Bianca Belair has been sidelined from WWE competition for nearly a year following an injury sustained during WrestleMania 41. The WWE star, known as the EST, suffered a broken finger while competing in the Women’s World Championship match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. She took time off immediately to begin recovery, though she briefly appeared at the Evolution event as a special guest referee for the match between Jade Cargill and Naomi.
Recent Updates Suggest Belair’s Recovery Faces Significant Setbacks
Contrary to circulating rumors that Bianca Belair might return at WrestleMania, the 36-year-old revealed she underwent surgery to repair her damaged finger. Further insight into her situation came from former WWE star and ESPN host Jonathan Coachman, who shared sobering details on a recent episode of The Coach & Bro Show. Coachman disclosed that Belair’s injury is far more serious than the public understands, suggesting her absence could extend for a considerably longer period.
He stated,
“I did get some information yesterday that, you know, we keep talking about Bianca. Where has she been? You know, we love her. It’s been almost a year. That her finger, and she did post about this, so I’m not talking out of school here, but, Vince, her finger is so bad. So bad. And she might be out for an extended period of time is what I’m saying. It is much worse than people know, much worse than people think. Can she work with the injury potentially? Yes. But, Vince, this whole thing has taken a whole ugly turn and I feel really really bad for her. I really do.”
?Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Star and ESPN Host
Bianca Belair’s Wrestling Future Remains Uncertain
Since the injury, Belair’s activity in WWE has been sparse, confined to non-wrestling roles rather than in-ring appearances. The prolonged recovery and the severity of her finger injury suggest that fans may need to adjust expectations regarding her return timeline. Her situation casts a shadow of concern both among supporters and industry insiders, as it is unclear when or if she will be able to resume full competition.
Other Recent WWE Developments and Star Updates
In other WWE news, Liv Morgan opened up about her frustration following an incident during a Raw show in June 2025. Meanwhile, Myles Borne achieved a notable milestone by ending the longest WWE NXT title reign recently, marking a significant shift in the division.
Bayley also expressed dissatisfaction with her current position in WWE, stating bluntly, “I’m just here stealing money,” highlighting her struggle to find a meaningful role. Jade Cargill, slated to defend the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, admitted surprise about her event plans.
The Undertaker weighed in with comments about Chelsea Green’s WWE booking, showing his support for the superstar. Meanwhile, MJF has trademarked his new nickname, signaling his commitment to this fresh persona. Veteran Paul Heyman discussed stepping back into semi-retirement after a long wrestling career. Additionally, Thea Hail pulled off a surprising victory in the WWE NXT Speed Championship tournament, benefiting from an unexpected assist.
Significance of Belair’s Injury on WWE Landscape
Bianca Belair’s extended absence due to her complicated finger injury has left a noticeable void in WWE’s women’s division, interrupting the momentum of one of its most dynamic performers. Her struggle highlights the physical toll professional wrestling exacts on athletes and underscores the unpredictability of injury recoveries. As fans and officials await news about her potential comeback, the WWE landscape continues to evolve with emerging talents and shifting storylines.
Belair’s condition and uncertain timeline not only affect her personally but also impact WWE’s planning for major events and championship scenes, making her recovery a critical point of focus moving forward.
