After being sidelined since WrestleMania 41, Bianca Belairs recovery has been longerand rougherthan anyone expected. But now, theres finally an update.
According to Bodyslam, WWE sources believe the EST of WWE could be returning in the early stages of 2026. While nothing is set in stone, theres growing optimism behind the scenes that Belair may even return earlier than the currently projected timeline.
Belair has been absent from the ring since suffering a devastating injury during her triple threat match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY at WrestleMania. The damage? Multiple broken fingersand not your average fracture. In July, Belair told CBS Sports just how bad it got.
Later, on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, she walked fans through the exact moment her hand shattered during the now-infamous top-rope German suplex spot.
The pain was immediate and overwhelming.
Even months later, Belair told Club 520 her hand was still not fully healed.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful noted that WWE originally expected Belair to return much sooner but severely underestimated the damage.
Despite the setback, Belair still takes pride in her WrestleMania performance.
As of now, shes made limited public appearances while continuing to heal. The fact that WWE now feels shes on track for an early 2026 returnand possibly sooneris a big sign that the worst may finally be behind her.
Would you bring Bianca Belair back into a title feud immediately, or build her into a new storyline from scratch? Drop your booking ideas in the comments and let us know how youd reintroduce the EST.
