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Latest Reporting On Tessa Blanchard Returning To TNA; CMLL Confirms Departure

The decision to bring Tessa Blanchard back to TNA was reportedly made against warnings to do so.
Rick Ucchino|
Tessa Blanchard
Tessa Blanchard | impactwrestling.com

Tessa Blanchard appears to heading back to TNA.

Multiple outlets are now reporting that the former Impact World Champion is returning to the company four years after her controversial departure.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider says that Blanchard was flown into Atlanta ahead of tonight's Final Resolution PPV and it's expected she'll be part of the TV taping.

CMLL has since confirmed Blanchard's departure amid the reports that she's returning to TNA. The CMLL Women's World Tag Team Championship have been vacated as a result and new champions will be crowned in 2025.

Tessa Blanchard left TNA back in 2020 after bullying allegations surfaced, which included the alleged use of racial slurs towards La Rosa Negra.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has spoken to several talent in WWE, AEW and TNA about Blanchard, many of whom who are reportedly in disbelief over the news.

"The news was kept away from the entire roster as of the time of the details emerging, and even many of the staff who are usually in the know. We're told this was done intentionally, as there was fear of backlash internally. There are some people that remain with the company that have remained friends with Tessa, but one person in the know said that the hope is that there's enough new talent to work with that haven't soured on her. Another source believes Blanchard will be on "best behavior" as this is a major opportunity."
Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select

Additionally, Ross Sapp was told that the decision to bring Blanchard back was made by a top person in Anthem, but it was not new President Carlos Silva as he just joined the company.

Current plans call for Blanchard to work with Jordynne Grace ahead of her expected departure from TNA. The loss of Grace, Speedball Mike Bailey and Josh Alexander is believed to be part of the motivation to give Tessa Blanchard a second chance.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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