Bianca Belair, one of WWE’s brightest stars, is on track for a possible return in early 2026 after a challenging recovery from a severe finger injury sustained at WrestleMania 41. Sources close to WWE now express cautious optimism that the “EST of WWE” could rejoin the roster early next year, bringing renewed excitement to the women’s division and fans alike.
Lengthy Battle with a Complex Finger Injury
Belair’s injury occurred during the high-profile triple-threat main event at WrestleMania 41, where she suffered a broken finger complicated by breaks in multiple areas, particularly around the knuckle. This injury has proven far more difficult to heal than initially anticipated, sidelining her since April 2025 despite her tough demeanor and resilience.
A WWE insider shared, “Bianca’s finger break was unlike the usual injuries we see. While she handled it with her trademark toughness backstage, the reality is the physical damage was complex three breaks in the knuckle making recovery slow and unpredictable.” This injury delayed her expected return and forced WWE to recalibrate plans for the women’s division without one of its top stars.
Signs of Progress and Increasing Hope for 2026 Comeback
Despite the extended downtime, recent updates have indicated that Belair is nearing the end of her rehabilitation journey. While no official return date has been confirmed, multiple reports from reputable wrestling news outlets, including Bodyslam and Fightful, suggest WWE is optimistic about a comeback window early next year.
Sources relay that WWE is “hopeful” she will return in the early months of 2026, with the possibility of an even earlier reappearance depending on how recovery continues. This aligns with Belair’s own positive message to fans in late 2025, where she promised to be back “sooner rather than later,” encouraging supporters to stay tuned[1][2][3][5][6].
Potential Impact and Future Storylines
Belair’s impending return holds significant storyline implications for WWE’s women’s roster. With her former tag team partner Jade Cargill recently capturing the WWE Women’s Championship and turning heel, speculation is rife that the two could reignite their rivalry over the title once Bianca is medically cleared.
Industry watchers point to Jade’s heel turn and championship reign as WWE’s way of building momentum for a high-profile feud that could anchor the division in 2026. Given Belair’s fan-favorite status and in-ring credentials, her return could inject fresh energy and elevate storylines heading into marquee events such as Royal Rumble or WrestleMania 42[1][7].
A backstage source revealed, “Jade’s championship run is no coincidence. The company sees Bianca’s comeback as a perfect catalyst for a major feud that could headline multiple events next year. They want to ensure Bianca returns fully ready to put on the performances fans expect.”
Appearances Amid Injury and Maintaining Presence
Though sidelined from in-ring competition, Belair has remained visible on WWE programming through special appearances, such as acting as a guest referee at WWE Evolution 2. These segments have helped keep her character relevant and fans engaged during her downtime.
WWE appears committed to integrating Belair gradually back into storylines before her full wrestling return, allowing time to rebuild anticipation and story arcs in a controlled manner while she finishes recovery[2][3].
What Fans Can Expect Next
Based on current information, the most likely scenario is Bianca Belair returning to WWE programming in some capacity in the first quarter of 2026. Whether this happens on television or at a major pay-per-view is yet to be revealed, but all signs point to WWE carefully planning a triumphant reentry that maximizes her star power.
The company is expected to monitor her healing closely, balancing the excitement of her comeback with the need to ensure she is 100% ready to compete physically at the highest level.