Bianca Belair credits her husband Montez Ford’s advice for inspiring her to study a legendary WWE competitor early in her wrestling career, a move that helped shape her rise in the industry. This guidance came when Belair was just beginning her journey in WWE, and it played a key role in her development as “The EST” and a leading figure in the women’s division today.
How Montez Ford Guided Bianca Belair to Learn from a WWE Trailblazer
Bianca Belair, recognized for her athleticism and commanding presence, has become one of the foremost stars in WWE’s current roster. Early on, as she entered the world of professional wrestling in 2016, she sought direction from her husband, Montez Ford, an established WWE talent known for his deep knowledge of wrestling history. Ford recommended that Belair focus on the career of Jazz, a WWE legend whose style and impact left a lasting impression on the industry.
Belair recalled that initially, she knew very little about wrestling, but Ford’s expertise guided her path.
“When I 1st got into wrestling in 2016, I didn’t know much… my Husband@MontezFordWWE is literally a wrestling historian so I asked him who should I watch and study? 1st person he said was Jazz!”
— Bianca Belair, WWE Superstar
Following his advice, the couple dedicated a night to watching hours of Jazz’s matches, allowing Belair to absorb the techniques and grit that made Jazz a standout performer. She grew to admire not only Jazz’s in-ring skills but also her determination and role in paving the way for women in wrestling.
“I still remember the night we sat and watched hours of matches he pulled up as he went on for hours and hours about you, your skill, grit, impact, etc. and I fell in love with the b*tch clamp and the high leg drop (which I tried and yeah, no it hurts lol) Thank you for paving the way! Dream match!”
— Bianca Belair, WWE Superstar
Belair’s appreciation of Jazz extends beyond her wrestling moves; she views her as a pioneer who helped create opportunities for future generations of female wrestlers, including herself. A photograph shared by Belair backstage at the 2025 WWE Evolution Premium Live Event captured this admiration, highlighting their mutual respect.
Jazz’s Impact During WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era
Jazz rose to prominence during the early 2000s, a period known as the Ruthless Aggression era of WWE. Despite a relatively brief WWE career between 2001 and 2004, she made a powerful impression with her forceful style and intense in-ring presence. She quickly became one of the division’s most feared competitors, capturing the WWE Women’s Championship twice, first winning the title from Trish Stratus in 2002.
Jazz’s rivalries with top stars of that time, including Trish Stratus and Lita, showcased her toughness and tactical skill. Although her WWE tenure was short-lived, her influence on women’s wrestling was significant, setting a high standard during a transformational era.
After leaving WWE, Jazz continued wrestling in other promotions and returned for special appearances, such as at the 2025 WWE Evolution event. Her enduring legacy as a trailblazer remains a source of inspiration for talents like Bianca Belair, who benefit from the path she helped forge.
Why Learning from Legends Matters in WWE’s Evolving Landscape
For contemporary WWE superstars, studying the careers of past greats is crucial for mastering the craft and understanding wrestling’s evolving style. Bianca Belair’s decision to learn from Jazz reflects a broader trend among wrestlers who honor the past while innovating for the future.
Belair’s respect for Jazz not only honors the legacy of those who came before her but also reinforces the importance of mentorship in wrestling. This foundation has helped Belair develop her own unique presence, enabling her to connect with fans and build on the women’s division’s growing prominence. The knowledge passed down from wrestlers like Jazz continues shaping WWE’s female superstars, enriching the sport’s culture and broadening its appeal.
As Bianca Belair continues her ascent as “The EST,” the lessons she learned from studying Jazz under her husband’s guidance exemplify how wrestling history informs present achievements. This dynamic suggests WWE’s women’s division will remain vibrant and competitive as new generations carry forward the legacies of pioneers.
