5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Retired star makes in-ring return after 6 years, Popular star getting a huge push ahead of Royal Rumble (January 22nd, 2021)

#3 The Billie-Riott Squad conundrum on SmackDown

Billie tried her best

WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Asuka and Charlotte Flair appeared on SmackDown, even though they're both RAW superstars. It was made clear that the holders of the Women's Tag Team titles could appear on any WWE brand.

.@YaOnlyLivvOnce from the top rope!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/HxCQXParWC

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2021

The outcome was quite predictable, but it turned out to be a good showing for Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan. A lot of emphasis was given to Liv's overall performance, and she deserves raise for constantly improving.

Billie Kay was ringside as well, and while she attempted to help her friends win the match, it backfired, and she ended up costing them on SmackDown instead. Backstage, Billie Kay was upset but perceived it as just a setback that the three of them could overcome together.

"Billie, you're not getting it. There is no 'us.'" #SmackDown @RubyRiottWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce @BillieKayWWE pic.twitter.com/U2r26FlKv3

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2021

Ruby Riott insisted that they weren't a trio, and said that it was better with just her and Liv Morgan. While we don't disagree, Billie Kay has been brilliant on SmackDown. We expect her to eventually reunite, with the payoff likely being her helping them win a major match or title.