Bianca Belair has reflected on headlining WrestleMania 37 against Sasha Banks and how, while it being the first black women’s WrestleMania main event was important, it was their talent that got them there.
Belair discussed the match with Inside The Ropes‘ own Kenny McIntosh ahead of WWE Live in Glasgow, during a tour where the ‘EST of WWE’ has been headlining most nights against Becky Lynch. At the start of the bout, Michael Cole mentioned on commentary that it was the first time two women of colour had main evented WrestleMania. Belair said that it was something that needed to be said, but they weren’t just there because they were two black females, but because of their talent.
I definitely think that that was something that was needed and that needed to be said to set the tone as well. And I’m glad that was said because that’s what made it such a big moment in history as well. But at the same time, I love the fact that it wasn’t just because we were females. It wasn’t just because we were black females, it was because of the talent. And I think that’s what’s amazing about WWE as well is that it just transcends across all religions, races, gender, age, no matter what.
The former SmackDown Women’s Champion also spoke about how invested people were in the moment and the emotion it evoked.
“Everyone felt invested in that moment. And just to look back now. And you know, no one wants to get in the ring and cry before their match. But knowing that in that moment, people felt that and they were that invested where they got emotional as well because they know how big of a moment that was and how it’s going to go down in history.”
Belair said the thing that sticks with her the most is how the match could inspire future wrestlers like other matches inspired her.
“For me, the thing that sticks with me the most is that when I came into WWE, I started watching different matches, trying to get inspired, trying to figure out what should I watch and asking people, what matches should I want you to tell me different matches and to know that in the future there may be another, not another Bianca Belair, because everyone is their own person, but there may be another woman that comes in and it’s like, What match should I watch? Sasha Banks match and I would be the match that they suggested they watch and they get inspired off of it.”
Bianca Belair will challenge Becky Lynch for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion at Extreme Rules live on Peacock and the WWE Network.