3 talking points from the RAW before Stomping Grounds ( 17 June 2019)

The expectations were high as it was the last edition of the red brand before Stomping Grounds. Following an ordinary episode of RAW last week, the flagship show delivered a better episode this week. The show had some action-packed matches with impressive segments.

The Women's Tag Team Titles were on the line when the IIconics defended the twin belts against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Ricochet won the Fatal 5-Way match and he will be facing Samoa Joe at Stomping Grounds. The Viking Raiders beat two local competitors, while The Usos pinned the Club.

The RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch and Lacey Evans had a face-off but the former stood tall. The New Day defeated the team of Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin. Roman Reigns made a big statement after decimating Drew McIntyre, Shane McMahon and The Revival. On the other hand, Seth Rollins pinned Daniel Bryan in the main event of the night.

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In all honesty, it was one of the best episodes of RAW in recent weeks. Here we discuss three talking points from RAW this week.

#3 Ricochet could be set for a big push

Five men tussled in an Elimination Match to decide the number one contender of US Championship. Things got heated on the Miz TV last week when five men demanded title shots. Since some big names were part of the match, the excitement was sky-high. Ricochet overpowered Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley, Cesaro and The Miz to earn the right to face Samoa Joe on Sunday.

Ricochet was a dark horse in this match, but there is no denying that he is one of the best high-flyers in the company. Due to his dexterity in the ring, the former NXT North American Champion is a fan favourite, hence, he could be set for a big push.

Joe has been US Champion for a long time. Despite losing the belt at Money in the Bank, he regained it on RAW a couple of weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if Joe retains the belt on Sunday against Ricochet. Regardless of the outcome of the match, the match is expected to be awe-inspiring as both men are swift in the ring.

#2 Roman Reigns will bring his A-Game at Stomping Grounds

After skipping RAW and SmackDown Live last week, Roman Reigns was present this week. The Big Dog is set to face Drew McIntyre which will be a rematch of WrestleMania. Reigns suffered a shocking loss against Shane McMahon at Super ShowDown, as the Scottish Psychopath assisted the latter to pick a victory.

The former Universal Champion was visibly upset after the loss in Saudi Arabia and it was shown on RAW this week. He stormed into the VIP room of Shane McMahon, who provoked Reigns by mentioning his family. Reigns took down the Revival and put McIntyre through the table. Subsequently, the Big Dog chased Shane to the ring where he wrecked him with a Superman Punch and a vicious Spear.

It was carnage and McIntyre will face the dangerous side of Reigns at Stomping Grounds. Considering Reigns has a history of overcoming multiple bad guys, it shouldn't be different on Sunday. Judging by the scenario on RAW, the Big Dog is expected to decimate McIntyre and Shane if the latter interferes at Stomping Grounds.

#1 Baron Corbin might not manage to get a guest referee at Stomping Grounds

Baron Corbin was supposed to announce a guest referee of his preference for the Universal Championship match at Stomping Grounds but it didn't happen. Corbin didn't announce a guest referee on RAW this week and it will be interesting to see if he declares it on Sunday.

Seth Rollins prevented Corbin's attempts to declare a referee. Earlier, Elias announced himself as the guest referee when he opened the show. Moreover, he was in referee's attire, but Rollins attacked the Drifter from behind. Corbin also tried to convince Eric Young to be the guest referee but the latter was viciously attacked by Rollins.

Paul Heyman made it clear on RAW that he will not be the guest referee, while Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens had a misunderstanding with Corbin this week and they are not likely to help the Universal Title Challenger.

Being a heel, Corbin doesn't have many friends, and he finds himself in a tricky situation after RAW this week. While some Superstars refused to assist Corbin, Rollins prevented a few of Superstars from becoming the guest referee. Taking everything into consideration, Corbin is unlikely to announce a guest referee at Stomping Grounds.