Top TNA Star “Pushed Back” On Working New Signing Tessa Blanchard
Tessa Blanchard is returning to TNA.
Divisive star Tessa Blanchard worked with TNA from 2018 until 2020 after a spell with Stardom. She’s also previously appeared in WWE, wrestling in the Mae Young Classic and briefly in NXT.
However, in early 2020, Blanchard was the subject of several allegations of bullying and racism, which included claims she spat at a black wrestler, before calling her a racial slur. The wrestler involved was La Rosa Negra and she shared a picture with Blanchard in 2023 indicating she had forgiven her.
The star then went on to work with Women of Wrestling, but that run also ended acrimoniously.
In August 2024, WWE star Chelsea Green called out Tessa Blanchard for her behaviour, branding her an “egotistical bully.”
Blanchard has continued to deny the allegations.
Despite the controversy, it was reported on December 13th that Tessa Blanchard has signed with TNA and will work with Jordynne Grace before the latter signs with WWE.
The belief is that she’ll debut in Atlanta, do a quick program with Jordynne Grace, with Grace then leaving for WWE when her current contract expires. At least that’s the talking point going around. But I was told Blanchard having signed is confirmed.
TNA Kept Tessa Blanchard Deal Secret
A new report from Fightful Select has now offered an update on the situation around Blanchard, giving more details about the deal.
Fightful confirmed that Blanchard is back with TNA, but news of the deal was kept quiet within the company as management feared significant backlash. One source noted that Blanchard will be on her “best behaviour” now back with the promotion.
Talent in WWE, AEW, and TNA are said to have reacted with disbelief to the news. But TNA is hopeful there’s enough fresh talent in the company willing to work with Blanchard despite her chequered history.
The decision to re-sign Blanchard was taken around two weeks ago and is said to have come from “a top person in Anthem.” However, they were warned by others against signing her.
Contrary to rumours online, the signing had nothing to do with new Anthem President Carlos Silva.
Fightful confirmed that Blanchard is set to face Jordynne Grace, although Grace “pushed back” on the idea of working with her. Blanchard is set to win the feud with Grace after being introduced as a heel.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Blanchard is in Atlanta and scheduled to be part of Final Resolution weekend PPV and the subsequent TV taping.