Belair Is So Close… But Not at SummerSlam?” – What’s Keeping Her Away Even After Getting Medically Cleared?

In what seems like one of WWE’s most mysterious roster updates this summer, reports from WrestleVotes suggest that Bianca Belair has been medically cleared—or at least expected to be cleared—by next week, and could very well appear on the SmackDown episode airing August 9, 2025, the first show after SummerSlam. But there’s a twist. Despite her return being described as “imminent,” WWE has opted not to include her in the SummerSlam event set to take place just days earlier. That decision has raised eyebrows, questions, and plenty of speculation online.

Backstage Whispers: She’s Ready, So What’s the Hold-Up?

Sources close to WWE’s creative team indicate that Belair has been training behind the scenes and showing every sign of being physically ready to compete again. The former Women’s Champion, who last appeared in televised action weeks ago, was pulled off the road due to what WWE categorized as an “undisclosed medical situation.” The exact nature of her absence has never been confirmed, fueling rumors ranging from a minor injury to internal disagreements with creative.

Now, according to insiders, doctors have tentatively cleared her to return to in-ring activity next week, but WWE’s decision-makers are holding back her TV return until after SummerSlam. Why? The answer may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Some believe WWE is playing the long game, carefully staging Belair’s return to maximize its impact on weekly programming rather than the already stacked SummerSlam card. Others whisper that there could be unfinished business behind the scenes, either contractually or creatively, that’s preventing her from being fully slotted back into storylines just yet.

Strategic Delay or Creative Oversight?

There’s growing belief that WWE wants to create a “surprise pop” moment with Belair’s comeback—something that might be more effective on live weekly TV rather than a pay-per-view where expectations for major returns are already sky-high. SmackDown on August 9th is the first episode after SummerSlam, which would give WWE a fresh platform to kick off a new feud or elevate a new storyline around her.

But that choice also raises the question: Why not capitalize on the massive SummerSlam audience and social media buzz to supercharge her return? The answer may lie in WWE’s recent pattern of using post-PPV SmackDowns to reset storylines, build toward Survivor Series, or introduce surprise returns that would otherwise be overshadowed in a jam-packed premium live event.

Fan Reaction: Frustration and Curiosity Collide

If WWE’s intent was to spark discussion, it’s working. Fans across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are already dissecting every clue, trying to figure out why Belair, one of the company’s biggest breakout stars in recent years, is being sidelined from one of the biggest events of the summer.

Some theories suggest Belair could be inserted into SummerSlam last minute, either in a run-in or surprise confrontation that sets the stage for her full return on SmackDown. Others wonder if WWE is intentionally creating mystery around her absence to elevate hype and anticipation, much like they did with Becky Lynch’s surprise comeback in 2021.

Regardless, fans aren’t exactly quiet about their hopes—or their frustrations. “How can you have a SummerSlam without Belair?” one user posted. Another added, “She’s one of the most athletic women on the roster and a fan favorite. If she’s ready, let her go off.”

WWE’s Timing Game: Calculated or Risky?

WWE has a long history of using timing to their advantage, but it can be a double-edged sword. Delaying a major return like Belair’s risks disappointing fans in the short term, especially those expecting her to return on a grand stage. But on the other hand, a surprise appearance on SmackDown after SummerSlam could allow Belair to dominate headlines and capture undivided fan attention without being lost in a multi-match spectacle.

There’s also the question of who she might feud with next. With the women’s division currently revolving around a few key names—Bayley, Iyo Sky, Tiffany Stratton, and potentially Jade Cargill—slotting Belair back into the title picture without a long-term buildup may dilute the momentum WWE is carefully crafting across its women’s roster.

So perhaps this isn’t a snub—it might just be a chess move in a much larger strategy. But that doesn’t stop fans from refreshing the SummerSlam card every hour, hoping her name suddenly pops up.

The Bigger Picture: Is Belair Being Repositioned?

There’s also a more speculative angle to consider. Is WWE planning to reposition Bianca Belair entirely? Some speculate she may return with a new gimmick, a heel turn, or even a mainstream crossover angle. That would explain the delayed timing and limited information being leaked to the public.

Others think this is a classic WWE move: build tension, drop subtle hints, and deliver the punchline when the audience least expects it. Belair, known for her charisma and explosive in-ring style, doesn’t need a belt to matter. Her mere presence lights up the screen. So if WWE believes they can reignite her return with something bigger than a title match, this calculated delay could pay off huge.

But if they wait too long, they risk wasting her momentum—and that’s a gamble WWE has paid dearly for in the past.

What’s Next?

So far, no official announcement has been made about Belair’s involvement in SummerSlam or her status on the August 9th SmackDown, leaving everything open-ended. But that ambiguity only intensifies the buzz.

Will she appear ringside during a women’s title match at SummerSlam? Will there be a backstage segment teasing her return? Or will WWE do what they’ve done before—let silence do the talking, and then deliver a nuclear moment the week after?

Whatever the plan is, fans are hooked. Bianca Belair’s absence isn’t going unnoticed—it’s being analyzed, dissected, and anticipated. That alone proves her star power. WWE may be holding their ace card close to the chest, but the game is far from over.