Former TNA World and Knockouts Champion Tessa Blanchard has been granted her release from the promotion.
The news was broken by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select on June 16. The report notes that Blanchard asked for her release from the company and the request was granted. While no specific reason on the exit is stated, there is speculation that CMLL wanted Blanchard to decide between the 2 companies. In a follow-up post on social media, Sapp added that CMLL book and pay Blanchard more than TNA.
The news was also confirmed by Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline, who adds that Blanchard was approached by TNA to sign an exclusive deal. The former World Champion turned down this request. It was also previously reported that Blanchard was “caught in the crossfire” of both promotions and their respective partnerships. As WWE is affiliated with TNA and AEW is affiliated with CMLL, TNA did not want someone working for CMLL to be on their roster.
Tessa Blanchard Ends Second Stint In TNA
Blanchard returned to TNA in December 2024 for what was her second run with the company. During her first run in the company, the second-generation star became one of the top performers in the promotion. At Hard to Kill 2020, Blanchard made history by defeating Sami Callihan and becoming the first woman to hold the Impact World Championship.
However, there was significant controversy during this time, which included bullying allegations and claims of racism during a past incident in Japan. Blanchard was terminated from her TNA contract during the COVID pandemic in 2020. The reason for the firing was that the two sides could not agree to have Blanchard return from Mexico to the United States to drop the World title.
Featured image: TNA
