WWE NXT preview (Dec. 14, 2016): Qualify this

Tonight’s show will be another mix of live event footage (spoilers for which are here) and matches from Full Sail Live (spoilers from which are here). Here's what to expect.

The Headliner(s)

Yep, we’re getting footage of Shinsuke Nakamura defending his NXT title against Samoa Joe in a steel cage from Melbourne, and hopefully it’s as good as the live reports indicated.

But in the meantime, General Manager William Regal announced four qualifying matches, the winners of which will head to a Fatal 4Way which will determine who challenges whoever walks out of that cage with the strap. And it looks like we’re getting all four tonight (which will probably cut even further into how much of Joe vs. Nak IV we see)!

Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young: Most likely to main event. Fan favorite Dillinger was lured away from quitting the show by Regal with entry into the tournament, and we’re all watching to see how sANitY’s leader fares... and if he lands his new BIG recruit.

No Way Jose vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas: The dancin’ Dominican has had a rough go of it since TakeOver dealing with Young & company, while ACA’s laid pretty low since turning heel.

Roderick Strong vs. Elias Samson: The Drifter’s one of NXT’s biggest heels (and someone, like Almas & Jose, who is kind of pigeon-holed as a mid-carder until he wins one of these kinds of match-ups), which is how Roddy was presented upon debut. But with Austin Aries on injured reserve, and maybe headed to the Raw Cruiserweight division, this could be a breakout moment for him as a big babyface.

Oney Lorcan vs. Bobby Roode: Lorcan is a great wrestler and performer who’s impresses with every chance he gets on screen or at live events. But he’s not taking down the GLORIOUS One here.

The Title Scene

It was the smallest of teases, but all it took was a second-long staredown between Women’s champ Asuka and Nikki Cross to get me and fans across the Universe PUMPED for that potential battle. With TakeOver: San Antonio just a month-and-a-half away, they need to establish the Empress of Tomorrow’s next challenger soon...

The tag title picture, on the other hand, is clear. #DIY defends against their old friends the Revival on Jan. 18. Whoever holds gold after that probable-classic faces Dusty Classic winners Authors of Pain the night before Royal Rumble.

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- With Big Damo angling to replace the injured Sawyer Fulton in sANitY, could a debut from Tommy (F’N) End be far behind?

- The impressive win streak of Ember Moon continued last week... is she ready to move up the card? What about the rest of the idling women’s division?

- Shane Thorne & Nick Miller had a time back in their home country. What’s next for TM-61 in this one?

NOTE: Spoilers are out there for these pre-taped broadcasts (including here), but many Cagesiders don't partake. If you are going to post or discuss spoilers for this show before they happen, or results of future shows, please use the spoiler bar in your comment.

See you tonight for NXT, Cagesiders!