Bianca Belair has been absent from WWE competition for ten months following a severe injury sustained at WrestleMania 41 on April 20, 2025. During a Triple Threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Title, Belair suffered a broken knuckle and joint that has required an extensive and difficult rehabilitation process.
Despite the length of her absence, new reports suggest that the “EST of WWE” is finally nearing a return to the spotlight, with the internal expectation being that she will participate in WrestleMania 42 this April in Las Vegas. Ibou of Self Made reported that Belair is slated to be part of the year’s biggest event in some capacity.
While she has not yet been cleared for a full-time in-ring return, a source confirmed to BodySlam.net that her name is currently featured on an internal list for the event. Although the listing currently lacks a return date, the company remains optimistic that she will have a meaningful presence on the show.
The road to recovery has been described as challenging for the former Women’s Champion. A second source indicated to BodySlam.net that the rehab process has been plagued by unforeseen complications.
“The rehab and recovery process for Belair has been rough, and they have never seen anything like it. There have been a lot of complications, but Belair is said to have kept a positive mindset throughout this entire ordeal,” the report stated.
WWE has a wide range of options for Belair in play should they go forward with using her, that don’t call for her to lace up her boots and step inside the squared circle for a match. Those options include a special guest referee, manager, host or commentator. Should she be able to make a return in time and wrestle, a match against her former tag team partner and current Women’s Champion Jade Cargill is on the table.
