The professional wrestling world has been abuzz with the ongoing controversy surrounding Tessa Blanchard and the recent comments made by WWE star Chelsea Green.
This long-standing dispute has its roots in allegations of bullying and racism that surfaced in early 2020, leading to significant career setbacks for Blanchard and sparking a broader conversation about accountability in the wrestling industry.
Read More – Chelsea Green Hits Out At “Racist Bully” Tessa Blanchard
The Rise and Fall of Tessa Blanchard
Tessa Blanchard was once considered a rising star in professional wrestling. In January 2020, she reached a career milestone by becoming the first woman to capture the IMPACT World Championship. However, her ascent was abruptly halted when several female wrestlers accused her of bullying and racist behavior behind the scenes.
These allegations led to severe consequences for Blanchard:
- She was stripped of her IMPACT World Championship title
- IMPACT Wrestling (formerly TNA) terminated her contract
- Major wrestling promotions distanced themselves from her
In a recent interview with Straight Talk Wrestling, Blanchard opened up about the personal struggles she faced during this tumultuous period. She revealed that there were days when she “didn’t even have the strength to live” and would spend entire days in bed. The sudden loss of career opportunities and the public scrutiny took a significant toll on her mental health.
Chelsea Green’s Response and Call for Accountability
WWE superstar Chelsea Green, who was among those who initially accused Blanchard of bullying, responded to Blanchard’s interview. Green acknowledged the severity of Blanchard’s struggles but emphasized the importance of accountability.
Green stated on social media: “I don’t wish self-harm or thoughts of suicide on anyone and hope she has found peace. However, a simple ‘I am sorry’ goes a long way. We haven’t heard that yet. Accountability matters, and a redemption tour of interviews won’t erase the actions of an egotistical bully.”
The Original Allegations and Industry Reaction
The controversy began in January 2020 when Blanchard posted a message on Twitter about female wrestlers supporting one another. This prompted several wrestlers to come forward with accusations:
- Allysin Kay accused Blanchard of using a racial slur against a black wrestler in Japan
- Chelsea Green alleged consistent bullying and belittling of female coworkers
- Isla Dawn claimed she experienced verbal abuse and attempts to blacklist her from other companies in a since deleted post on X
These allegations significantly impacted Blanchard’s career trajectory. From being courted by major promotions with lucrative contract offers, she suddenly found herself without opportunities in top-tier wrestling companies.
Blanchard’s Perspective and Lack of Apology
In her recent interviews, Blanchard has focused on her personal growth and the challenges she faced. She stated that she wouldn’t change anything about her career path, as it has made her the person and wrestler she is today
However, many in the wrestling community, including Chelsea Green, have noted that Blanchard has yet to offer a clear apology for her alleged actions. This lack of accountability has been a sticking point for those seeking resolution to the controversy.
The Future for Blanchard and Lessons for the Industry
As of 2025, Tessa Blanchard continues to wrestle, having recently returned to TNA in a high-profile programme with Jordynne Grace.
While she hasn’t regained the prominence she once had in larger U.S.-based companies, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of professional conduct and the potential consequences of one’s actions in the wrestling industry.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding this controversy highlights the wrestling community’s evolving standards regarding behavior, accountability, and the path to redemption for those who have faced serious allegations.