Bianca Belair contributed to arguably one of the best match of WrestleMania 41. Her reward: an damage that sidelined her far longer than deliberate. Heading into WWE SummerSlam, Belair nonetheless cannot decide to an in-ring return.

Belair broke a number of fingers throughout her girls’s world championship match with Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky in April. She’s damaged fingers earlier than, an damage that generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal. Three months later, the closest she’s come to an in-ring return was a passive function as particular visitor referee at Evolution. Belair mentioned one finger, which fractured on the joint, is the offender.

“I broke it in three locations and the joint. It healed, but it surely will not bend,” Belair informed CBS Sports activities whereas discussing Netflix’s “WWE: Unreal” and its July 29 premiere. “You possibly can’t wrestle with a straight finger as a result of it’s going to break once more… I am unable to even sew proper now. I am unable to even make gear.”

Belair is ready to see if surgical procedure is critical, however wouldn’t rule out a SummerSlam look 10 days earlier than WWE’s large weekend.

“We’re on the tail finish of this therapeutic course of, so we’d have time,” Belair mentioned. “However you by no means know. Loopy issues occur.”

The layoff has been professionally irritating for Belair, however personally, it is supplied aid. Belair signed with WWE as a rookie in 2016. 4 years later, she gained a world title at WrestleMania. Belair has been juggling many obligations as a star attraction. After a grueling street to WrestleMania 41, Belair required time to breathe.

“I wanted this break,” Belair admitted. “I have been going for the previous 5 years nonstop within the title image, filming actuality TV exhibits and appearances. I believe I had over 300 appearances in a single yr.” 

Netflix’s “WWE: Unreal” created loads of chatter. The docuseries peels again WWE’s curtain, taking viewers into inventive conferences and following superstars as they advance their careers or navigate accidents. Some wrestlers and followers could wrestle with such transparency, however Belair sees the collection as an illuminating software.

“I used to be very excited when the chance was offered to me,” Belair mentioned. “As somebody who did not watch wrestling rising up, I had many misconceptions about WWE. As soon as that curtain was pulled again, I utterly fell in love with wrestling. I had a newfound respect for it…

“WWE is actually an engine. It is not simply us hitting strikes or grabbing a chair. There’s an artwork and talent to what we do. I believe as soon as they see that, they will respect what we accomplish that rather more.”