Bianca Belair Faces Setback with Injured Finger, Requires Surgery

The three-time WWE Women's Champion will miss more time as she undergoes a procedure to address the complicated injury.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Bianca Belair has been sidelined since WrestleMania 41 due to a broken knuckle suffered during her triple threat match. The injury has proven more complicated than expected, and Belair announced she will now need to undergo surgery, dashing any hopes of her returning in time for WrestleMania 42.

Why it matters

Belair's absence has been a major blow for WWE, as she was expected to challenge Jade Cargill for the Women's Championship at the company's biggest event of the year. Her continued recovery issues raise concerns about the depth of the women's division and WWE's ability to build new stars.

The details

Belair initially believed she would be back in time for SummerSlam, but the rehab process has been extremely difficult, with one source telling BodySlam they've "never seen anything like it." There have been numerous complications, though Belair has maintained a positive mindset throughout her ordeal.

  • Belair suffered the injury at WrestleMania 41 in April 2026.
  • She was expected to return in time for SummerSlam, but that timeline has been pushed back.
  • Belair announced she will undergo surgery on her injured finger on February 16, 2026.

The players

Bianca Belair

A three-time WWE Women's Champion who has been sidelined with a complicated finger injury since WrestleMania 41.

Jade Cargill

The current WWE Women's Champion, who was expected to defend her title against Belair at WrestleMania 42.

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What’s next

The winner of the Women's Elimination Chamber Match later this month will face either Jade Cargill or Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Belair's continued recovery issues underscore the challenges WWE faces in building new stars, especially in the women's division. Her absence has left a void that the company will need to fill creatively in the lead-up to its biggest event of the year.