5 things you need to know before tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW (January 21st, 2019)

In just a few hours, the WWE will once again host their latest episode of Monday Night RAW.

Last week's episode was a true blockbuster, with Finn Balor being crowned the new number one contender for the Universal Championship, and Bobby Lashley capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

With the Royal Rumble less than a week away, the men and women of Monday Nights are hoping to prove themselves before the iconic pay per view, where they will get the chance to punch their ticket for a guaranteed title match at WrestleMania 35.

But before the Rumble, they need to survive tonight, with a huge triple threat title match already being announced.

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

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#5 What's next for the Monster Among Men?

Strowman destroyed Vince McMahon's limousine last week, resulting in a hefty fine and losing his title opportunity at the Royal Rumble.

Last week's RAW saw a lot of change, both good and bad, but the worst of said change was felt by Braun Strowman.

After letting his temper get the better of him, Strowman destroyed the limo of chairman Vince McMahon, leading to swift action from the irate billionaire, who removed Strowman from his Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble.

Now out of the title match, and in the bad books of the McMahons, it seems that Strowman will have to go to the back of the line, as a new challenger emerges for the Beast Incarnate.

The question now is: what will Strowman do next, now he is no longer in contention for the title.

With WrestleMania only a couple of months away, the former RAW Tag Team Champion will have to come up with something fast.

#4 Balor believes

Balor beat some of Monday Night RAW's top Superstars to become the new number one contender

Whilst the removal of Braun Strowman from the Universal Championship match may have been bad news for the Monster, it was great news for Finn Balor.

Defeating Jinder Mahal, John Cena, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin on the same night last week, the Irishman truly earned his spot in the championship match at the upcoming Rumble pay per view.

And whilst many have already written the former NXT Champion off due to his size, Balor is hoping to prove all doubters wrong and slay the Beast this Sunday.

Fans should remember that Balor was the first ever Universal Champion, and after relinquishing the title the next night due to injury, will be hungry to take it back.

But with the odds stacked against him, Finn Balor may have to channel his inner demon this Sunday.

#3 The next generation of Superstars

Nikki Cross was successful in her RAW debut match last week, teaming with Natalya and Bayley to defeat the Riott Squad

On the Christmas Eve edition of RAW, the WWE Universe got a very special gift: six new NXT Superstars, who would be coming to the main roster very soon.

Last week, whilst EC3, Lacey Evans and Heavy Machinery all made their presences known in brief segments, it was Nikki Cross who shone brightest, having her first official RAW match, in a victorious effort with Natalya and Bayley against the Riott Squad.

With the Scottish Superstar making such an impact last weeks, fans have been left wondering who will step up to the plate tonight, and who, if any of them, will have a match.

Whilst these stars still could end up signing with SmackDown Live, expect plenty of shocks from the NXT Graduates tonight on Monday Night RAW.

#2 Tag Team action tonight!

Natalya and Rousey will face the Boss 'n Hugs connection tonight on RAW.

With the Royal Rumble pay per view just days away, every woman on RAW and SmackDown Live is looking towards the 30-woman Rumble match.

The second ever women's Rumble match, anyone who isn't a champion will be hoping to win it, whilst those not involved will be scouting for future opponents.

But before the Rumble, four of RAW's top women will collide, when the Boss 'n Hugs connection takes on Natalya and RAW Women's Champion 'Rowdy' Ronda Rousey.

All eyes will be on Sasha Banks and Rousey, who are due to face off at the Rumble pay per view for the RAW Women's Championship.

Rousey has been a true phenom since making her WWE in-ring debut last year, though the Boss will hope to take her undefeated streak, and the title, this Sunday.

#1 The All Mighty Era

Lashley and Lio Rush celebrate after the All Mighty became Intercontinental Champion.

For the first time since returning to WWE in April last year, Bobby Lashley holds championship gold.

Meeting Seth Rollins and then-IC Champion Dean Ambrose last week, Lashley was able to vanquish the former Shield brothers to capture his first Intercontinental Championship in WWE.

This will no doubt give the cocky former Army Ranger even more reason to be sure of himself, ahead of the Men's Rumble match this Sunday, which all three men will be a part of.

With the All Mighty now holding the title, we have to wonder who, if anyone will step up and try and take the title from home.

Dean Ambrose does have a title shot promised to him as the former champion, though if Seth Rollins is around, don't expect the Lunatic Fringe to regain the title.