As part of the sports entertainment business, all pro wrestling promotions run on stories. This requires meticulous work not only from the talents but also those involved backstage as well. Companies such as the WWE plan well in advance to keep the flow going. However, the proposed plans get nixed due to various reasons.

One such instance happened on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown. Former RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair’s absence forced the promotion to alter its schedule. Meanwhile, Belair’s fans might not be at ease at the moment as there are concerning reports about her.

Why was Bianca Belair absent from SmackDown?

The July 21 episode of SmackDown was supposed to be an important one for the Women’s division. The promotion was going to announce WWE Women’s Champion Asuka’s opponents for the upcoming SummerSlam PLE. WWE had planned an in-ring segment featuring Belair, Asuka, Charlotte Flair, and Adam Pearce. They would have announced the opponents.

Instead, the official announcement surfaced online, and the wrestling promotion dropped the segment. This is because Belair wasn’t present at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

But why was Belair absent? According to PWInsider, Belair’s segment was nixed late in the day. While they did not name her specifically, the outlet reported that “medical” reasons forced the changes. Quoting PWInsider, eWrestlingNews reported: “One story is that there were some people who either tested positive for COVID-19 or were in close contact with someone who tested positive.”

But not just Belair’s segment, WWE also dropped a proposed segment involving Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega. In Vega’s place, Charlotte fought the Japanese pro wrestler. However, Vega was reportedly present backstage, which leads to Belair being the potential person who may have contracted COVID or came into proximity with someone suffering from it.

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But fans can breathe a sigh of relief now. The WWE hasn’t dropped her from the upcoming PLE.

What awaits Belair at SummerSlam 2023?

A double threat! Yes, that is what’s waiting for Bianca Belair at the Ford Field on August 5. The former RAW champion will have to overcome challenges from both present champion Asuka and fellow title pursuer Charlotte Flair.

The job won’t be easy for her as both her opponents have scored victories over her in the past. Asuka has recently defended her gold against Flair, Bayley and Belair, so she will look to have an encore. On the other hand, Flair is known for her big match performances, so Belair’s job is cut out.

Meanwhile, this is also a chance for her to get back the title that she dropped at Night of Champions to Asuka. But for now, the WWE Universe and her admirers will want Belair to get back to the program and recover quickly, in case she has contracted the viral disease.

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