Why Tessa Blanchard’s Return to TNA Might Be More Calculated Than It Seems

Tessa Blanchard’s surprise return to TNA at Final Resolution 2024 set the wrestling world ablaze, but the decision to bring her back may have less to do with nostalgia and more with a strategic play.

Dave Meltzer mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio that Blanchard’s reappearance is likely tied to her ongoing feud with Jordynne Grace, who is expected to leave TNA for WWE in January when her contract expires.

“She is feuding with Jordynne Grace, who is leaving by the way and going to WWE when the contract is up most likely,” Meltzer explained. “That’s kind of to get Tessa over.”

The timing of Blanchard’s return is raising eyebrows, especially given how it was handled internally at TNA. Meltzer noted that many within the wrestling side of the organization were unaware of her return until it happened. “It was upper management of people in TNA that wanted her back and not necessarily the wrestling people, which is really interesting to me because my question is, ‘Why?’” he added. “She’s a good wrestler, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not like she’s someone that you would keep from the wrestling people.”

Blanchard’s polarizing reputation—stemming from allegations of bullying and racist behavior—made her return a controversial move. However, TNA appears to be leveraging her star power and wrestling ability to make a statement in their Knockouts division. By pairing her with Grace, one of the company’s most dominant stars, TNA may be positioning Blanchard as a focal point for the division after Grace departs.

Meltzer’s insights also hint at the possibility of Blanchard eventually making her way to WWE. Her current run in TNA could serve as a proving ground to rehabilitate her image before stepping onto an even bigger stage.

With Blanchard back in TNA, fans are watching closely to see if this gamble pays off. Will she deliver enough in the ring to silence critics, or will the controversy overshadow her return? For now, the focus is on her feud with Jordynne Grace, but the larger implications of her comeback remain to be seen.

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