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Bianca Belair Undergoes Surgery After Year-Long Injury Nightmare
The former Women's World Champion reveals she will undergo finger surgery to address lingering issues from a WrestleMania 41 injury.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Bianca Belair, the former WWE Women's World Champion, has been dealing with a severe injury for nearly a year since her match at WrestleMania 41. Belair revealed on social media that she will be undergoing surgery on Monday to finally address the lingering issue with her finger, which she described as a broken knuckle that "crushed everything" during the triple threat match at the pay-per-view.
Why it matters
Belair's injury has kept her out of action for an extended period, and her status for the upcoming WrestleMania 42 event is now in serious doubt. Her absence has been felt in the women's division, as the rest of the roster prepares for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view without one of WWE's biggest stars.
The details
Belair initially thought the injury would only require 8-12 weeks of recovery, but it has now been nearly six months since the incident at WrestleMania 41. She explained that Rhea Ripley landed directly on her hand during the triple threat match, resulting in a broken knuckle and significant damage. The mental toll of the injury has been just as difficult, as Belair has struggled with her body not healing on the timeline she expected.
- Belair's last official match was the triple threat at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025.
- Belair's only appearance on WWE programming since then was a brief cameo at WWE Evolution, where she served as the guest referee for a match between Jade Cargill and Naomi.
- Belair will undergo finger surgery on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The players
Bianca Belair
A former WWE Women's World Champion who has been dealing with a severe injury since WrestleMania 41.
Rhea Ripley
One of Belair's opponents in the triple threat match at WrestleMania 41, where Belair suffered her injury.
IYO SKY
One of Belair's opponents in the triple threat match at WrestleMania 41.
What they’re saying
“Finger surgery tomorrow.”
— Bianca Belair (Social media)
“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 8-12 weeks. It's been almost six months at this point.”
— Bianca Belair (BET's 106 & Sports)
“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.”
— Bianca Belair (BET's 106 & Sports)
What’s next
With surgery taking place this week, Belair's status for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas is now in serious doubt. While previous reports indicated WWE hoped to have her involved in some capacity, a fresh surgery in mid-February suggests a wrestling role may be impossible.
The takeaway
Belair's injury and lengthy recovery process highlight the physical toll that professional wrestling can take on athletes, as well as the mental challenges of dealing with a body that is not healing as expected. Her absence has been felt in the women's division, and fans will be closely watching for updates on her post-surgery recovery and potential return to the ring.
