Who Is The “EST”?
Bianca Belair, known as “The EST of WWE,” has captured the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide with her unparalleled athleticism, charisma, and larger-than-life persona. Her rise in WWE has been nothing short of spectacular, and whether it’s her incredible feats in the ring or her signature long braid, she continues to break barriers and establish herself as one of the most dominant female wrestlers of this generation. However, there’s more to Bianca than what we see on TV. Behind the powerhouse suplexes and dazzling promos, Bianca has a rich background filled with accomplishments, challenges, and surprises that many fans might not know.
This blog post will dive deep into ten fascinating facts about Bianca Belair that showcase her journey both inside and outside the squared circle. Along the way, we’ll celebrate her history, dig into her inspirations, and uncover some surprising details about her past. By the end of this article, you’ll see why she truly deserves her title of “The EST of WWE.”
Quick Summary
In this article, we’ll explore the lesser-known facts about Bianca Belair’s personal and professional life. From her athletic background in track and field to her artistic talents and connection to some WWE legends, you’ll learn why Bianca is much more than just an incredible in-ring competitor. We’ll take you through her WWE milestones, her surprising career detours, and some fun tidbits about her life that every fan should know. Along the way, we’ll highlight a few fun memes related to her, capturing her iconic moments in WWE.
Table of Contents
- Athletic Beginnings: From Track Star to WWE Superstar
- Overcoming Health Challenges
- Her Connection to WWE Legends
- Crafting Her Own In-Ring Gear
- The Signature Braid and Its Origin
- Bianca Belair’s Artistry
- A Connection to CrossFit
- A Quick Ascension in WWE
- Record-Breaking Royal Rumble Feats
- Memorable WWE Moments and Memes
- Honorable Mentions
- Conclusion
1. Athletic Beginnings: From Track Star to WWE Superstar
Before stepping foot in a WWE ring, Bianca Belair was already a decorated athlete. She excelled in track and field, becoming a standout at the University of Tennessee, where she competed in hurdles. Bianca’s athletic prowess didn’t just stop there; she also competed in CrossFit, earning recognition for her strength and stamina. Her journey from the track to the squared circle is a testament to her adaptability and determination to succeed. This athletic foundation gave her an edge in WWE, allowing her to bring a unique level of athleticism rarely seen in the women’s division.
Many don’t realize that Bianca’s time in athletics was fraught with challenges, including a health condition that temporarily sidelined her, but her comeback was nothing short of spectacular. Her experience as a college athlete not only prepared her for the physical demands of wrestling but also ingrained a competitive spirit that continues to drive her success.
2. Overcoming Health Challenges
During her college track career, Bianca Belair faced a significant hurdle: she was diagnosed with a shifting rib syndrome. This condition caused her immense pain and led to a pause in her athletic endeavors. However, Bianca’s refusal to give up shaped her perseverance. Instead of letting this setback define her, she used it as fuel to eventually pursue a career in CrossFit and, later, WWE.
This fact is a testament to her resilience. Not many fans know that Bianca’s journey could have ended with that health diagnosis, but her determination to push through has made her the powerhouse we know and love today. It also adds a deeper layer to her “EST” persona, highlighting her as the strongest, toughest, and most resilient superstar in WWE.
3. Her Connection to WWE Legends
Bianca Belair may be relatively new to the WWE Universe, but she’s already crossed paths with some of the company’s biggest legends. One surprising connection is her relationship with WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Henry discovered Bianca during her CrossFit days and recognized her potential as a wrestler. He was instrumental in getting her a tryout with WWE, where she impressed talent scouts and soon signed a developmental contract.
This connection to a legend like Henry is a fascinating tidbit that shows how fate played a role in bringing Bianca to WWE. It also speaks to her ability to command the attention of top-tier talents even before she became a WWE superstar.
4. Crafting Her Own In-Ring Gear
One of Bianca Belair’s standout traits is her unique and vibrant in-ring gear. What makes it even more special is that she designs and creates all of her outfits by hand. Bianca, a self-taught seamstress, takes great pride in crafting her look, which she says is an extension of her personality. From her stunning WrestleMania attires to her weekly Raw and SmackDown ensembles, every stitch reflects her creativity and dedication to standing out.
The fact that she makes her own gear adds an extra layer of admiration from fans. It’s not often that a superstar blends athleticism with such a high level of creativity, but Bianca manages to do both with grace and style.
5. The Signature Braid and Its Origin
Bianca Belair’s long braid has become one of the most iconic accessories in WWE history, but it wasn’t always part of her look. The idea for the braid came from her husband, WWE superstar Montez Ford. He suggested the braid as a way for Bianca to stand out, and it quickly became an essential part of her persona.
What started as a simple hairstyle evolved into a deadly weapon in the ring. Bianca has used her braid in several high-profile matches, including a memorable moment when she whipped Sasha Banks with it at WrestleMania, leaving a lasting mark on her opponent and fans alike.
6. Bianca Belair’s Artistry
Beyond wrestling and athletics, Bianca Belair is a talented artist. She has a knack for drawing and painting, a hobby that allows her to express her creativity in new ways. Bianca often shares her art on social media, showing fans a different side of her personality that contrasts with her intense in-ring persona.
Her artistry goes hand-in-hand with her ability to create her own wrestling gear, proving that she’s a multifaceted performer with skills far beyond the wrestling ring. Whether she’s drawing sketches or designing outfits, Bianca’s artistic talents continue to inspire her fans.
7. A Connection to CrossFit
Before she joined WWE, Bianca Belair competed in CrossFit competitions, where she gained a reputation for her strength, athleticism, and stylish appearances. She even became known for wearing flashy outfits during competitions, something that would later carry over into her WWE persona. CrossFit taught Bianca how to push her limits physically, preparing her for the rigors of a wrestling career.
Her time in CrossFit also introduced her to several key players in WWE, setting the stage for her eventual transition into sports entertainment. The discipline and strength she built in CrossFit laid the foundation for her dominance in WWE today.
8. A Quick Ascension in WWE
While many wrestlers spend years honing their craft in WWE’s developmental system, Bianca’s rise to the main roster was swift. After signing with WWE in 2016, she quickly made a name for herself in NXT, where her undefeated streak and incredible athletic displays caught the attention of WWE higher-ups. It wasn’t long before she made her way to Raw and SmackDown, where she’s become a marquee star.
Her rapid rise is a testament to her natural talent and work ethic. Within a few short years, Bianca went from a rookie in NXT to headlining WrestleMania and capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship, making her one of the fastest-rising stars in recent WWE history.
9. Record-Breaking Royal Rumble Feats
In 2021, Bianca Belair made history by winning the Women’s Royal Rumble. Not only did she win the match, but she also set a record for the longest time spent in the match, lasting over 56 minutes. This performance solidified her status as one of WWE’s top female competitors and earned her a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
Her Royal Rumble victory was a defining moment in her career, showing that she has both the stamina and skill to outlast the best of the best. It’s a moment that will forever be etched in WWE history and a key highlight in her already impressive resume.
10. She Helped Create Her “EST of WWE” Character
One of the most iconic parts of Bianca Belair’s persona is her confident catchphrase: “The EST of WWE.” While WWE creative teams often help shape characters, Bianca herself played a major role in developing the idea behind it.
The concept revolves around Bianca claiming she is the strongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST, and bEST competitor in WWE. This gimmick perfectly reflects her real-life athletic accomplishments and competitive personality. Instead of portraying a fictional character, Bianca leaned into her authentic confidence and achievements.
As a result, the EST gimmick quickly connected with fans. It gave her promos a unique rhythm and helped her stand out in a crowded women’s division. Today, the phrase has become synonymous with Bianca’s brand and remains one of the most recognizable character identities in modern WWE.
Honorable Mentions
Before we dive into our final fact, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Bianca is married to fellow WWE superstar Montez Ford, and the two often share adorable behind-the-scenes moments on social media.
- She is the first African American woman to headline WrestleMania alongside Sasha Banks, marking a historic moment for representation in WWE.
- Bianca’s entrance theme song, “Watch Me Shine,” is a fan favorite and perfectly encapsulates her bold and confident persona.
Conclusion: The EST of WWE in Every Way
Bianca Belair is more than just a wrestling superstar; she’s an all-around entertainer, athlete, and inspiration. From overcoming personal challenges to setting records in the ring, Bianca’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and excellence. Her journey from track star to WWE champion proves that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. As fans, we’re lucky to witness her rise to the top, and it’s safe to say that the best is yet to come for “The EST of WWE.”
Bianca’s charisma, strength, and artistic talents make her one of the most unique and beloved superstars in WWE today. And with her incredible work ethic and passion for the business, there’s no telling how many more records she’ll break and moments she’ll create in the future.
