Bianca Belair is scheduled for hand surgery on Monday, February 16, 2026, as she continues to manage a persistent injury that has kept her out of action for nearly a year. The former champion updated her fans on social media over the weekend, revealing the next step in her recovery process from a complicated hand injury sustained at WrestleMania 41.
Extended Recovery from a Severe Hand Injury
Belair’s injury dates back to WrestleMania 41 on April 20, 2025, where she initially anticipated an 8 to 12-week healing period. However, the recovery has been far more challenging, lasting close to ten months so far. In a December Instagram Q&A, she first disclosed that surgery would be necessary to properly correct the damage. During an interview on BET’s 106 & Sports, Belair clarified that the injury was more severe than a typical broken finger.
So I broke my knuckle, not my finger, I broke my knuckle, I broke the joint. It’s something that I thought was going to be a very straightforward, you know, 8-12 weeks. It’s been almost six months at this point,
she explained.
Details of the Injury at WrestleMania
The injury occurred during a Women’s World Championship triple threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. The incident happened when all three competitors attempted a move from the top rope, resulting in Ripley landing directly on Belair’s hand and causing extensive damage.
I was in a triple threat with Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. And we were going to the top rope, because that’s what we do, and we came off the top rope and Rhea landed straight on my hand and it just crushed everything in my finger. So it’s been a crazy journey. You know, being an athlete and having an injury, you rely on your body and now my body’s not doing what it’s supposed to do. But I’m hoping that I can be back in the ring soon.
Limited Appearances During Injury Hiatus
Since sustaining the injury, Belair’s presence on WWE television has been minimal. Her most notable appearance was serving as a guest referee during a match between Jade Cargill and Naomi at WWE Evolution. Despite a challenging rehabilitation and ongoing setbacks, sources indicated she was expected to participate in WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this April. However, her recent announcement raises questions about her ability to compete.
The Road Ahead for Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair’s decision to proceed with hand surgery marks a crucial turning point in her extended recovery. The successful completion of this procedure could be vital for her return to the ring, though it also introduces uncertainty around her timeline. Fans and the WWE community will be watching closely as she works toward regaining full function and preparing for potential future appearances, including WrestleMania 42.
