Life

[@neerazsharma6]

Simon missed one point . After McDonaugh video package , he was shown walking towards the parking lot with his luggage , and his interview was taken where he explained his actions . After that , he continued walking . And you could see Finn Balor watching all this from the Balcony at the top right . And Balor happens to be Mcdonagh's mentor . Is something cooking here ? Will JD stand for Judgement Day ? Will we get a 5th member ?

[@Youremyproblem]

The brand split is crucial. A lot of us don't want to see Bloodline 24/7, we want more than just a couple of wrestlers to get screen time each week. Getting them off my TV on Mondays frees up time for more feuds, and the building of more wrestlers. It's just so much better right now, I don’t have to watch the same promo videos 7 times a week.

[@T-RexLaFlair64]

The Seinfeld skit made me holler😂😂😂😂. I love Simon

[@pieterbezuidenhout2649]

I want the WWE to make this show canon and bring Simon Miller into a storyline of some sort. The man can wrestle after all!

[@raven_nevermore888]

You're also South African?

[@TiLLmybonecollapse.]

I love Simon's energy and his sense of humor bringing out all the funnies when he makes the ups & downs videos 😆😎makes it all worthwhile to watch even if I don't watch raw or Smackdown! these days.

[@05PercAngle]

Man, I’m secretly hoping Roman and Solo take the belts off of them

[@Generalbas1972]

Raw was great this week. Great matches, great segments and MAMI rules

[@jameskent5314]

It was a very good show last night, the best Raw for a few weeks, every segment meant something.

[@danw4490]

Simon's skits are the best. I'm here for Simon!

[@quanmfsanchez411]

14:00 this is why I watch you Simon you are so entertaining 😂 😂😂

[@whylde7834]

That Seinfeld Ring Apron spot popped me. Thanks Simon!

[@numero1superfly393]

WWE Rematch Counter: 65

[@WinnerWinnerChicken]

Did you not see Finn balor in the background when JD mcdonagh was interviewed when he was leaving with his suitcase basically saying he’s the only Irish guy round here 🤣🤣🤣

[@jamalbaps2829]

Think you missed the point lad, JD for judgment day

[@dan7291able]

Yeah, JD is clearly gonna join Judgment Day, and if anything, there will be an internal feud between JD and Finn at some point, .sign me up

[@deathsnitemaresinfullust2269]

The crowd in the background of Ali standing on the ropes just before the pyro explodes all pee a little when it does start firing off, you can only see it for a second because they change cameras but they definitely caught a ton of people by surprise with it. 😆👍

[@KingTodd4626]

Happy Tuesday Simon

[@advridge3722]

That Craig David line lol!!😂

[@presleyphillips4704]

Simon: "This is Rhea's first rivalry after winning the title." Zelina: "Am I a joke to you?"

[@matthewpelletier6900]

So Dom and Rhea got ejected immediately, but Imperium and Heyman got to stick around for the whole match and do whatever they want? Yeah, great officiating.

[@levy9595]

If you wanna see good officiating don't watch wrestling lol

[@matthewhostetter8974]

A fine show. Nakamura looked strong as he should. Bronson Reed go time to shine and really should be Gunther's next challenger after the Ring General destroys Ali. Becky looked far better this week than last week. The only real negative was the return of Ronda Lousey, well we know Raquel and Liv's reign is going to end sooner or later. It should be the Karens winning the belts, they can have fun not defending them. KO/Sami and The Judgement Day are gold right now, plus throw in Imperium there is just so much to this. We also got to see that Paul Heyman is doing what the Usos could not, which is added to the Bloodline break up.

[@phillipsanders3718]

also if you look closely as becky is making her way to the ring from backstage at the end of the first hour, paul heyman can be seen talking to priest and balor.

[@clydeb]

😂 man I'm old, 😂 that Craig David reference legit made me chuckle from my tumtum.😂

[@anthonyperkins1668]

How did you forget about the little easter eggs Hunter put in? Paul heyman speaking with Judgment Day and Imperium. Finn Balor lurking in the background while his protégé JD was being interviewed. Come on Simon . You slippin

[@artemisazure4295]

With a decade of retail experience behind me, I can confirm that American customers do in fact scream like this when told something is out of stock.

[@Primetime210]

0:12 I still to here the full version of the Full YMCA APRON REMIX SONG

[@Mo-jc2je]

The Craig David reference was gold! Now I have to jam to that again. lol

[@m00sebumps]

+10 comedy points for "Nintendo Switch Jacket"

[@MelodicQuest]

While I think Ziggler should have had a better career, it's nice that he's still featured on tv, even if he's just basically enhancement talent now.

[@kennyhall9117]

Simon is the best, Simon number one 👏👏

[@shanecampbell7423]

Tozawa really pulled an Abe Simpson on RAW.

[@michaelmyrick1341]

I think it's awesome that the background window is Greensboro North Carolina that building with the green top to the left is Jefferson pilot building awesome

[@clintonbungart4415]

"I was there for the Man Meat Battle 2023" needs to be the next shirt. Make it happen, PWT!

[@323cat]

I miss the cruiserweight division JD would be a perfect heel champ

[@zeospark9715]

Yeah it was a shame they were regulated to one show that people hardly watched. Vince could care less about them during that time

[@MelodicQuest]

Simon, did kind of miss something with Nikki Cross and Candice LeRae. Their last exchange was when Nikki whispered something to Candice, which was, "All my friends left me." But that was weeks ago and this week didn't really feel like a follow-up to it.

[@mrbaldy1665]

Yea it looked like Candace was gonna bring Nikki into their little wierdo family, but then it seemed to get dropped. I hope they are picking it back up now though

[@azougris]

Stand up Simon for the win!!

[@straightouttascotland7130]

5:00 I laughed a lot more than I was ready for😂

[@MonkeyDJman]

I was there in person and high-fived the dude with the “give me an up baldy sign”😂

[@Tompeteux]

If they put lyrics to Owens entrance music you know it’ll just be an excuse to stick some whoas!! In there to get the crowds going

[@mauricewilliams9669]

It wasn't even mentioned that Paul Hayman was talking to Finn and Damian Priest in the background when Becky Lynch was headed to the ring. All was said by Corey Graves "is did you see that?"

[@JoseVillafranco-dw3ds]

Kinda hoping Roman does get the tag titles too lol

[@dan7291able]

Lol i cant lie, theres a part of me that just wants to see the total UPROAR if it happens lol, because you know they wouldnt keep it long

[@garyhen2028]

Simon, Im a big fan, so for one WWE ups and downs bring back the intro music, it's very inspiring.

[@SixWinsWrestling]

Random fun fact for y’all - SIMON IS ON CAMEO!

[@michaelmendoza6557]

Just wanted to say as an American, I fully enjoy the countdown clock sound.... RIP SEAN

[@tomseville2345]

Wonder what they'll think of Trish in Saudi? Lita was over last year, but they weren't exactly "allowed" to like Trish in "that way" during her prime, which was the focal point of the Divas era...

[@Nahmanimkewl]

Pretty awesome that you have fans in my hometown! We love you dude!

[@desdinovvilla-lobos]

Somebody needs to make a meme out of that "double-thumbs up, empty stare, really good argument".

[@tompatchak8706]

I’d love to see 1 on 1 , Raquel Rodriguez, versus either Shana or Rousey. That’s a power match up there

[@ChrisLT]

4:14 is some arcane magic I wasn't aware of, but will use in the future. I also appreciate the dumb use of not-KO and not-Seinfeld tunes.

[@BrntRst]

Excellent work Simon! Just read on fighful about your interview with ortiz! Was also a great video however disappointed they mentioned it was for what culture and no mention of you!

[@wayytoosaucyy3036]

You showing my sign made every penny I spent going worth it bro 💪 Thanks Baldy 😂

[@ssmelche]

I was at a WWE super show on Sunday and Gunther defended his title against Johnny Gargano in a really good match. Bianca defended her title against Asuka. KO and Sami Zayn faced Imperium and the Street Profits. Rhea Ripley defeated Tegan Nox. Omos stomped Ziggler who did his best to put up a fight. The main event Cody Rhodes beat Finn Balor in a no DQ match and Cody FaceTimed his mom to wish her happy mother's day.

[@Comeatmeow]

Dom yelled out this is bullshit. When ejected. Surprised he didn't get bleeped.

[@DylanZan3]

The 'coming to raw'/'sore penis' was so subtle but I spat my coffee. Hahah

[@BayleyBengal]

Those KO lyrics are good!

[@ramsesrendon2895]

Simon Miller is the best thing in Wrestling.

[@lordchaosmonkey552]

Im happy ali is getting a title shot. I don't think he'll beat gunther, but i know the match will be awesome

[@michaeloptv]

Well if they don’t give LA Knight the MITB briefcase. Maybe have Shinskae as a backup. Either that or big feud with Theory. Regardless that man needs a title belt again!!

[@NationalSportsEntertainmentNSE]

7:39 literally mentioned EVERYONE except Elias

[@dylanogg347]

I'll give the bookers credit with Miz Vs. Nakamura. I thought it would either end with Miz cheating to win or Nakamura notching up a win with a Roll-Up, but both endings were subverted, and Nakamura won conclusively with a Bomaye after both of the former endings were teased in sequence. Kudos.

[@thethomasohm]

That was the saddest Seinfeld impersonation and I absolutely LOVED EVERY SECOND! Keep it up my bald brother!

[@ChibiDarkrunner]

Congrats on the engagement

[@nathanielmcelwrath7805]

Simon missed the part about Finn watching JD walk out of the arena my favorite part of raw

[@tomseville2345]

Wonder if Riddle will keep the tracksuit top zipped up to combat Gunther? Not that that would help in kayfabe terms...

[@derekrichardson9105]

Not gonna be Riddle, gonna be Ali. So much love to you as always, Simon!

[@yadielenielbellecolon982]

Thank For The Recap Video ❤️🌟🥇🏆

[@samantharyan5105]

"You know who wins? Its the nightmare" ..my super tired self... Cody???? 🤣🤣🤣

[@garyhen2028]

Ali is in line for that mega push.

[@stevenneaves8079]

These little quick side skits are my favorite parts of the video 😂

[@mark2kariuki862]

a very great raw, sami zyan's promo was great and i am hyped for tag team match at the premium live event against roman and solo sikoa, becky lynch cut a fire promo about why she attacked trish last week and i am hyped for they match, shinsuke nakamura vs the miz a very good match, rachel vs chelesea was okay, indur's debut was good, seth rollins promo video packages we great👆, the 10 man battle royal was fun, gunther vs Mustafa ali is going to be a good match, rounda and shyna 👆returned to raw, xavier woods vs dom was good, and ko and sami vs the judgement was great, and the judgment day 😱won, great build to night of champions and great show, 10/10👊 and the night of champions card lookes fantastic 🤗

[@katejoyce2725]

Best ring apron skit ever!! 😂

[@damiansavino]

Seinfeld killed it. I’m giving that a golden up!

[@GLJosh]

Title match in Saudi, Ali winning the Battle Royale makes since as would have Mansoir'e (or however you spell it now).

[@PickleCityPicker]

That was my son Hunter Jones holding the "give me an up baldy" snap not so mister nice

[@Jasons_Harley]

Tbh if The Ring General whether Gunther or Sting showed up during my fight Id be extremely concerned too

[@chrisg3193]

If i saw Imperium, id be more likely to approach Giovanni more than Gunther, only cause i remember his smile in nxt

[@JestTTV]

I think Dom needs to better utilize all this heat