7 things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Tag team reunites after 11 years, 5-time World Champion to have major character change soon? (10th January 2020)

#2 WWE is still protecting Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks didn't appear as advertised for her match

Lacey Evans was originally scheduled to face Sasha Banks in a grudge match on SmackDown. However, Banks' music hit but she didn't come out, with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley telling her that she wasn't present that night.

Instead, Evans went on to chase Bayley backstage and it resulted in a small brawl. It's clear that Bayley vs Lacey Evans is going to be the SmackDown Women's Championship match at the Royal Rumble 2020, but it's surprising that they still haven't gotten to Evans vs Banks.

It seems evident that WWE still wants to protect Sasha Banks. She hasn't fared too badly since losing to Becky Lynch at Hell in a Cell and has still been one of the more protected female stars - certainly more than Charlotte Flair at this stage.

While we do expect the match to take place eventually, don't be surprised if Evans doesn't beat her clean or there's a sketchy finish that protects both women.