5 things you need to know before tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW (August 19th, 2019)

In just a few short hours, the XCEL Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota will be the latest arena to play host to Monday Night RAW. After an explosive SummerSlam 2019 PPV, last week's episode of the red brand was a huge night, as the WWE Universe saw the return of the Boss Sasha Banks, who decimated both Natalya and RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch.

Last week's show also saw the Monster Among Men Braun Strowman making a huge return after missing SummerSlam, and tonight could be even bigger for the colossal Superstar. With a title match, and the start of a classic tournament already announced for tonight's show, this week's edition of RAW is one you need to check out.

Here are five things you really need to know before tonight's instalment of Monday Night RAW.

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#5 The road to Clash of Champions begins

Who will the Universal Champion Seth Rollins face at next month's Pay Per View?

WWE SummerSlam 2019 may have been a huge PPV for the company, but now it is time to look ahead to next month, when Clash of Champions will take place on September 15th.

As the name suggests, Clash of Champions will feature plenty of huge title matches take place, but so far, no match for any piece of gold has been announced. With eleven total titles being defended across RAW, SmackDown Live and 205 Live, it's clear the company will need to start making some matches for the show sooner rather than later.

Who will step up to claim a spot at next month's PPV? Expect some huge storylines and matches to be announced during tonight's three-hour show.

#4 The Monster Among Men covets the Star-Spangled Strap

The Phenomenal One will have a tough night when he defends his US Title against Braun Strowman.

Last week, Braun Strowman certainly made an impact on the final moments of Monday Night RAW. After missing the Biggest Party of the Summer, SummerSlam, the rested Monster Among Men helped even the odds in the climax of the show, when Seth Rollins and Ricochet found themselves the victims of a three on two beatdown by the OC.

In a WWE.com interview following the physical altercation with The Monster Among Men, AJ Styles challenged Strowman to a match next week, where the United States Title will be on the line. Title opportunities in WWE don't come around every day, so it's no surprise that the Greatest Royal Rumble winner accepted the challenge on Twitter.

Since joining the main roster in 2015, Strowman is yet to hold singles gold (though did briefly hold the Greatest Royal Rumble celebratory title), as his only real reign as champion on the main roster is his one-day Tag Title reign with Nicholas.

Will Strowman's luck change tonight, as he aims to capture the US Title? Tune in to RAW to find out.

#3 The 24/7 Champion on the move again

Elias won the title on last week's show, and defended the 24/7 Championship against Drake Maverick in a studio.

Elias may claim that WWE stands for Walk With Elias, but over the past week, the singer-songwriter has been doing more running than walking. On last week's RAW, Elias captured the 24/7 Championship for the third time, pinning R-Truth backstage after a guitar shot to the back. Since capturing the gold, Elias has become quite the wanted man, though the pressure of having a title he must defend at all times hasn't seemed to affect the Living Truth.

Whilst recording for his next album this week, the Champ was attacked by Drake Maverick, a four-time 24/7 Champion in his own right. The British Superstar was not even able to pin Elias as the singer made quick work of Maverick, dispatching him with ease before returning to his music.

It seems Elias is going to be a much tougher 24/7 Champion than those who have come before him. Will the singer be able to keep hold of the coveted title tonight, or will he lose it on RAW tonight?

#2 Long live the King!

Cesaro and Samoa Joe will battle it out in the first round of the King of the Ring tonight.

For the first time in over four years, the WWE is set to have a new monarch on it's roster, as the King of the Ring Tournament returns tonight. Over the years, there have been several great Kings, such as 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, who gave his famous Austin 3:16 speech upon his 1996 KOTR finals victory over Jake 'The Snake' Roberts.

Since Austin, several stars have made a name for themselves as king, including Triple H in 1997, Kurt Angle in 2000, Edge a year later, and Brock Lesnar in 2002. Though the most recent King, Bad News Barrett, who won the crown in 2015, is no longer with the company, that does leave an empty throne, which 16 Superstars will battle for.

Tonight on RAW, the King of the Ring 2019 tournament begins, with four of the red brand's very top Superstars facing off in competition. Cedric Alexander will take on Sami Zayn, with the winner qualifying to the next round, whilst Cesaro will attempt to take his first step to become King of Switzerland, when he takes on Samoa Joe.

#1 Why, Sasha, Why?

Sasha will be the guest on the King's Court, after returning and turning heel last week.

Last week, after months of rumors, speculation and discussion, Sasha Banks finally returned to WWE Monday Night RAW in a major way. Interrupting a promo from the injured Natalya, Banks embraced the Canadian Superstar, before showing her true colours, literally, attacking the injured star whilst also revealing her new blue hair.

This attack led to the intervention of RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch, but even the wrath of The Man wasn't enough to take Sasha down. Instead, the Boss levelled Lynch with a similar attack and downed the Irish Superstar with a series of chair shots.

Banks hadn't been seen on WWE TV since she and Bayley lost the Women's Tag Team titles to the IIconics at WrestleMania 35, so it's clear that the master of the Banks Statement is making up for lost time and has more gold in mind.

What will Banks have to say for herself regarding last week's attacks when she appears on the Kings Court, and what will The Man have in store for the former RAW Women's Champion tonight on the red brand? Tune in to the USA Network tonight to find out.