Bianca Belair, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic female wrestlers in the modern era, has built an impressive legacy throughout her career. Known as The EST of WWE, Belair has become a defining figure, especially with her remarkable performances at WrestleMania and beyond. Discovered by WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, she joined the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, in April 2016, transforming from a track and field and CrossFit athlete into a wrestling sensation. Her rise showcases resilience, dedication, and undeniable talent in the ring.
Early Career Highlights and Rise to Prominence
Belair first made waves as a heel in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, where despite not capturing the top women’s title, she captivated audiences with her unique combination of athleticism and charisma. Among her notable moments was participating in the first-ever women’s WarGames match in 2019, competing alongside Shayna Baszler, IYO SKY (formerly Io Shirari), and Kay Lee Ray (now Alba Fyre). The following night at Survivor Series, she represented NXT in a victorious team effort over WWE Raw and SmackDown women. Belair continued to impress at the 2020 Royal Rumble by eliminating a then-record eight women, signaling her arrival on the main roster as a force to be reckoned with.
Upon moving to the main WWE roster, Belair truly began to shine. She became a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and secured two reigns as WWE Women’s Champion. Across the Red and Blue brands, as well as on the grandest stages of WWE, Bianca Belair has delivered countless memorable matches. Below are her top five greatest bouts that every fan should watch.
5. Triple Threat Showdown against Becky Lynch and Asuka – Hell in a Cell, 2022
Belair’s intense rivalry with Becky Lynch began at SummerSlam 2021 when Lynch returned and decisively defeated Belair to claim the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Belair quickly got her revenge at WrestleMania 38, recapturing the title, but the feud continued to simmer into 2022. The story evolved into a triple threat showdown when Asuka joined the fray for the Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell, marking one of the final Hell in a Cell events and a departure from the cage match tradition, as the triple threat did not involve the cell itself.
The match lasted nearly 19 minutes and was a relentless display of skill and endurance. Lynch, known as Big Time Becks, and Asuka, dubbed The Empress of Tomorrow, posed formidable challenges, but Belair maintained control throughout. A key moment came when Belair delivered a move reminiscent of the Unprettier to Asuka, sending her face-first into a turnbuckle before attempting her signature KOD finisher. Lynch’s attempt to steal the victory was thwarted when Belair forcefully ejected her from the ring, securing the pinfall victory over Asuka and retaining the championship.
This triple threat bout was regarded by many critics as one of the year’s best women’s matches, highlighting Belair’s ability to dominate even against two elite opponents simultaneously.
4. Intense Contest with IYO SKY – Backlash 2023
Bianca Belair’s match against IYO SKY at Backlash 2023 was both an electrifying in-ring battle and a historic moment, as Belair became the longest-reigning Raw Women’s Champion of the modern WWE era with her victory. SKY, who had been showing exceptional performance levels, came into the match with a crowd that notably cheered for her rather than the hometown favorite Belair, adding an unusual dynamic to the bout.
Despite facing a hostile crowd, Belair remained unfazed, showcasing immense strength and determination. Highlights included a one-handed military press above her head and a powerful powerbomb off the ropes, moments that energized the audience. The match was mostly free from interference until the end, when Damage CNTRL’s involvement raised the stakes. Even with Bayley attempting to hold Belair’s braid to hinder her, Belair adeptly dodged a moonsault and executed the KOD finisher to secure the win.
Belair’s victory was significant not only for extending her title reign but also for elevating SKY’s status as a credible and formidable challenger, even in defeat.
3. WrestleMania 41 Triple Threat Battle: Belair vs. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY
At WrestleMania 41, Belair was part of an exhilarating triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. This match is considered one of the best of 2025 and marked Belair’s most recent performance before sustaining a serious knuckle injury. Despite being the shortest match on this list at just under 14 and a half minutes, the bout never lost intensity once underway.
Belair demonstrated great resilience, nearly securing victory multiple times. She attempted to deliver her KOD finish on both opponents but was thwarted, with Ripley and SKY escaping several times. Belair impressed by suplexing both Ripley and SKY in a striking sequence and delivering big maneuvers that tested her challengers. Ultimately, SKY retained the title after pinning Belair, but Belair’s athleticism and toughness stood out throughout.
While this match ended with Belair’s first-ever WrestleMania loss, it was a critical moment that solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor on wrestling’s biggest stage.
2. Redemption Match Against Becky Lynch – WrestleMania 38
The heated feud between Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch culminated in a redemption match at WrestleMania 38, where Belair captured the Raw Women’s Championship. After Lynch’s dominant win over Belair at SummerSlam 2021, this bout was a highly anticipated encounter filled with passionate, hard-hitting action lasting over 19 minutes.
Lynch delivered a grueling contest that tested Belair’s limits, including moments where Belair was put through physically punishing moves, such as a Manhandle Slam on the stairs. Nevertheless, Belair pushed back fiercely. She countered Lynch’s Dis-Arm-Her submission attempt and retaliated with her own power moves, including a stomach-first turnbuckle impact and an impressive 450 Splash. The match reached its climax as Belair executed a decisive KOD finisher to secure the championship.
This match is often hailed as one of the top women’s contests of 2022, and the rivalry between Belair and Lynch continued at SummerSlam 2022 with another intense showdown, both bouts serving as essential viewing for fans of Belair’s finest work.
1. Historic WrestleMania 37 Main Event vs. Sasha Banks
Belair’s landmark match against Sasha Banks in the main event of WrestleMania 37 made history as the first time two Black women headlined a WWE pay-per-view, and only the second time women occupied the WrestleMania main event slot. This iconic bout celebrated not only wrestling but progress and representation within WWE.
The storyline leading into the match highlighted Banks’ claim that the EST could not exist without her path as the BEST. The emotional weight was palpable as both athletes knew the significance of the moment. Throughout the match, Belair’s incredible strength was on full display, including moments where she lifted Banks overhead, marched up the ramp, and threw her into the ring. The back-and-forth encounter was a blend of Banks’ experience meeting Belair’s power.
In the final moments, Banks attempted a double stomp, which Belair skillfully countered before ascending to deliver a 450 Splash. Banks surprisingly kicked out, but Belair capitalized soon after, striking Banks with her braided hair and finishing with the KOD. This victory crowned Belair the new SmackDown Women’s Champion and cemented her place in WWE history. Although the Netflix broadcast did not show it, social media clips demonstrated Banks smiling at Belair outside the ring, reflecting on the profound accomplishment they shared that night.
The Lasting Impact of Bianca Belair’s Greatest Matches
Bianca Belair’s career highlights reflect her incredible journey from the WWE Performance Center to the pinnacle of professional wrestling. Each of these matches not only sparks excitement for fans but exemplifies her determination, athletic prowess, and groundbreaking role in the industry. Her bouts against legends like Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and current stars such as IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley showcase her versatility and resilience inside the ring.
As Belair recovers from injury, fans eagerly anticipate her return, confident she will continue to set new benchmarks and inspire others. Her legacy is already firmly established, and her greatest matches remain must-watch events that underline her status as one of wrestling’s greatest performers.
