Controversial Former IMPACT Star To Return To The Ring – “I’m One Of The Best There Is”

Written by Craig Ballantyne • Published 15th May 2023
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Former IMPACT Wrestling star Tessa Blanchard has signed a new multi-show deal.

Blanchard hasn’t been in the ring since December 2022 when she appeared at an indy show in Las Vegas.

The star is now set to make regular appearances for Xtreme Pro Wrestling. The company announced the singing on social media and revealed Blanchard would debut on May 27th at their ‘Broken, Beat & Scarred’ event.

Former IMPACT star Tessa Blanchard has “unfinished business” in wrestling

Blanchard commented on the signing during an interview with Mike McGuire on ‘McGuire on Wrestling’.

After thanking fans for their support, she said she still has a lot to achieve both in the ring and elsewhere.

“First of all, I can’t even express how thankful I am. The fans have been so accepting. Even today, the fans are chanting ‘Tessa, Tessa.’ That always feels great, especially being away for so long.

“I always want a lot more. I feel I have unfinished business in wrestling. I’m 27 years old and I do feel confident that I’m one of the best there is and I can go with the best. I won’t stop pushing for that, but I have other things going on too.

“I think it’s important to have that balance of knowing who you are outside of the business because the business isn’t always going to be there for you and it’s very unforgiving.

“It will recycle people left and right. I know who Tessa is without wrestling, which makes me more dangerous when I go back to wrestling.”

Although she is seen as a top wrestler and was even the first female IMPACT World Champion, Blanchard’s behavior outside the ring has often caused controversy.

In January 2020, multiple female wrestlers accused Tessa Blanchard of racism and bullying backstage, with fellow wrestler La Rosa Negra confirming that Blanchard spit in her face and used a racial slur. Though the story was corroborated by multiple wrestlers, Blanchard herself denied that the incident took place.

However, in recent weeks, the pair have put the incident behind them with Rosa posting a picture of the two together on social media while NWA star Bryan Idol confirmed the two had a great conversation where “mistakes were admitted and forgiven.”

H/T to Fightful for the above transcription