Belair Surgery Threatens WrestleMania
WWE star Bianca Belair announced she will undergo surgery, casting serious doubt on her availability for WrestleMania 42. This development could significantly impact WWE's women's division storylines for the company's biggest event of the year. Last night's WWE Raw focused on Chamber qualifiers.
- The injury occurred at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, during a Triple Threat match against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, where Ripley landed on Belair's hand. - Belair revealed the injury was more severe than a simple break; it was a crushed knuckle joint that has required a recovery period far longer than the initially expected 8-12 weeks. - The surgery, which Belair confirmed took place on February 17, 2026, was to address the lingering issue that has kept her out of in-ring competition for nearly a year. - Since the injury, Belair's only on-screen WWE appearance was as a special guest referee for a match between Jade Cargill and Naomi at the Evolution event. - Prior to the surgery announcement, the widely expected plan was for a marquee match between Belair and current WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. - With Belair likely out, WWE creative is reportedly considering other opponents for Jade Cargill, with names like Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton being discussed as potential replacements. - Belair's 420-day reign as Raw Women's Champion stands as the longest in that title's history, highlighting her main event status and why her absence creates a significant void. - This situation is reminiscent of past WrestleManias where major injuries forced last-minute changes, such as The Rock tearing his adductor muscles at WrestleMania 29, which canceled a planned match against Brock Lesnar the following year.
