Sasha Banks was one of the surprising absentees from the Royal Rumble event last night, as she reportedly wasn’t cleared to compete.

Although she hadn’t been booked in a match, Banks was expected to be a participant in the women’s Royal Rumble.

Being one of the biggest stars in the women’s division, it was odd to not see The Boss in the Rumble, but that’s exactly what happened last night at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

According to PWInsider, Banks was internally listed as a Royal Rumble competitor over the weekend, but she ended up not appearing in the match and the belief is Kelly Kelly took her spot.

The four-time Raw Women’s Champion wasn't cleared to compete, but it's unknown what type of injury she has, or when she will return to the ring.

As well as being absent from the Rumble, Banks hasn’t been seen on SmackDown for a couple of weeks. It’s unclear as to when she will return.

Banks’ last match for WWE came at the start of the month on January 3. She fought on SmackDown in a triple threat tag team match alongside Bayley vs the team of Lacey Evans and Dana Brooke, as well as the team of Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross.

Bayley has managed to do just fine without The Boss by her side, as the SmackDown Women’s Champion successfully defended her title at the Rumble vs Evans.

Many fans believe Banks could be Bayley’s next challenger for the SmackDown Women’s title, and that the two could now face each other at WrestleMania 36.

Charlotte Flair won the women’s Royal Rumble last night, and she could use her title opportunity to challenge Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s title at this year’s Showcase of Immortals.

However, it is widely expected that The Queen will challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania instead, leaving the door open for a match between Bayley and Banks.

Fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that The Boss is able to return to the ring soon so that WWE can start building towards a Bayley vs Banks match at WrestleMania.