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SummerSlam 2021 could not afford to lose Bianca Belair versus Sasha Banks

By Raphael Garcia

Apr 10, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Sasha Banks (green attire) and Bianca Belair (silver attire) during their Smackdown Women's Championship match at WrestleMania 37 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Sasha Banks (green attire) and Bianca Belair (silver attire) during their Smackdown Women's Championship match at WrestleMania 37 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair shared one of the most important moments in recent wrestling history when they shared the ring together as the night one main event for WrestleMania. Fans knew the rematch was coming with SummerSlam as the perfect stage. The match was set but the week before rumors bubbled that the two women may not be cleared for the contest. As speculation swirled, the response to the match’s potential cancellation showed that SummerSlam could not afford to lose this big title match.

The questions started when both Belair and Banks missed two live events. The first was a Saturday showcase in Charlotte, North Carolina and the second was a Sunday event in Columbia, South Carolina. They would then appear on SmackDown in the contract signing segment. Neither individual addressed their absences.

Thankfully, multiple outlets reported on Wednesday that the two women were medically cleared to compete. PWI Insider first reported that unless there are “unforeseen circumstances” the match would continue as planned.

This development is especially important because too many fans that watch WWE content, the match between Banks and Belair is their main event. Bobby Lashley is set to face off against Bill Goldberg, to the chagrin of many wrestling fans. While the John Cena versus Roman Reigns angle took a while to heat up simply because the WWE did not utilize Cena on television, instead of keeping him in dark matches each week. Outside of the match between Edge and Seth Rollins, the rest of the card leaves much to be desired.

The Banks versus Belair main event from WrestleMania was recognized by the ESPYs as the wrestling moment of the year. Fans and pundits alike realized that seeing two Black women in the ring together on that stage was a career accomplishment for both. That has helped build to this angle that was coming, keeping the anticipation high even as WWE creative continues to struggle. Plus, their in-ring performances continue to live up to expectations and that should be the case at SummerSlam as well.

SummerSlam 2021 needed the rematch between Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks. Without this match, fans of both women would not be as encouraged to tune in. After a brief scare, reports are that they are cleared to compete in what will be one of the biggest matches of the night.

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