Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Another Superstar fired after Lars Sullivan; Reason for six-time Champion Jey Uso's absence from WWE; Update on Cesaro's contract 

#4 Reason for Jey Uso's absence from SmackDown

Relive The @WWEUsos & The #NewDay's WWE Tag Team Championship battle from #RoyalRumble 2016 in its entirety, courtesy of @WWENetwork.▶️ https://t.co/7bq7BVEkXb pic.twitter.com/ToFmYdiFhe

— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2021

'Main Event' Jey Uso had become a focal point of SmackDown of late since he got involved with his cousin Roman Reigns. However, the six-time Tag Team Champion has been missing in action for the past few weeks. As per Dave Meltzer of WOR, the reason for him being missing is that he is not cleared to compete. Jey Uso was surprisingly absent from Royal Rumble as well.

Jey Uso wasn't medically cleared for the WWE Royal Rumble, according to Dave Meltzer. The medical reason wasn't given and his expected return is unknown. He wasn't seen in the graphic for the Rumble on Friday, but was in it the week before.

With Jimmy Uso's return date also coming closer, it is possible that the two brothers finally return together as a tag team.

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#3 Robert Roode missed last week's SmackDown tapings

“I've paid my duesTime after timeI've done my sentenceBut committed no crime”#Dawgs pic.twitter.com/ArOjatau8i

— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 12, 2021

Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode won the SmackDown Tag Team Championships a few weeks back. However, Roode has been absent ever since winning the titles and it has just been Dolph Ziggler who has been representing the duo on SmackDown each week.

As per Fightful Select, Robert Roode was not present for the SmackDown tapings last week. Although they did not have a clear reason for The Glorious One missing out despite being a Champion.