WWE NXT preview (July 26, 2017): Lead by example

Tonight’s show finds us at Full Sail, for the first episode from a taping (spoilers from which are here) which takes us all the of the way to August’s TakeOver: Brooklyn III. Here's what to expect.

The Headliner(s)

Hideo Itami hasn’t been the same since coming up short at TakeOver: Chicago. Really, ever since returning for the latest setback in his injury-plagued WWE career, the Japanese Superstar’s had an edge most NXT fans hadn’t seen before.

His friend Kassius Ohno, himself on his second WWE run without ever holding a title, can relate. He tried to tell Hideo that, and even show him how to get ahead while remaining on the path of righteousness. But Ohno’s struggled to win while serving as an example, even losing a tag match with Itami against SAnitY.

His latest idea? Ask for a one-on-one match against the Master of the GTS. Hideo did not seem excited when he found General Manager William Regal approved this one, and he took it out on a trash can in catering.

We’ll find out how all that translates to the squared circle tonight.

The Title Scene

Following last week’s main event, we know Drew McIntyre will face NXT champion Bobby Roode at TakeOver: Brooklyn III. Drew earned that opportunity by keeping his undefeated streak alive while pinning a first loss on Killian Dain. So The Glorious One knows to keep one eye on the big Scot, and if he’s smart, he should keep the other one on Roderick Strong, who’s still unhappy with how Roode beat him a few weeks back at Full Sail.

While Women’s champ Asuka is still sitting back and waiting for Regal to deliver a challenger she deems worthy, the ladies of NXT are jockeying for position. Ember Moon put herself at the top of the list with a nice victory over Ruby Riot last Wednesday, while The Iconic Duo are calling the Empress out on YouTube.

Dain may have come up short against McIntyre, but he has another iron in the fire. Shortly after tag titleholders Authors of Pain retained against Heavy Machinery a couple weeks back, SAnitY hit the stage to declare their intent to come for the belts. With Eric Young due back for this last batch of pre-Brooklyn shows, this feud is about to get really interesting.

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- After getting a win over Cezar Bononi, No Way Jose came to his rescue when Andrade “Cien” Almas and his mysterious lady friend tried to pick the bones as revenge for the Brazilian’s upset win over Almas. Looks like Jose has a new enemy. Or two.

- Johnny Gargano has a new action figure he’s very excited about. Now can he get a match for TakeOver?

- Will Kayla Braxton ever learn how to interview Velveteen Dream properly?

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!