Rhea Ripley says Bianca Belair is still being felt inside WWE as the women’s division heads into WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Ripley said the locker room has not felt the same during Bianca Belair absence. Ripley, who faces Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship on night two, said she misses Belair and hopes she returns soon.
Ripley Says WWE Feels Different Without Bianca Belair
Ripley’s remarks came in a recent interview with Shak Wrestling ahead of WrestleMania 42. In that conversation, she was asked about heading into the weekend without Bianca Belair in the picture and spoke plainly about the gap left behind.
“It’s honestly not the same without Bianca there. I miss her. I hope that she comes back soon, but at the same time, I also hope she’s living her best life, not having to go to work for a little bit. She’s busted her ass for so long. They’ve literally made her do so much and work so much. She deserves the time off, ” Ripley said.
Ripley also said she was struck by how long Bianca Belair has been sidelined from what started as a finger injury. She said the injury looked worse than it first appeared and added that Belair had sent her photos of it.
Bianca Belair Absence Follows Injury At WrestleMania 41
Bianca Belair has not wrestled in WWE since suffering the injury during the triple threat Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 41, a bout that also included Ripley and IYO SKY. The injury first appeared to be limited to a finger, but it later proved more serious and eventually required surgery.
Ripley said the length of the absence has surprised her because of how small the injury seemed at first. She added that the swelling and damage made the situation far more serious than expected. The comments place Bianca Belair absence in a wider context: one of WWE’s most visible performers has been unavailable while Ripley and others continue through a major championship season.
What Ripley’s Comments Mean For WWE’s Weekend In Las Vegas
Ripley enters WrestleMania 42 with a title match and another major spotlight moment, while Bianca Belair remains on the sidelines working through recovery. Ripley said she is looking forward to the day Belair returns, while also making clear that the time away is deserved after the workload she carried.
That balance, appreciation mixed with concern, is at the center of Ripley’s remarks. For now, Bianca Belair remains absent, Ripley remains focused on her title chase, and WWE moves into a weekend where both the championship picture and the return timeline will stay in view.
