Bianca Belair’s prolonged absence from WWE has left fans eagerly awaiting the EST’s in-ring return, but a serious finger injury suffered at WrestleMania 41 has kept her sidelined much longer than initially expected. What seemed like a straightforward broken finger has evolved into a lengthy recovery that continues to frustrate both Belair and her followers.
The Injury: More Severe Than It Appeared
Bianca Belair sustained her injury during a high-profile triple threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 41. In the match’s critical spot—a triple German suplex—her hand got stuck underneath Ripley, resulting in multiple broken fingers for Belair. Initially presumed to be just broken fingers, the damage was far more complicated.
In a July interview with CBS Sports, Belair revealed she had actually broken one of her fingers in three different places, including the joint, which caused the finger to be unable to bend. She explained that attempting to wrestle with it in that state would risk re-breaking the injury. “I can’t even sew right now. I can’t even make gear,” she said, emphasizing the severity of her hand’s condition and how it affected her daily life and work[2][3].
No Confirmed Return Date Yet: The Recovery Timeline Extends
As of late October 2025, there is still no official timetable for Bianca Belair’s WWE return. Wrestling Observer Newsletter journalist Dave Meltzer has noted repeatedly that her injury is “far worse than usual” broken fingers, pointing out that such injuries typically heal within a couple of months—even with surgery—yet Belair remains out of action several months after WrestleMania 41[1][2][4].
The EST did make a limited WWE appearance at the July 2025 Evolution event, serving as the special guest referee in a no-holds-barred match between Naomi and Jade Cargill. However, this was a non-wrestling role highlighting that while she can perform some duties, her in-ring capabilities are still restricted[1][3].
Potential Surgery and Complications
Although no official confirmation has been made by WWE, reports from July suggested that surgery might have been required to fix the complicated fractures in Belair’s fingers[1]. Given that one finger wouldn’t bend even after natural healing, the surgery likely involved complex reconstruction or stabilization procedures to prevent permanent disability or repeated fractures.
According to an industry insider, “Belair’s hand injury is much more severe than the typical wrestling finger break. The involvement of the joint and multiple fracture sites meant the recovery was going to be slow and cautious.” This insider corroborates the notion that WWE and her medical team are prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return.
Bianca Belair’s Perspective: A Mixed Blessing
The downtime, although unplanned and frustrating, has given Belair a chance to step back after years of intense activity. She candidly admitted that she “needed this break,” pointing out that over the past five years, she had been in the constant spotlight — juggling championship runs, appearances on television, filming reality shows, and completing more than 300 appearances in one year[2].
In her own words during recent interviews, Belair thanked fans for their patience and support, assuring that “the EST always comes through and shows out” and promising she’ll be back soon but without giving a concrete timeline[4].
What This Means for WWE and the Women’s Division
Bianca Belair has been a cornerstone of WWE’s women’s division, holding multiple WWE Women’s Championship reigns and helping elevate tag team wrestling alongside partners like Naomi and Jade Cargill. Her absence leaves a palpable gap in the division’s hierarchy.
WWE has continued to build storylines in her absence, spotlighting wrestlers like IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, who continue to carry the title scene forward. Nonetheless, insiders believe Bianca’s eventual return will be a huge moment and could potentially re-shake the division’s landscape[3][4].
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect
With no confirmed return date yet, fans should prepare for a cautious comeback for Bianca Belair. The nature and severity of her finger injury mean that WWE and Belair will likely want to avoid any premature matches that could risk her health.
Sources close to the company suggest, “WWE doesn’t want to rush Bianca back until she is 100%, especially given how destructive re-injury could be to her career longevity and quality of life.” They also hint that once ready, Belair’s return will be accompanied by a significant push, likely positioning her back into the championship picture swiftly[1][4].
Bianca Belair’s fight to fully recover is ongoing, and although the wait has been longer than expected, it reflects WWE’s commitment to wrestler well-being and ensuring her future in the sport remains bright and healthy. Fans and observers remain hopeful that one of WWE’s brightest stars will soon reclaim her place in the ring better than ever before.