Bianca Belair reveals bilateral carpal tunnel amid ongoing absence since WrestleMania 41

Bianca Belair said in an Instagram Stories post on August 25, 2026 that she is dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands as she remains sidelined from WWE competition following a finger injury sustained at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025.

Belair’s extended layoff traces to a Women’s World Championship triple-threat at WrestleMania 41 involving Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley, when she suffered a severe finger injury. She has described the damage as occurring during a triple German suplex sequence from the turnbuckle, with her finger trapped beneath Ripley as the three competitors landed and broken in three places. Belair underwent surgery last February and began rehabilitation the following day.

Despite the in-ring absence, Belair has continued to make public appearances, including at WrestleMania 42 where she announced her pregnancy. She and her husband, former WWE World Tag Team Champion Montez Ford, confirmed the birth of their first child on August 4, announcing their son Romeo Leonardo Allen Crawford.

Posting on her Instagram Stories, Belair wrote: “No one ever talks about this stuff… currently carpal tunnel in both hands… fingers completely numb, no feeling in surgery finger whatsoever, no grip strength, and now also Mom thumb…wtf lol”

The article outlines medical context for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: the condition arises when pressure is placed on the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. Typical symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers, and contributing factors cited include wrist structure, certain health conditions and repetitive hand movements. Treatment can often reduce symptoms and help restore normal hand function, although the appropriate approach depends on the individual and the underlying cause.

The new diagnosis adds another complication to Belair’s recovery timeline. With her family adjusting to life with a newborn, observers will await further updates on when The EST could return to WWE competition.