WWE NXT preview (Feb. 22, 2017): Sure, why not?

Tonight’s show finds us back full-time at Full Sail Live, with the third episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) that will start the journey to TakeOver: Orlando. Here's what to expect.

The Headliner(s)

I’ll be damned if I can explain to you why it makes much sense, but General Manager William Regal has selected three women (none of whom are named Nikki Cross, which is probably why I’m grumpy about the whole thing) to duke it out in a Triple Threat to determine the #1 contender for Asuka’s Women’s title.

Stepping to the undefeated Empress of Tomorrow would be a tough task for anyone. For two-thirds of these ladies, it’s a task to which they’ve proven they’re not ready. Liv Morgan lost to Asuka in historically quick fashion late last year, and Peyton Royce couldn’t beat her despite having her partner Billie Kay as a legal conspirator in TakeOver: San Antonio’s Fatal 4Way.

Ember Moon probably deserves the shot outright, seeing as how she’s never faced the champ and is - like Asuka - undefeated. Sure, the Japanese Superstar claims she doesn’t know who Moon is, but that’s why you’d book the match... so she could find out!

Instead, we’ll get this Triple Threat.

The Title Scene

Our new NXT champion, Bobby Roode, kicked off the Glorious Era last week. Roode plans to take the brand to the next level, but with Shinsuke Nakamura getting closer to returning to the ring (on television - despite the injury angle they’re running online, he’s still working house shows) and Triple H already having spoiled Kassius Ohno’s title shot at the next taping, he’ll have to fight to make those plans a reality.

#DIY will get their rematch for the NXT tag titles from Authors of Pain next Wednesday (actually, it already happened, but... you know what I mean). With their actions since San Antonio, The Revival have made it clear they don’t care who wins that match, the Top Guys want to become three-time champs, ASAP.

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- NXT continues to be the temporary home to WWE’s new United Kingdom scene. Last week, Tyler Bate defended his title for the first time and beat his friend & mentor Trent Severn. Tonight, two less friendly rivals will give us a rematch of one of the tourney’s semi-finals when Pete Dunne faces Mark Andrews.

- With a YouTube video last week, WWE sought to remind us of tensions between Dunne and Regal from the UK Championship Tournament. And that pleased me, seeing as it’s my favorite feud-that-can’t-ever-end-in-a-match outside of Miz/Daniel Bryan.

- Cross’ lack of a title shot aside, SAnitY’s been on a roll. Tye Dillinger is re-energized to stand in their way, but it even with the anti-bullying brigade of Roderick Strong & No Way Jose by his side, it may not be enough to stop Eric Young, Killian Dain & Alexander Wolfe.

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!