Fightful Select has provided an update on Tessa Blanchard’s return to TNA Wrestling at Friday night’s Resolution event at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. Blanchard hit the ring during the match between Rosemary and Jordynne Grace. After Blanchard attacked Grace, the match ended in a no-contest.
The report notes the publication spoke to a number of sources within TNA, WWE and AEW of whom were in disbelief to bring Blanchard back to TNA after she was originally accused of bullying numerous talents and racism during her original run in the company that ended back in 2020.
Fightful Select also states that Blanchard’s return was kept from most of the TNA roster, including many staff who are usually informed of such news. Furthermore it was said the decision to keep Blanchard’s return quiet was due to potential backlash that would have been received by many. There are some, however within the company that are still friends with Blanchard. One person in TNA told Fightful they hope there is enough on the current roster that are not familiar with Blanchard, also hoping her second run better. Blanchard is reportedly expected to be on her best behavior.
Former Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace was said to have pushed for Blanchard to come back to the company and be a heel. Blanchard is expected to defeat Grace within a month. The decision was confirmed to not have anything to do with Anthem Sports’ newest President Carlos Silva, as he has just joined the company, but Blanchard’s return was also reportedly pushed by one of TNA’s higher-ups in Anthem Sports.
Grace, Mike Bailey and Josh Alexander are all expected to be leaving TNA after the first of the year. Grace’s deal is up in January, with the expectation she will be heading to WWE. Alexander indicated he is exploring free agency in February when his deal is up and Mike Bailey is expected to, or has already signed a deal with AEW.