# WWE Raw preview, Aug. 19, 2019: The King of the Ring tournament kicks off this Monday

* The illustrious King of the Ring tournament returns on Monday Night Raw? Who will advance in the opening round of what is sure to be an action-packed tourney? Also on Raw, AJ Styles defends the United States Championship against Braun Strowman!

* 2019 King of the Ring tournament bracket
* Braun Strowman to face AJ Styles for the United States Title on Raw
* Sasha Banks’ brutal return sparks questions
* Cedric Alexander squares off with Sami Zayn as the King of the Ring kicks off
* Cesaro and Samoa Joe to throw down with their eyes on the throne
* Walking with (and running after) Elias

# 2019 King of the Ring tournament bracket

* Who will take the crown in the King of the Ring tournament, returning this Monday on Raw?
Eight Superstars from Raw and eight Superstars from SmackDown LIVE will meet in the tourney to become WWE royalty, and the bracket is now set.
Check out all of the opening matchups below, then download and print your own bracket so you can make predictions and track your favorite Superstars as they advance.

# Braun Strowman to face AJ Styles for the United States Title on Raw

* The O.C. have been making a lot of noise on Raw since capturing the United States Championship and the Raw Tag Team Titles, but it seems like all that noise has woken up a monster.
As AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson pummeled Universal Champion Seth Rollins during Raw’s Champion vs. Champion main event, Braun Strowman joined frequent O.C. foe Ricochet in helping The Beastslayer even the odds, sending a powerful message to The Phenomenal One and his cruel cohorts.
In a WWE.com interview following the physical altercation with The Monster Among Men, Styles challenged Strowman to a match next week, where the United States Title will be on the line. Strowman accepted the challenge via Twitter.

# Sasha Banks’ brutal return sparks questions

* Sporting blue hair and a take-no-prisoners attitude, Sasha Banks emerged this past Monday night on Raw and utterly unleashed on an unsuspecting (and injured) Natalya – and not even Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch could halt The Boss’ rampage. Banks got the better of The Man in the ensuing brawl, relentlessly pummeling the titleholder with a steel chair.
Earlier in the night, Lynch had thrown out a challenge to the Women’s locker room: “Your smart play is to get me before I get you.” Was The Boss taking that message to heart, using the attack on Natalya to goad Lynch into a physical confrontation? Or was there another reason for Banks’ physical and psychological transformation upon her return?
Meanwhile, Lynch has taken to Instagram vowing retribution against Banks following the attack. Will that payback come this Monday on Raw?

# Cedric Alexander squares off with Sami Zayn as the King of the Ring kicks off

* Cedric Alexander’s momentum has been surging over recent weeks with a win over Drew McIntyre and legions of new fans inspired by his never-say-die attitude and breathtaking propensity for making a statement. Sami Zayn will be looking to disappoint Alexander’s fans as the King of the Ring Tournament begins.
Zayn would undoubtedly take pleasure in eliminating fan-favorite Alexander from the tournament early. Can The Critic of Critics play spoiler or will Cedric ascend and take his first step towards the King of the Ring throne?

# Cesaro and Samoa Joe to throw down with their eyes on the throne

* The King of the Ring Tournament is about to see a fight go down.
In a match that could be the most physical of the first round, Cesaro and Samoa Joe will collide, both looking to advance in their quest to become the 2019 King of the Ring. Will it be The Samoan Shark or The Swiss Cyborg who emerges from a battle that is sure to turn heads this Monday night?

# Walking with (and running after) Elias

* Mere moments after R-Truth celebrated his astonishing twelfth 24/7 Championship win, Elias bashed the rapping Superstar with his guitar to kick off his third reign with the oft-defended prize.
Elias has already turned back a challenge from Drake Maverick in the recording studio, but neither Drake nor the growing number of Superstars in pursuit of the 24/7 Title will be giving up anytime soon. Can the calculating crooner – who is also competing in the King of the Ring tournament – stay on top of the charts?