WWE superstar Bianca Belair remains sidelined due to a severe injury sustained at WrestleMania 41, and recent reports reveal there is still no timeline for her in-ring return. The EST of WWE fractured multiple fingers during her high-profile triple threat match, an injury more complicated than initially anticipated.
The Injury Details: More Than Just Broken Fingers
Bianca Belair suffered her injury during the WrestleMania 41 triple threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s World Championship. It was during a spot involving a triple German suplex that her hand became trapped under Ripley, causing multiple fractures in her fingers. Belair later revealed that one of her fingers was broken in three distinct places, including the knuckle, rendering it unusable and unable to bend properly[3][4].
Doctors initially hoped the injury would heal within a couple of months, allowing her to return quicker. However, insiders and industry journalists have suggested that the injury was far worse than a standard finger fracture. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that broken fingers rarely keep wrestlers out of action for this long, implying that Belair’s situation was more complex and possibly involved complications or hidden damage to tendons or ligaments[1][2][9].
No Return Date Set Yet — Ongoing Recovery Challenges
Despite occasional appearances on WWE programming — including special guest referee duties at WWE Evolution and non-wrestling roles at events like WrestleMania 43 promotion in Riyadh — there is currently no confirmed date for Bianca Belair’s wrestling return. Sources close to WWE confirm that her finger has not yet regained sufficient strength or flexibility, and there remains a significant risk of re-injury should she wrestle prematurely[3][6].
Bianca herself has expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support while acknowledging the difficulty of her recovery. In a candid interview, she said:
“I just wanna say to all my fans, thank you for all the love, all the support. I hear you, I see you all online when you’re asking when I’m coming back, and that you miss me. All I can say is be ready, stay tuned. The EST always comes through and shows up and shows out, so I’ll be back soon.”[2]
This message gives hope but underscores that her physical health comes first.
Impact on the WWE Women’s Division
Belair’s prolonged absence has had a noticeable impact on the WWE Women’s division. The last match she wrestled was the triple threat at WrestleMania 41, where IYO SKY captured the Women’s World Championship. Since then, the division landscape has shifted dramatically.
Naomi, who was once a close ally and tag partner of Belair, won the Women’s World Championship at WWE Evolution. However, Naomi had to relinquish the title due to her pregnancy, leading to Stephanie Vaquer capturing the vacant championship[2][3]. The division has continued to evolve with Bianca’s absence felt both in terms of star power and competitive storylines.
Backstage Insights: The Severity Behind the Scenes
According to a WWE insider familiar with Belair’s condition, the healing process has been slower due to the complexity of the injury and the demands of professional wrestling on hand functionality:
“Finger injuries can be tricky, especially when they affect the knuckle and multiple breaks are involved. Bianca is an extremely athletic performer who depends on grip and hand strength, so rushing back without full recovery risks re-injury or permanent damage. The WWE medical team is taking every precaution, and they want to ensure she returns at 100%,” the source explained[1][3].
This cautious approach, while frustrating for fans eager to see “The EST” back in action, reflects the company’s desire to protect one of its brightest stars for the long term.
Recent Appearances and Current Status
Though Belair hasn’t wrestled since April 2025, she has remained visible at WWE events in non-wrestling roles, signaling her ongoing involvement with the company. Her appearance as special guest referee at WWE Evolution’s No Holds Barred match between Naomi and Jade Cargill was met with enthusiasm, though it also reminded fans of how long it has been since she stepped inside the ring[3].
Additionally, Belair participated in the announcement of WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she praised the progress being made for women in wrestling in that region. This reflects WWE’s use of Belair’s star power even during her injury hiatus[3].
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
While no timetable exists for Bianca Belair’s WWE in-ring return, her history of resilience and determination makes it clear that her comeback is inevitable. Fans should prepare for a slow but steady rehabilitation process focused on restoring her hand’s full function before she resumes the physically demanding schedule of WWE programming.
In the meantime, WWE creative might build storylines that keep Belair relevant and position her for a strong re-entry once cleared by medical professionals.
This update reflects the situation as of late October 2025. Fans should stay tuned to WWE’s official channels and trusted wrestling news outlets for official announcements regarding Bianca Belair’s return.