WWE NXT preview (Feb. 8, 2017): ‘ello Nigel

Tonight’s show finds us back full-time at Full Sail Live, with the first 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)

It’s the next, and possibly final, step in Bobby Roode’s plan to elevate NXT. By defeating Shinsuke Nakamura at TakeOver: San Antonio and capturing the NXT championship, Roode is positioned to steer the brand onward and upward. But what does that mean for the rest of the locker room? They’ll start to find out when the new champ throws a GLORIOUS celebration on this week’s episode.

We know Samoa Joe is signed to Raw, but Nakamura is still a NXT Superstar - and he managed to escape a major injury in his brutal loss to Roode a week and a half. The King of Strong Style may have something to say to the new champ, and so might a man we spied hanging around backstage in San Antonio... Kassius Ohno.

The GLORIOUS Era could get off to a very interesting start.

The Title Scene

Speaking of next phases of plans, Authors of Pain captured the tag titles in Texas, and their Hall of Fame manager Paul Ellering claimed it was just the next chapter of his. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa should have a rematch coming their way, and considering how much The Revival petitioned to have the last TakeOver championship bout turned into a Triple Threat, Dash & Dawson will probably be angling for a chance to become the first time three-time champs in brand history.

Now that she’s the longest reigning singles champ in NXT history, what’s next for Women’s champ Asuka? Ember Moon thinks she deserves a shot, which the Empress of Tomorrow will probably be okay with... as soon as she figures out who Moon is.

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- After saying goodbye to Corey Graves last night, Nigel McGuinness makes his debut in the booth alongside Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton.

- Ohno’s not the only guy who could show up and make a splash in the main event... Hideo Itami’s been Tweeting that he’s ready to go after his latest injury, and WWE should use him in as high-profile a role as they can.

- With a win over Andrade “Cien” Almas in San Antonio, Roderick Strong is also gunning for a title shot.

- United Kingdom champion Tyler Bate looked great in an exhibition against Oney Lorcan last Wednesday, and he was rumored to be among a contingent of guys from across the pond who were in the States after Royal Rumble weekend. Maybe we see a few more on this show soon, eh?

- Eric Young is looking to build off his, and SAnitY’s future, off his win against Royal Rumble entrant Tye Dillinger. But the Perfect Ten is probably re-energized from his quick visit to the main roster. Will he be looking for revenge against EY, Killain Dain & Alexander Wolfe on the way to WrestleMania weekend?

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!