TNA Kept Tessa Blanchard’s Return Under Wraps to Avoid Backlash

TNA’s decision to bring back one of its most controversial former stars, Tessa Blanchard, has been kept tightly under wraps, with most talent and staff reportedly left in the dark.

According to Fightful Select, whispers of Blanchard’s return surfaced on December 12, with reports confirmed the following day by the Wrestling Observer. However, the company intentionally kept the news away from much of its roster and even some higher-ups to avoid potential backlash.

According to sources, that the decision to re-sign Blanchard came from “a top person in Anthem,” despite warnings from others in the company. This decision was reportedly not influenced by Carlos Silva, the newly appointed president of Anthem. TNA has been laying the groundwork for this move over the past two weeks, and Blanchard is expected to return as a heel, with plans for her to feud with Jordynne Grace and secure a victory in their first program.

Internally, reactions have been mixed. While some within TNA remain supportive of Blanchard, others have expressed discomfort with her return. Grace, for instance, reportedly pushed back against the idea of working with her, though she is still set to face Blanchard as part of the company’s storyline plans.

Blanchard’s original departure from TNA in 2020 came amid allegations of bullying and the use of racial slurs toward wrestler La Rosa Negra, allegations Blanchard denied. Although the controversy made her persona non grata in WWE and AEW at the time, her return to TNA is being viewed as a potential “clean slate” by some in the company, especially with an influx of new talent who may not have previous grievances.

One source shared that the hope is for Blanchard to remain on her “best behavior” as this marks her biggest opportunity in years. However, the move has drawn skepticism, with one source stating, “The news was kept quiet for a reason—they didn’t want to deal with the fallout until the plan was in motion.”

TNA’s roster could soon see significant changes, with stars like Speedball Mike Bailey, Jordynne Grace, and Josh Alexander rumored to be on their way out. Bringing in Blanchard may be part of a larger strategy to inject fresh storylines and talent into the mix.

TNA’s decision to keep Tessa Blanchard’s return under wraps has added a layer of intrigue—and controversy—to an already polarizing move. Whether this gamble pays off or stirs up more drama remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: TNA isn’t afraid to take risks. As the dust settles, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this all plays out. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over!