Latest news with #TheESTofWWE
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bianca Belair set for SummerSlam comeback after injury setback
Image via WWE Bianca Belair's absence has been felt on SmackDown ever since her high-stakes Triple Threat match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY at WrestleMania 41. Despite her resilience, the 3-time WWE Women's Champion suffered broken fingers during the bout, forcing her to take a break from in-ring competition. Belair's injury derailed a key storyline involving Naomi and Jade Cargill. Prior to her hiatus, Belair had uncovered Naomi's betrayal of Jade, setting up what looked like a heated rivalry. However, with The EST of WWE off television, WWE had to abruptly alter its creative plans. SummerSlam return on the cards According to multiple reports, Bianca Belair is expected to return to the ring in time for SummerSlam 2025, which takes place across two nights - August 2nd and 3rd. She is not part of the Queen of the Ring tournament and will also miss the all-women Evolution premium live event in July. But WWE sources indicate she should be cleared to compete by early August. — WrestleOps (@WrestleOps) This timeline gives WWE ample opportunity to reintroduce Belair into the Naomi–Jade Cargill feud. Whether she appears before or during SummerSlam, her return is expected to shake up the SmackDown women's division. Naomi recently captured the Women's Money in the Bank briefcase, outlasting competitors like Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and Giulia. Following her win, she addressed Belair directly on X (formerly Twitter), asking, '.@BiancaBelairWWE are you proud of me yes or no!?' The post, while playful, carries underlying tension given Naomi's recent heel turn. With Jade Cargill still seeking payback and Belair nursing unfinished business, the seeds are clearly being planted for a high-voltage showdown. Bianca Belair's return promises to shake up SmackDown's women's division. Whether she reappears during SummerSlam or in the buildup to it, fans can expect fireworks - especially if she confronts Naomi, now carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase. With personal history and a storyline left hanging, WWE could reignite the feud between Belair, Naomi, and Jade Cargill in dramatic fashion. A triple-threat showdown, or even a long-form rivalry stretching into the year-end pay-per-views, is already being discussed among fans. At 35, Belair remains one of WWE's most dynamic stars, and her return comes at a time when the women's roster is brimming with potential. If WWE plays its cards right, this could be the spark that defines the division's narrative heading into Survivor Series and beyond. All eyes now turn to August, as SummerSlam weekend draws near - and with it, the possible return of The EST of WWE. Also Read: Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes announce pregnancy, wrestling world sends love
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Biana Belair Confirms She Suffered Injury At WWE WrestleMania
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite delivering a stellar performance in a high-stakes championship match at WrestleMania 41, Bianca Belair has confirmed reports of sustaining an injury during the contest. However, in a reassuring update for her fans, "The EST of WWE" indicated that the injury appears to be relatively minor and unlikely to sideline her for an extended period. Belair's quest for the Women's World Championship culminated in a thrilling Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. She faced a formidable challenge against the reigning champion, IYO SKY, and the dominant Rhea Ripley. The bout lived up to its billing, captivating the audience with its intense action and earning widespread praise as one of the standout encounters of the entire WrestleMania weekend. Ultimately, SKY managed to retain her title by executing her signature Over the Moonsault, pinning Belair after a hard-fought battle. Earlier in the week, wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported initial concerns regarding a potential injury to Belair's fingers sustained during the WrestleMania Sunday opener. This report highlighted the physical toll of such a demanding match on the athletes involved. Adding her personal confirmation to these reports, WWE's official YouTube channel released a behind-the-scenes vlog from WrestleMania 41 featuring Belair. The popular Superstar addressed the speculation in the video, stating, "I think I broke a finger. My finger is hurt, my feelings hurt. Nah, I'm so happy right now. That was amazing. Win or lose, it's WrestleMania." Despite the apparent pain, Belair's positive attitude shone through as she expressed her overall satisfaction with the WrestleMania experience. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More Reflecting on the outcome of the championship match, Belair showed respect for the victor, saying, "The Mania streak is broken. I would prefer it to be IYO out of anybody. One of the greatest wrestlers on the planet. I can't be mad at that. Congratulations to IYO." However, she also sent a clear message to Ripley, indicating that their rivalry is far from over: "Rhea, I'm still coming for that ass, okay? This ain't over because it's your fault." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation At this time, it remains uncertain whether WWE will grant Belair any time off to allow her finger to heal completely, or if the Superstar will choose to work through the discomfort and continue to work. Belair's journey to her WrestleMania 41 championship opportunity was secured through a significant victory at the Elimination Chamber event held in Toronto on March 1, 2025. In a Women's Elimination Chamber match, with a guaranteed Women's World Championship shot at WrestleMania as the ultimate prize, Belair went over, last eliminating Liv Morgan to punch her ticket to the grandest stage of them all. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
