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)

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

A win over @itsBayleyWWE on Friday. A #RoyalRumble Match winner on tonight? 🤔 Anything is possible for the EST of @WWE, @BiancaBelairWWE! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/EeYeYF8dIc

— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2021

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.

You never know who might team up to score a big elimination in the #RoyalRumble Match!#WWETop10 pic.twitter.com/IMDPmvvrH0

— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2021

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.