Belair sidelined by injury as WWE reshapes SmackDown women's division

Bianca Belair has been sidelined from in-ring competition since WrestleMania 41 in April after sustaining a broken knuckle with joint damage during a Triple Threat match, and WWE has been reshaping the SmackDown women’s division while she completes an extended recovery. The injury, originally thought to be a less serious finger fracture, required a longer rehabilitation than many inside the company first expected and has kept the former champion out of action for months.

WWE personnel and other sources say initial evaluations underestimated the injury’s severity. Further medical review identified damage to the joint that extended Belair’s time away from competition and prompted a cautious approach to her return. Company officials have made clear they do not want to rush her back until she is fully cleared to perform at the level that made her a main event presence on SmackDown.

Belair has made occasional nonwrestling appearances while recuperating, including serving as a special guest referee, but has not competed inside the ring since the WrestleMania match with IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. In a September interview she acknowledged the seriousness of the injury, saying she had...