Tessa Blanchard has elaborated on her TNA return and whether she has signed a deal with the company.
On December 13th, news broke that Tessa Blanchard would be returning to TNA following her controversial exit from the promotion in 2020. Along with no showing numerous events, Blanchard also faced allegations of bullying and racism while with the promotion. The news was said to be a shock to many members of the roster who were not informed of the former World Champion’s return ahead of time. Following the report, CMLL announced that Blanchard had left the promotion and the Women’s Tag Team Championships would be vacated, effectively confirming the impending return.
Later that day, Tessa Blanchard made her return by attacking Jordynne Grace during her match against Rosemary. Blanchard said little in the backstage interview that followed and is expected to address her actions in the tapings that will air in the next few weeks.
Speaking with Contralona following the appearance, Blanchard addressed her CMLL exit and added that she is not signed to any promotion:
“That was a tough decision for me because I have a lot of respect for CMLL and I love everything about that company. They helped me a lot in helping getting in touch with other companies so I’m grateful for that. 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. I see Grace’s career being in the up and up but I feel that if I was in TNA of all the past year, she would not have this success. That is why I wanted to return, because I wanted to prove this was still my locker room,”
Tessa Blanchard Details What’s Next
Also in the interview, Blanchard outlined her main goal for moving forward, which will once again involve Grace:
“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,”
In an update to this story, figures in TNA have disputed Tessa Blanchard’s claim not to be under contract in the company.
In a new interview, a WWE Hall of Famer has defended the decision to bring back Tessa Blanchard.
H/t to Fightful.