Top SmackDown Rumors: Superstar fired because of COVID-19 related issues; Botched elimination at Royal Rumble; Shinsuke Nakamura's future; Murphy's absence (12th February)

Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown Rumors that could have a major impact. In today's edition, this article will take a look at the recent release of a Superstar because of COVID-19 related issues. We will also delve into why Murphy has been absent from SmackDown over the past few weeks.

Apart from that, we will take a look at what the future holds for former United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in WWE. While the 2021 Royal Rumble event received high praise, a new report has pointed to a major botch that took place in one of the Rumble matches this year.

So without further ado, let's dive in and take a look at the biggest rumors related to WWE SmackDown:

---

#5 Reason for SmackDown Superstar Steve Cutler being released

A former member of King Corbin's entourage, Steve Cutler, was released from WWE last week. As per Fightful Select, Cutler had contracted COVID-19 which led to some heat from Vince McMahon. Dave Meltzer of WON also stated that McMahon was 'livid' when he found out that Steve Cutler had tested positive and was a health risk to all the other Superstars.

Steve Cutler's release was deemed a 'disciplinary' action against the Superstar. It was also noted that Steve Cutler had hosted a New Year's Party which could be the source of him catching the virus. Vince McMahon had promised all Superstars, especially Roman Reigns, a safe space to work and was not happy when Steve Cutler jeopardized the situation.

Here is what former SmackDown Superstar Steve Cutler stated after his release:

Unfortunately, today I was released. It was shocking, to say the least. But, I am excited about the future and all the possibilities in front of me. Thanks for your continued support. 90 days... the countdown begins

It is possible that once Cutler's 90-day non-compete clause ends, he may join his wife Deonna Purrazzo in IMPACT Wrestling.

#4 SmackDown Superstar Bayley got eliminated earlier than planned during the Women's Royal Rumble

As per a report by PWInsider, SmackDown Superstar Bayley was eliminated 'a little earlier than planned during the Women's Royal Rumble match.

PW Insider was told that Bayley’s elimination at Royal Rumble 2021 occurred “a little earlier than originally planned.”

Despite being such a prominent SmackDown Superstar, Bayley's termination from the Royal Rumble seemed confusing. She was eliminated by Bianca Belair after being in the match for 29 minutes. It was only after Bayley was tossed out that the commentators brought attention to her being eliminated. This was the first sign suggesting that her elimination was not planned to happen at that spot.

Bayley had been feuding with Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair over the past few weeks and was an early favorite to win the match as well. However, it looks like Bayley will be taking a backseat in the SmackDown Women's division for now as Sasha Banks, Carmella, and Bianca Belair are currently in a program over the SmackDown Women's title.

#3 SmackDown Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura's future

SmackDown star Shinsuke Nakamura is not only a former United States Champion and Intercontinental Champion but is also one of the select few WWE Superstars to have won the Royal Rumble. A recent report has revealed that The Artist's new role in WWE going forward will be to help establish new stars.

After Shinsuke Nakamura's impressive performance in a gauntlet match on SmackDown a few weeks back and his split from tag-team partner Cesaro, many believed that the Japanese Superstar was in for a big push. However, that has not happened and it looks like WWE's plan for Nakamura is to make him an enhancement talent on SmackDown.

Cageside Seats have reported that as per WON, the current plan is for Shinsuke Nakamura to build new stars. He will be taking on a role similar to Daniel Bryan where WWE will use his experience and credibility to help get other Superstars over.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter says Shinsuke Nakamura has been told his role going forward is to make new stars.

Shinsuke Nakamura had been part of a tag team with Cesaro over the past few months. The two men have disbanded the team for now and are focusing on their singles careers. While Cesaro seems to be in the midst of a push, the same cannot be said for the former Royal Rumble winner.

Although Nakamura may not be getting the main event push, WWE has shown tremendous faith in the veteran by assigning him the task of helping younger stars shine and reach their potential in WWE.

Shinsuke Nakamura has had some stellar matches in the company and all over the world, and will surely be an asset when it comes to helping new talent look good inside the ring.

#2 Reason behind Murphy's absence on SmackDown

Murphy seemed to be in the midst of a major push on WWE SmackDown after aligning himself with the Mysterio family. As per reports, the plan was to have a feud between Murphy, Rey Mysterio, and Dominik Mysterio going against King Corbin, Wesley Blake, and Steve Cutler.

However, with Cutler being released by WWE, the plans came to an abrupt halt. As per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, SmackDown's creative team has nothing for Murphy as of now.

According to Meltzer, WWE doesn't have anything for Murphy at the moment, and that is why he hasn't been seen on TV lately. Steve Cutler's WWE release hampered WWE's plans for Murphy, as per Meltzer.

Murphy and Aalyah Mysterio have not been seen on SmackDown for weeks and only Rey Mysterio and his son, Dominik, have been feuding with King Corbin as of late.

With Seth Rollins set to return to SmackDown this week, there is a chance that Murphy might return to resume his feud with his former mentor.

#1 Bianca Belair open to joining Roman Reigns' faction on SmackDown

SmackDown Superstar Bianca Belair created history at Royal Rumble by winning the Women's Rumble match despite entering at number three. The EST of WWE has not yet disclosed who she will challenge for the Women's Championship at WrestleMania, but all signs point towards her going after Sasha Banks.

While speaking to BT Sport, the 2021 Women's Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair was asked if she wanted to join The Tribal Chief and his faction on SmackDown. The former NXT Superstar said that she is open to all opportunities that come her way.

"Listen, my whole career in WWE is when opportunities are presented to me, I take them and make the best of them. That would be a great opportunity. I would take whatever opportunity comes my way and make the best of it."

Universal Champion Roman Reigns currently has his cousin Jey Uso and Paul Heyman in his entourage, and a powerhouse athlete like Bianca Belair would certainly be a welcome addition to the Head of the Table's faction on SmackDown.