Tessa Blanchard’s first match on TNA iMPACT since her controversial return proved to be a successful one, with another match set for the Diamond. On last week’s iMPACT, Blanchard refused to face her assigned opponent, claiming she wasn’t cleared. Furious at her attitude, Santino Marella would then declare that Tessa would have to wrestle her next match, and if she didn’t, she’d be fired.

On this week’s show, Blanchard was in action to face Kelsey Heather, with Blanchard getting the win. This was the former World Champion’s first match for a TNA TV show since the April 5, 2020 edition of iMPACT, where she and Eddie Edwards battled Ethan Page & Josh Alexander.

Fans won’t have to wait another five years to see Blanchard next in the ring. In a backstage segment on iMPACT, Blanchard and Lei Ying Lee got into a backstage confrontation. That was broken up by Santino who declared that the pair will battle at TNA Sacrifice.

Tesaa Blanchard’s Sacrifice Entrance

Blanchard not only plans on beating Lee at TNA Sacrifice, but plans to arrive in Style, OnInstagram, Krystall Poppin shared that she will be performing Blanchard’s theme song at Sacrifice, which is scheduled to take place on March 14^th.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Krystall Poppin ? (@krystallpoppin)

TNA remains committed to Blanchard, despite the issue many fans have taken with her return, and she’ll certainly have the spotlight at Sacrifice with her match and special entrance.

Tessa Blanchard will compete on TNA Impact this Thursday, marking her second match since rejoining the promotion.

Last week, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella informed Blanchard that she must wrestle on the upcoming live episode from Full Sail University or face repercussions. TNA officially confirmed her participation on Tuesday, though her opponent remains undisclosed.

Blanchard’s return match took place at TNA Genesis last month, where she defeated Jordynne Grace in her first bout for the company since March 2020. She also recently wrestled at a VIP Wrestling event in Texas on January 31, losing to Alejandra Quintanilla (aka Alejandra Lion).

In addition to Blanchard’s match, TNA Impact has announced several other bouts for the February 20 show, including Rosemary vs. Lei Ying Lee. The Northern Armory are also set to appear.

Announced Lineup for TNA Impact (February 20):

• TNA World Champion Joe Hendry – Special concert appearance
• Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
• No DQ Match: JDC vs. Leon Slater
• Lei Ying Lee vs. Rosemary
• Tessa Blanchard in action
• Segment featuring The Northern Armory

Blanchard’s return continues to generate interest as she looks to reestablish herself in TNA’s competitive Knockouts division.

Former TNA World Champion Tessa Blanchard speaks highly of WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, and discussed a potential clash between the two stars.

Blanchard, who recently returned to TNA at Final Resolution and defeated Jordynne Grace at Genesis, addressed the idea of a dream match during a recent appearance on the DeLoco Podcast.

When asked about a showdown with Ripley, Blanchard expressed admiration for the WWE star’s evolution.

“She’s phenomenal. I’ve watched some of her matches, and we actually did the first-ever Mae Young Classic for WWE together. But she was a different Rhea Ripley then. She was blonde hair, still tall, still built, still phenomenal in the ring.

But she has just transformed into this absolute powerhouse over there. So yeah, I would be down for that,” Blanchard remarked.

With WWE’s partnership with TNA making cross-promotional matches possible, the prospect of Ripley facing top TNA talent like Blanchard has generated significant excitement among wrestling fans.

At TNA Genesis, Tessa Blanchard defeated Jordynne Grace in the controversial wrestler’s first match for the promotion since 2020. Many fans have been opposed to Blanchard’s return to TNA, but that won’t stop the former Impact World Champion.

On Instagram, Blanchard had a message at those fans angry to see her back in TNA. The second-generation wrestler told those mad to “just wait” and that “This is only the beginning.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TESSA BLANCHARD (@tessa_blanchard)

Tessa Blanchard Controversy

Tessa Blanchard has faced significant controversy in professional wrestling due to allegations of racism and bullying, which have had lasting effects on her career and public image.

Allegations of Racism: In 2020, several wrestlers accused Blanchard of making racially insensitive remarks and using a racial slur during a 2017 incident involving wrestler La Rosa Negra. Negra claimed Blanchard spat on her and directed a racial slur at her while in Japan. Although Blanchard denied these accusations, the claims triggered widespread backlash within the wrestling community.

Bullying Accusations: Alongside the racism allegations, Blanchard was accused by multiple wrestlers, including WWE’s Chelsea Green, of exhibiting bullying behavior backstage. Wrestlers from promotions such as AEW, Impact Wrestling, and NWA voiced similar complaints, cementing her reputation as a divisive figure among her peers.

Career Impact: These controversies erupted as Blanchard was poised to make history as the first woman to win the Impact Wrestling World Championship. Despite the achievement, the allegations overshadowed her victory. Later in 2020, Blanchard was stripped of the title and her contract terminated. Although Impact Wrestling cited contractual disagreements, the allegations significantly influenced public and professional perceptions of her.

Efforts to Reconcile: Blanchard has made some attempts to repair her reputation, including a public reconciliation with La Rosa Negra in 2023. Photos of the two together suggested they had resolved their issues. However, despite some support from figures like TNA’s Matt Hardy, Blanchard continues to face criticism for not fully addressing or taking accountability for the allegations.

While Blanchard is currently active in wrestling, including with TNA Wrestling, which seems intent on showcasing her as a leading talent, it remains uncertain whether fans and the broader wrestling community will fully embrace her again. For now, she continues to focus on her in-ring performances amid ongoing debates about her place in the industry.

Tessa Blanchard Claims False Narrative Was Spread by Ex-TNA Individual

Tessa Blanchard’s reputation was harmed by a false story shared by a former TNA Wrestling talent, the ex-World Champion has claimed. Speaking to Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge podcast, Blanchard alleged that what many had been told was not the case.

“A lot of people were fed a story from someone that’s no longer with the company that’s completely not true and completely manipulated into something that it wasn’t.”

Blanchard is frustrated that “my side has never really been told” and that fans have come to conclusions based on “one-sided things out in the public.” Blanchard added that after leaving wrestling over a three-year period, she wasn’t prepared to see a wrestling ring, nevermind discuss the business or what had allegedly taken place.

“I didn’t wanna see anyone that had to do with the wrestling world. I completely cut it off.” 

In 2020, it was alleged that Blanchard had bullied female talent and had used a racial slur against La Rosa Negra. Blanchard has always denied this, but after missing events for TNA (then Impact Wrestling,) she was cut from her contract and stripped of the World Title. In 2023, Blanchard shared a smiling photo with La Rosa Negra, suggesting their alleged issues were a thing of the past.

Blanchard has since returned to TNA Wrestling and will battle Jordynne Grace at this weekend’s Genesis pay-per-view, a show that will see involvement from WWE NXT. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Tessa Blanchard who hopes to move past the controversies that derailed her career.

Tessa Blanchard has a major match set for TNA Genesis against Jordynne Grace, but she’s excited for all possibilities involving TNA and NXT.

WWE announced a new long-term partnership with TNA on Thursday, revealing that both wrestling promotions will continue collaborating by allowing talent to compete against one another on their respective shows. It should create a lot of excitement for fans, but for the talent as well.

One name is who is taking note is Blanchard, who recently made a major return to TNA by setting her sights on Jordynne Grace. Grace has previously made her presence known on NXT, but also in last year’s Royal Rumble.

Speaking with Blanchard ahead of Genesis this Sunday, I asked Tessa her thoughts on the announcement and what it means for pro wrestling. Blanchard noted she has some history with one specific name in NXT.

“Stephanie Vacquer and I, we have a history in CMLL over in Mexico. We’ve had some banger matches out there. So her and I were actually chatting and we’re like, ‘Hmm, maybe we’ll get to see each other in the ring again one day,’ and I know that would be just a treat.”

However, other stars in the NXT women’s division has also caught Blanchard’s eye.

“There’s some girls that I’m not familiar with personally, but watching their work, I watch it and I’m like, ‘Gosh!’ There’s Kelani Jordan. She’s absolutely phenomenal in the ring.

Sol Ruca, she’s phenomenal in the ring and just seeing the way that these ladies move – there’s a lot of promise over there, and I hope that some of the ladies in the TNA locker room get to mix it up with a lot of them.”

As far as the partnership announcement goes, Blanchard sees a great relationship and opportunity for all involved, both in NXT and in TNA.

“It’s something special. I think it’s something that no one could have expected. It’s something that people have been talking about, but now it’s in ink.

“Now it’s out there for the whole world to see and it’s a huge blessing for both companies because just like NXT is filled with such amazing talent and leadership, TNA is as well.”

You can catch Blanchard in her return match against Grace at TNA Genesis, this Sunday on PPV. You’ll be able to watch the full interview upcoming on 1TS Network.

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.

WWE Women’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green has made her views clear on Tessa Blanchard, branding the TNA Wrestling star a “racist bully.” Much has been said about Blanchard since her return to TNA last month, with many taking issue at her comeback. Responding to a fan who aruged that people are simply petty and jealous of Blanchard, Green shared her strong response.

This isn’t Green’s first time sharing her honest opinion on Blanchard. Following the initial controversy in 2020, Green shared her support for Blanchard’s accusers. Last August, the WWE Superstar shared that Blanchard had yet to show proper remorse for her alleged actions.

What Happened With Tessa Blanchard?

A second-generation wrestler, many had high hopes for the talented Blanchard. Here is a timeline of what happened an how Tessa Blanchard fell from grace:

• In January 2020, Blanchard was accused of using a racial slur during an altercation with a fellow wrestler, La Rosa Negra, in a 2017 incident.
• Other wrestlers later alleged that Blanchard had been a bully to various women. Blanchard denied several allegations.
• That same month, Blanchard made history by winning the Impact World Championship, becoming the first woman to win a men’s world title in a major promotion.
• In June 2020, Blanchard was stripped of the Impact World Championship and her contract was terminated days before it was set to expire.
• In 2021, Blanchard was announced as a key name in the relaunch of WOW – Women of Wrestling but would leave the company after a falling out.
• In 2023, Blanchard and La Rosa Negra shared a smiling photo together, suggesting that their issues were a thing of the past.
• In August 2024, Blanchard shares that the collapse of her wrestling career had previously left her feeling unable to go on living.
• At Final Resolution 2024, Blanchard returned to Impact Wrestling, now TNA, and entered a feud with Jordynne Grace.

At TNA Final Resolution, Tessa Blanchard made her much-anticipated return to the promotion, marking her first appearance for TNA in over four years. However, her comeback has sparked widespread criticism online, with many fans voicing disapproval over TNA’s decision to bring back the controversial former World Champion.

Wrestling Fans React to Tessa Blanchard’s Polarizing TNA Return

Lance Storm, who works as a producer for TNA Wrestling, was backstage during Final Resolution. Speaking to Figure Four Daily, Storm shared his observations on the backstage atmosphere.

“I only saw positive responses and interactions. Most people don’t want to make a scene, so if there were people who weren’t happy about it, they kept quiet.”

Blanchard’s previous departure from TNA (then known as Impact Wrestling) in 2020 followed accusations of bullying and the use of racist language. In 2023, she and La Rosa Negra—the wrestler who alleged Blanchard had directed a racial slur at her—were seen together smiling, suggesting the pair had reconciled.

Storm also shared his personal perspective on Blanchard’s return. He believes the second-generation wrestler deserves a second chance but feels her refusal to apologize for past allegations has only prolonged the controversy.

“People deserve second chances. I don’t know if mistakes—no matter how bad—should follow you for the rest of your life.”

Blanchard’s return to TNA began with a dramatic attack on Jordynne Grace, igniting a feud between the two. Reports suggest that Grace was initially reluctant to work with Blanchard. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on Tessa Blanchard’s comeback and her evolving storyline in TNA Wrestling.

Magnum TA feels it’s been a long time coming for his stepdaughter, Tessa Blanchard to make her return to a premier American wrestling product like TNA.

Blanchard made an “impact” when she made a surprise attack on Jordynne Grace during their Final Resolution PPV last weekend. Reports initially came way of Fightful that Blanchard would be coming back and she did just that. After the match, she cut a promo, noting the major loss wrestling has had with her absence before pie-facing interviewer Gia Miller.

On the upcoming episode of “Straight Talk With The Boss: Magnum TA & Greg Gagne” I asked Magnum what he thinks of Tessa’s return to American wrestling, something she’s been unofficially blacklisted from following allegations made against her regarding an altercation between her and La Rosa Negra. Negra and her have long since mended fences and Magnum talks about that in addition to her return.

“To be on a program and have an impact when you get that chance is a very special thing for us in the wrestling industry and Tessa had an opportunity and I mean not only hit a home run, but She hit a grand slam. Perfect interview after, the whole deal, set the tone.

So many people have been running their mouths for so many years now and ignorance is a motivator for a lot people to say a lot of things when they don’t know the whole story.”

TA commented how Tessa trail-blazed the wrestling industry in TNA by becoming the first woman to ever win a men’s World Championship.

“She’s there to take no prisoners. It’s gonna be good.”

Magnum added that the ratings have been impressive for TNA and it should put NXT and AEW on notice. A great credit to that is the Knockouts division. Magnum noted how big of an influence Gail Kim, Tommy Dreamer and Anthem overall has been in making the product grow.

The new episode will drop at 6:05 PM ET on Four Horsemen Network and wherever you get your podcasts by searching “Four Horsemen Network” which includes new episodes of Arn Anderson.

Booker T believes Tessa Blanchard deserves a second chance.

The former Champion made her surprise return to the company at the Final Resolution event last week. The comeback sparked mixed reactions from fans and even people behind the scenes were said to be surprised by this move from the TNA top brass.

The WWE Hall of Famer gave his opinion on the matter during his Hall of Fame podcast. Booker T said that people should be able to move on:

“Man, the thing is, I’ve already seen criticisms of Tessa Blanchard being back and people still wanting to try to cancel her. Man, y’all get off of it. The thing is, if something was said, if an apology was made and fences were mended, we should be able to move on.”

• Booker T Backs Triple H’s Take on WWE Diversity: “It’s About Talent, Not Race”

Nobody Knows What’s Going On: Booker T

The wrestling veteran explained that everyone on social media thinks that they know what’s going on with talents but they really don’t. Booker T said that people should let Tessa resurrect her career:

“One thing about certain things, in the social media sphere, everybody know about it but don’t nobody really know what’s going on.

Everybody know about the story but don’t nobody know what’s going on. My thing is, guys, get off of all of this hate and let Tessa Blanchard hopefully try to resurrect her career and go out there and redo this thing all over again. Let’s just look at it as that, a redo.”

Blanchard attacked former Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace during her return. She has since claimed that she is not signed to a contract with the company and her current goal is to get a match with Grace.

• Booker T Criticizes Athena’s ‘Boxed In’ ROH Role, AEW Ratings Drop

Tessa Blanchard has claimed that she is not signed to a contract anywhere.

The former Impact World Champion made her surprise return to TNA during the 2024 Final Resolution event this past Friday. She attacked former Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace during her singles match against Rosemary.

While speaking to Contralona following her return to the company, Blanchard provided an update on her contract status. She claimed that she is not signed to a deal:

“I am not signed with anyone, including TNA and CMLL. My eyes are now in Jordynne Grace because her locker room in TNA previously had my name on it with a lot of stories I had there.”

• Wrestling Fans React to Tessa Blanchard’s Polarizing TNA Return

I’m The Best In The World: Tessa Blanchard

Tessa Blanchard said that she’s seen Grace’s career going up and up in the past year. She explained that the 3 times Knockouts Champion would not have had the same success had Blanchard stayed with the promotion. With her return, she wants to prove that the TNA locker room still belongs to her:

“Right now, my goal is to get a singles match with Grace to prove who is the best wrestler in the world.

I had a lot of matches against men, women and have always won multiple championships and tourneys so. I have a lot of confidence in my wrestling that I can say I am the best in the world.”

After a run with TNA Knockouts Championship, Tessa Blanchard defeated Sami Callihan at Hard to Kill in January, 2020 to win the Impact World Title. Due to dispute with the management however, her contract was terminated in June that year and Blanchard was stripped of the title.

• Jordynne Grace Blasts “Ignorant” Tessa Blanchard After Controversial TNA Return

Jordynne Grace is ready to show that the “ignorant” Tessa Blanchard has made a huge mistake by choosing to return to TNA. At Final Resolution, Blanchard returned to TNA after a four-year absence and made a statement by attacking The Juggernaut.

Wrestling Fans React to Tessa Blanchard’s Polarizing TNA Return

In a Digital Exclusive, Grace, who has reservations about working with Tessa. didn’t hold back when addressing Blanchard’s return. Grace, a three-time former Knockouts World Champion, said that Blanchard is ignorant and has made a mistake by returning.

“I’ve known for a while that Tessa was ignorant, but what I didn’t realize is that she’s actually a complete idiot. Coming back after all this time, after abandoning this company to try to make a statement and using me as an example. Tessa, a lot has changed since you’ve been gone. You’re going to realize very quickly that you made a huge f***ing mistake.”

Grace’s comment about Blanchard being ‘ignorant’ is seemingly a nod to Tessa’s controversial exit from TNA in 2020. On the eve of becoming the first female TNA World Champion, Blanchard faced allegations of bullying and using racial slurs. The company went ahead with Blanchard’s title victory, but she would leave the company shortly after. Last year, Blanchard shared a photo with La Rosa Negra, who accused Blanchard of using a racial slur against her, showing they had made amends.

Blanchard’s return has already drummed up a lot of talk among fans, with debate over whether bringing her back will be a boost for TNA or if it’ll only bring unnecessary drama. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Tessa Blanchard now that she is once again part of the TNA Knockouts division.

The sentiment surrounding Tessa Blanchard’s return to TNA Wrestling is mixed and polarized based on recent web information and posts on X.

Positive Sentiment

• Some believe that Blanchard deserves a second chance, emphasizing the idea of redemption and acknowledging her talent in the ring. There’s a sentiment that everyone makes mistakes and should be given opportunities to make amends and prove themselves.
• A few posts on X express optimism, suggesting that her return could be positive if she demonstrates good behavior and professionalism.

Negative Sentiment:

• Many are skeptical or outright opposed to her return due to past controversies involving allegations of bullying and racism. There’s significant concern about whether TNA Wrestling has adequately considered the potential backlash and the impact on the locker room environment.
• Some feel that TNA’s decision to bring her back reflects poorly on the company’s judgment and could damage its reputation further, especially given the history of her departure and the issues that followed.
• There’s also concern about the morale of the current roster, with reports indicating that some wrestlers were surprised or even opposed to her return.

Neutral or Mixed Sentiment:

• There’s an acknowledgment of the business aspect; TNA might be looking to capitalize on her notoriety and wrestling ability, regardless of past controversies.
• Discussions around her return often include a wait-and-see approach, where her actions post-return will determine the long-term sentiment. Some suggest that if she can maintain professionalism and avoid past mistakes, the negative sentiment might dissipate.

Overall, the sentiment is complex, with a significant portion of the wrestling community and fans expressing doubt or opposition, while others advocate for giving her a chance to redeem herself professionally. The situation is seen as a high-risk move by TNA, with outcomes that could go either way depending on how Blanchard conducts herself moving forward.

Tessa Blanchard made her highly anticipated return to TNA at Friday’s Final Resolution event, shocking fans by attacking Jordynne Grace. Following the attack, Blanchard declared, “Tessa Blanchard is back, and I’m taking what’s mine.”

During the pandemic, Blanchard held the Impact World Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first woman to win the prestigious title. However, her reign was marred by a falling out with the promotion, which led to her being stripped of the championship and departing from Impact Wrestling.

Blanchard’s return was kept tightly under wraps until this morning when the news broke. According to Fightful Select, the secrecy was intentional due to internal concerns over potential backlash. While some individuals within the company remain friends with Blanchard, others had warned against her return.

One source familiar with the situation expressed hope that the influx of new talent on the roster—who may not share previous grievances—will smooth over potential tensions. Another insider suggested that Blanchard understands the importance of this opportunity and will be on her “best behavior.”

Tessa Blanchard’s Past Controversy

Blanchard faced significant controversy in January 2020 when multiple colleagues accused her of bullying and racism. The incident began when Blanchard posted a tweet encouraging women to support each other, which prompted several female wrestlers to come forward with allegations.

Most notably, Allysin Kay accused Blanchard of spitting on a Black wrestler, La Rosa Negra, and calling her a racial slur during an event in Japan in 2017.

Other wrestlers, including Chelsea Green and Isla Dawn, also shared stories of Blanchard’s alleged bullying behavior.

Blanchard initially denied these accusations, but the controversy severely impacted her career, leading to her release from Impact Wrestling and difficulty finding work with major promotions.

While Blanchard and La Rosa Negra have since made amends, the incident continues to affect Blanchard’s standing in the wrestling industry, with some calling for her to take accountability and offer a sincere apology.

Wrestling legend Tully Blanchard recently confirmed his departure from AEW and ROH last year will be permanent.

The Four Horseman original managed Shawn Spears and FTR for much of his time with the promotion. Later on, he moved into AEW’s ROH angles, where he managed Brian Cage and The Gates of Agony. Together, the group were known as Tully Blanchard Enterprises.

Ultimately, the faction didn’t last long in this format as Blanchard was quickly replaced by longtime ROH personality Prince Nana.

On a recent edition of The Two Man Power Trip podcast, Blanchard reunited with old tag partner Arn Anderson. The Brainbusters discussed a variety of topics before focusing on Blanchard’s surprise AEW departure.

Tully Blanchard Suggests Departure Was “Complex”

Blanchard explained that there was more to the closure of his time in AEW and ROH than a simple contract expiry.

“No, it [Blanchard leaving] was a little more complex than that, but my contract is up and I’m gone.”

Blanchard ultimately opted out of shedding any further light on the situation. His comments do raise some questions as to what might have prompted his sudden departure from the company. Renowned for his intensity and technical skill in his wrestling heyday, Blanchard was also notorious for often being difficult to work with.

The man himself went on to opine that his time in the wrestling business is likely up. His daughter, Tessa Blanchard, was widely regarded as one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world late into last decade. A variety of personal and professional issues have led to her essentially being blacklisted in multiple promotions.

When asked for his thoughts on her daughter’s future, Blanchard was encouraging of her recent decision to return to college and finish getting a degree. The podcast was record prior to Monday’s announcement that Tessa Blanchard and former Impact Wrestling act DAGA are getting divorced.

Tessa Blanchard is in no hurry to get back in the ring at this time and is instead focussing on what makes her happy.

Blanchard, once considered one of the best female wrestlers at the time, has wrestled just one match in the past two years, competing for Hurricane Pro Wrestling in July 2022.

Shortly before her Impact World Championship victory in January 2020, Blanchard was accused of using racist language among other accusations of bullying.

Life Outside the Ring

Blanchard’s in-ring career is uncertain at this time, but the former Impact World Champion is building her skills outside of the ring.

Speaking to Bill Apter for Sportskeeda, Blanchard said that her focus right now is her education (via Fightful.)

“Right now, I’m in school, which is my main focus. That’s my main focus right now. I try to do one or two of the wrestling get-togethers or matches a month. Honestly, not too much more than that at the moment.”

Blanchard is studying at the University of Texas in San Antonio and is doing a course on International Affairs.

Wrestling Future

Blanchard was able to hold her own against both male and female wrestlers, but hasn’t stepped in the ring full-time in years.

Addressing her future in the ring, Blanchard did not rule out wrestling again, but made it clear that it is not a priority at this time.

“Doing whatever makes me feel happy, that’s really my main focus right now. My happiness. I don’t want to compromise my happiness for anything. Not for money, not for popularity, not for followers, not for any of that.”

Tessa is the daughter of wrestling legend Tully Blanchard, who is signed to AEW and is working with the company’s sister promotion Ring of Honor.

Former IMPACT world champion Tessa Blanchard is making her return to the ring later this month.

The indie promotion Hurricane Pro Wrestling announced that Blanchard will be competing at their event on Saturday, July 16 at Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas. The show will be broadcast live on the Title Match Network. Her opponent is Miranda Alize.

Blanchard won’t be the only big name on the show. Steph De Lander (Persia Pirotta), Lady Frost, Chandler Hopkins, Ryan Davidson and more will round out the card.

This is Blanchard’s first matchup since September 12th 2020, when she dropped the Warrior Wrestling Women’s championship to Kyle Rae. As previously reported she was set to be a key player in WOW (Women of Wrestling), with new episodes set to air on ViacomCBS in the fall. However, Blanchard had more behavior issues leading to yet another falling out with a promotion so her involvement with WOW going forward seems to be non-existent, nor was she in the trailer fort this upcoming season.

As a reminder Blanchard’s future has been unpredictable since her controversial exit from IMPACT in March 2020 when other female wrestlers accused her of bullying and racism, something the former world champion denied. Rumors had circulated that AEW was interested at one point, but nothing ever came of that.

We’ll keep you updated on Blanchard’s future.

Tessa Blanchard may have just burned yet another bridge.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that the belief is that Tessa Blanchard’s time with WOW has come to an end. The report notes that this isn’t a confirmation but that’s the feeling at this time.

Heat On Tessa … Again

The news comes off the heels of reported backlash after Tessa “tore apart” Samantha Sage during a promo class in April. Fightful had the initial report.

It was also said that Tessa Blanchard was removed from her role heading the workshop classes and that Selina Majors has taken her place.

Also in the Fightful report, a source implied that Tessa will only be able to find work in Mexico going forward. On top of that, a former WOW star was under the impression that Tessa was done with the company.

Tessa seemed to fan the flames when taking to social media to share a post with the following quote:

“When standing up for your beliefs becomes a matter of great inconvenience, will you stand anyway?”

Problematic Behavior

This isn’t the first time Tessa has been on the outs with someone. She had a nasty split from IMPACT Wrestling back in 2020. It was reported that Tessa agreed to record videos for an IMPACT taping but she never did.

At the time, Tessa was IMPACT’s world champion. There was a claim that Blanchard refused to send the title back but her camp denied that accusation.

Speaking of accusations, Tessa was accused of hurling a racial slur toward La Rosa Negra back in 2017 during a show in Japan. Several notable wrestlers have backed La Rosa Negra on this claim including Allysin Kay and AEW star Rebel.

Tessa has also been accused of bullying by the likes of IMPACT star Chelsea Green. Blanchard has denied the accusations of racism and bullying.

It appears Tessa Blanchard has shared a post in response to a report regarding her future with Women of Wrestling.

On May 4, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that the relationship between Tessa and WOW had gotten rocky ahead of the promotion’s return tapings. The report noted that many have been none too pleased with Tessa after she “tore apart” Samantha Sage verbally during an April workshop class.

As a result, it’s been said that the acting classes were canceled until further notice. Another source claimed that Tessa is no longer in charge of training talent and has been replaced by Selina Majors.

Standing Up for Your Beliefs

Tessa Blanchard took to her Instagram Stories shortly after the report surfaced. In the story, she shared a post with an interesting quote:

“When standing up for your beliefs becomes a matter of great inconvenience, will you stand anyway?”

Tessa Blanchard: Lightning Rod for Controversy

Per the Fightful report, a source implied that Tessa will only be able to find work in Mexico going forward. One former WOW star is under the impression that Tessa is gone from the company but that isn’t a confirmation.

When WOW first announced its relaunch, Tessa was at the forefront as one of the promotion’s biggest stars. Having scored a deal with ViacomCBS, many questioned WOW for putting faith in Blanchard despite past accusations of her toxic behavior.

Blanchard has denied accusations of racism and bullying, which were brought about in early 2020. She also had a nasty split from Impact Wrestling while she was the promotion’s world champion.

It appears that there is more controversy surrounding pro-wrestling superstar and former IMPACT World Champion, Tessa Blanchard.

Blanchard signed with WOW (Women of Wrestling) last October and was one of the promotion’s hottest acts, so much so that her signing was announced alongside WOW’s newest syndication deal with ViacomCBS. However, it now appears that Blanchard’s stint with the company is in jeopardy.

According to Fightful Select, several names have come forward to reveal that once again there are allegations against Blanchard, and the two sides had a bit of a falling out after she deactivated all of her social media channels. This news comes only a day before WOW’s scheduled television tapings in Los Angeles.

A source told the publication that Blanchard got heat from the roster after she “tore apart” Samantha Sage during a workshop class this past April. Apparently, it was bad enough that several of the trainees had to speak up.

A different source revealed that Blanchard is no longer in charge of training talent and that Selina Majors now heads that department. This same source later implied that Blanchard may only get work in the Mexico wrestling circuit going forward due to the reputation she has built for herself in the U.S.

One former star of WOW told Fightful that they believe Blanchard is done with the company entirely, although that is not confirmed. However, it was teased that there has been a major shift from WOW’s original plan last fall.

As a reminder, Blanchard had a number of accusations over the last two years for problematic behavior, which included racially charged comments and causing issues with other established talents. This was right around the time that Blanchard had her ugly departure from IMPACT, where the promotion stripped her of their world championship.

SEScoops has reached out to WOW for further comment.

Gail Kim feels that Tessa Blanchard is a rare talent who should be accomplishing big things in the wrestling business.

Kim and Blanchard worked together from late 2018 through early 2019 during their time at Impact Wrestling. In the culmination of their heated rivalry, Blanchard ultimately Gail Kim at Rebellion 2019 in what would be Kim’s retirement match.

“Tessa Was Like This Ultimate Athlete”

Gail Kim appeared on Busted Open Radio on Tuesday morning and spoke very highly of the second generation performer.

During her years as an active wrestler (2002-2019), Gail Kim has worked with them all, including Trish Stratus, Lita, Molly Holly, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres and Awesome Kong. According to Gail Kim, Tessa Blanchard was an “ultimate athlete” who stands above the rest.

“Tessa was like this ultimate athlete that I’d never been able to face an athlete on that level,” said Kim. “Years have passed now, it was 2019 since we had that match, and she should be accomplishing big things in this business, in my opinion. So, I wish I could see that for her, because I know that that talent is rare. So you know, we’ve talked about this a bunch but those are ultimately my bottom-line feelings.”

Tessa Blanchard went on to become the first woman to capture the Impact Wrestling World Championship in January 2020. After going on an extended leave of absence, Blanchard was released by Impact before her contract was set to expire and stripped of the championship in June of that year. She’s currently involved in the rebooted Women of Wrestling promotion.

• Tessa Blanchard Responds to Allegations of Racism

You can listen to Gail Kim’s comments about Tessa Blanchard below, courtesy of our friends at the Putting You Over podcast:

Chelsea Green has put Tessa Blanchard on blast for trying to make her All In entrance with the Impact Knockouts Championship.

All In was a major independent wrestling show promoted by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks on Sept. 1, 2018. The event featured a slew of talent from NJPW and ROH. We also saw wrestlers from Impact Wrestling, AAA, CMLL, NWA, and MLW.

Blanchard was also seen on the card. She competed against Green, Britt Baker, and Madison Rayne in a four-corner survival match. Blanchard ended up getting the win.

During an edition of her Green With Envy podcast, Chelsea Green claimed Tessa tried bringing her Impact Knockouts Title with her for her entrance so that everyone else in the match would look inferior.

“We didn’t know who was winning the match until the day of All In until the afternoon actually. Tessa, who was in our match, brought her fucking IMPACT title to the show and tried to come out with it. In my mind, it was a way to look better than all of us. Bringing out a title, being the only person to come to the ring with a title, the fans are obviously immediately going to put you above the rest. Also, I feel like she did it because she knew that if she came out with the title, she couldn’t lose the title on the show. She couldn’t lose the title on a show that wasn’t IMPACT Wrestling.”

Tessa is set to be a part of the Women of Wrestling relaunch. She had a nasty split from Impact Wrestling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for Green, she has been seen in Impact Wrestling, ROH, NWA, and other promotions since being released from WWE.

The report of Women of Wrestling making a comeback was correct.

Fightful was the first to report that WOW was on its way back. The outlet also reported that plans were in place for Tessa Blanchard to be a part of it. It’s been about 16 months since Blanchard was last seen in action.

WOW boss, Jeanie Buss, made the announcement in a statement to Entertainment Tonight and revealed a deal with ViacomCBS.

“Wrestling’s presentation of women has long been very important to me, and we now are presenting the epitome in sports entertainment that will highlight the athleticism of these superstars as we reintroduce WOW. Our partnership with the entire ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group family allows us to continue our mission of providing wrestling fans and WOW Superheroes what they have all deserved: a global platform for a dedicated women’s wrestling league.”

WOW will be back in the saddle in the fall of 2022. Past WOW episodes are expected to air in Dec. 2021 on CW Seed and Pluto TV.

Blanchard had the following to say to ET.

“[Wrestling has] taken me all over the world. I’ve gotten to live in different countries, and win championship titles all over the world, but now with WOW, this is without a doubt the biggest platform for women’s wrestling in history. To be a part of it, it’s a testament that we’re changing the status quo for women’s wrestling, for professional wrestling altogether, and it’s just such a blessing to be a part of it.”

The Fightful report also noted there was one other WOW talent that would be front and center with the relaunch of WOW. That talent is none other than The Beast. She remains recognized as the WOW World Champion.

It looks like Tessa Blanchard has a landing spot and a revival is on the horizon.

Blanchard hasn’t been seen inside the ring since her nasty split from Impact Wrestling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Blanchard was the Impact World Champion.

Blanchard is being factored into plans for the relaunch of Women of Wrestling (WOW), according to Fightful. We don’t know if she has already sined a contract with the company.

Additionally, there will be another former WOW wrestler who will also play a pivotal role in the relaunch of the promotion. It’s been said that a press conference is scheduled for Wednesday (Oct. 6). WOW has yet to sort out roster plans.

Fans expecting WOW to get back up and running quickly will need to have a bit more patience. The Fightful report notes that this relaunch isn’t expected to happen imminently. It appears it’s in the very early stages but at the very least, the company wants people to know of its plans to return.

WOW and AXS TV parted ways back in June 2020. The split wasn’t surprising as Impact Wrestling made its way to AXS following a purchase.

We have reached out to Tessa Blanchard for comment on this story.

Stick with SEScoops.com for more on Tessa Blanchard’s return to wrestling and the Women of Wrestling reboot when more details become available.