WWE NXT preview (Sept. 21, 2016): A perfect direction

It’s the first show from Sept. 15’s taping at Full Sail (spoilers from which are here), where NXT will continue building toward TakeOver: Toronto (unless they try to squeeze something in before November). Here's what to expect from the show.

The Headliner

WWE.com’s official preview doesn’t even list a match, instead focusing on the next steps in what looks to be their latest long-running main event NXT championship feud.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s title win in Brooklyn seemed to have Samoa Joe re-evaluating the ruthless, take-no-prisoners approach which lead him to finally capture the belt from Finn Bálor. But his change of heart was part of a ruse to lure the champ into a vicious beatdown.

As General Manager (and frequent Joe nemesis) William Regal seethed and Nakamura was loaded on a stretcher, Joey Headrocker hopped in his ride and speed away from Full Sail. Tonight, Regal and the fans will be looking for answers. We all know that Joe “did this” to Shinsuke, but how does he see it as helping his quest to regain the championship? And what is the injury status of either man, seeing as Joe was being held out with injuries even before the shocking segment from last week’s show.

The Title Scene

Women’s titleholder Asuka’s cleared out the division, and she’s not shy about telling everyone just that. That leaves everyone else maneuvering for a shot they’re probably not ready for against the Empress of Tomorrow. Last week Liv Morgan made an impression with a win - who will try to stand out this week?

The biggest question about Tag Team champs The Revival is probably “what’s up with Scott Dawson’s leg?” Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa’s win at the Cruiserweight Classic (CWC) finale further cemented them as deserving another shot at the belts. This show was taped before the Top Guy started walking around with a crutch, so if we get any info, it will have to come from Corey Graves & Tom Phillips or a backstage segment.

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- Speaking of cruiserweights, they had their debut on Raw a couple days back, but they’re rumored to have a continued presence on WWE Network Wednesdays as well. Will that be as plucky enhancement talent, as they’ve been used lately. Or will Jack Gallagher or Noam Dar become the next Gargano or Ciampa?

- Both Hideo Itami and Austin Aries have picked up wins since the recently returned Japanese Superstar put A-Double to sleep in Brooklyn. Probably time for business to pick up in their young feud.

- As his near-perfect responses from Full Sail and road crowds continue, will Tye Dillinger get an actual storyline which could push him up the card?

- House shows have helped us figure out a few of the members of Sanity (spoilers will get you the rest of the way, if you’re so inclined), so stay tuned. A reveal is coming.

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!