Belair Shares Candid Update on Hand Injury and Recovery
WWE star Bianca Belair, who hasn't competed since WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, shared an injury update on Instagram. She revealed she has carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, with numbness and no feeling in her surgically repaired finger, along with reduced grip strength. She also mentioned dealing with "mom thumb" after giving birth.
Belair's recovery has been complicated by overlapping conditions. The carpal tunnel syndrome affects both hands, compounding the lingering effects of her April 2025 finger surgery. She regained partial mobility through physical therapy during her pregnancy, though swelling persists, and grip strength remains compromised.
The timing is significant: Belair has been absent from WWE programming for over a year, missing major storylines and pay-per-view events. As a former champion and consistent main-event performer, her extended absence leaves a notable gap in the women's division's top tier, with no clear return date announced.
This injury update may resonate beyond wrestling fans, as carpal tunnel syndrome and "mom thumb" affect many new mothers balancing recovery with childcare. Belair's openness about postpartum physical struggles could normalize conversations about maternal health challenges that are often kept private. Her prolonged absence may also prompt WWE to reassess how it schedules and protects its top female talent, potentially influencing broader industry conversations about athlete workload and post-pregnancy recovery timelines.