Bianca Belair Injury Scrapped Original Jade Cargill WrestleMania 42 Plan

Bianca Belair was originally expected to play a major role at WrestleMania 42, but a lingering injury has reportedly forced WWE to change plans.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s original direction for WrestleMania 42 called for Jade Cargill to defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Belair in Las Vegas. Internally, Belair was reportedly scheduled to win either the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber to set up the title match.

Those plans ultimately fell apart due to complications from Belair’s finger injury and the recovery process following surgery.

Belair has been out of action since WrestleMania 41, where she suffered a broken knuckle during a Triple Threat match involving Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. The injury was initially expected to sideline her for only a few months, but the rehabilitation process has taken significantly longer.

Belair recently shared an update on social media explaining the frustrating recovery process and how the injury continues to affect her progress.

“My finger stiffens back up, and I have to restart therapy every hour.”

Because Belair has been unable to return to the ring, WWE reportedly pivoted its creative plans for the SmackDown women’s title heading into WrestleMania 42.

Rhea Ripley ultimately emerged as the new challenger after winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago earlier this year. That victory earned her the opportunity to challenge Jade Cargill on the WrestleMania stage in Las Vegas.

Belair’s absence has also helped open the door for additional women’s matches to be included on the WrestleMania card. Reports indicate that WWE is planning a record number of women’s bouts for the event, with as many as six potentially taking place across the two nights.

Among the matches expected for the show is Stephanie Vaquer defending the Women’s World Championship against Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan. A potential Women’s Intercontinental Championship rematch between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch is also reportedly under consideration.

Despite the changes, WWE has not announced any official timetable for Belair’s return. Internally there is hope she could still appear during WrestleMania 42 weekend in a non-wrestling role, but she currently remains listed on the roster without a confirmed comeback date.

WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on April 18 and 19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Do you think WWE should wait for Bianca Belair to return before revisiting the Jade Cargill match, or has the shift to Rhea Ripley made the WrestleMania match even bigger? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.