Tessa Blanchard Explains Her TNA Exit for CMLL
Tessa Blanchard, a prominent name in professional wrestling and daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard, has made a significant career move. After a notable run as a former TNA champion, she is now heading to Mexico full-time to wrestle for CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre).
Fans had been speculating about Blanchard’s absence from TNA for months. While some assumed it was a contract dispute or a hiatus, Blanchard recently revealed the true reason: she was presented with an ultimatum. She had to choose between continuing with TNA or signing with the renowned Mexican wrestling promotion, CMLL. She could not pursue opportunities with both companies simultaneously.
Blanchard ultimately chose CMLL, a decision that will focus her career on the vibrant world of lucha libre in Mexico and significantly impact the professional wrestling landscape.
The Ultimatum: TNA or CMLL
In a recent interview, Tessa Blanchard detailed the situation that led to her choice. She explained that both TNA and CMLL desired her services but were unwilling to share her as talent. This forced Blanchard to make a definitive decision about her future.
TNA offered her a contract to remain with the company, while CMLL presented an offer for her to join their roster. These two major wrestling organizations are considered rivals, making it impossible for Blanchard to accept both offers. She had to commit to one.
Her selection of CMLL means she will no longer appear on TNA programming or participate in their women’s division. Instead, her focus will be on competing in Mexico before passionate lucha libre audiences.
While Blanchard did not disclose specific financial details or contract lengths, she emphasized that her decision was not solely based on monetary factors. It was a choice driven by her desire for professional growth, the type of wrestling she wished to perform, and her long-term career aspirations.
Such ultimatums, where companies demand exclusive talent and prohibit appearances with rivals, are not uncommon in professional wrestling, occurring across promotions like WWE and AEW. For Blanchard, this presented a critical career crossroads, and she opted for the path leading to Mexico.
Tessa Blanchard’s Impactful TNA Championship Reign
Tessa Blanchard’s tenure in TNA was marked by historic achievements. In 2020, she became the first woman to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the company’s top prize, which is open to both male and female competitors.
Her victory over Sami Callihan in a highly contested match was a significant moment. Blanchard had steadily climbed the ranks since beginning her training as a teenager, gaining experience in various promotions and learning from veterans, including her father. Her TNA championship win was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Blanchard’s time in TNA was not without its challenges, including reported backstage issues and public controversies. Despite varying fan opinions on her persona, her in-ring talent was undeniable. She delivered memorable performances and engaging rivalries that contributed to TNA’s viewership.
Following her championship reign, Blanchard took time away from TNA, wrestling internationally before her return. However, the wrestling landscape had evolved, with new stars emerging and shifts within TNA’s women’s division.
The departure of Blanchard leaves a void in TNA’s women’s division, which will need to adapt and elevate other talented performers to fill the gap left by her star power and skill.
The Family Legacy: Tully Blanchard’s Influence
Tessa Blanchard carries the legacy of her father, Tully Blanchard, a WWE Hall of Famer and a prominent member of the legendary 1980s faction, The Four Horsemen. Known for his technical prowess, he held numerous championships during his career.
Growing up in a wrestling family provided Blanchard with a unique perspective on the industry. She witnessed her father’s career firsthand, absorbing lessons about performance, crowd engagement, and the demands of professional wrestling.
As a second-generation wrestler, Blanchard faced the pressure of comparisons to her father and high expectations. However, she channeled this into her own ambition, aiming to honor her father’s legacy while forging her own path.
Her decision to join CMLL may seem surprising, given Tully Blanchard’s extensive career in North American promotions like WWE and NWA, with limited experience in Mexico. However, Tessa is charting her own course, distinct from her father’s career trajectory.
Tully Blanchard has consistently supported his daughter’s career, offering guidance and encouragement. He understands that the modern wrestling world offers diverse opportunities, and CMLL presents a unique chance for growth and reaching new audiences.
Blanchard stated that her father is proud of her choice, recognizing CMLL’s rich history and esteemed reputation within the global wrestling community. He believes in her potential to succeed in this new environment.
Why Tessa Blanchard Chose Mexico and CMLL
Tessa Blanchard outlined several key reasons for her decision to choose CMLL over TNA.
Firstly, she saw CMLL as an opportunity to achieve greater stardom. While she had accomplished significant milestones in TNA, joining CMLL offered a fresh start and the chance to introduce herself to a new fanbase, building a new chapter in her career.
Secondly, Blanchard expressed a deep admiration for the style of lucha libre, known for its high-flying action, speed, and dramatic flair. She has long admired Mexican wrestlers and sought the opportunity to train in and master this distinct style, proving her ability against top competitors.
Thirdly, she felt a strong sense of respect and value from CMLL. The promotion’s approach made her feel appreciated and supported, offering creative freedom and demonstrating a genuine commitment to her success, which was a crucial factor.
Fourthly, Blanchard desired a change of pace. After primarily wrestling in the United States and gaining international experience, she was drawn to the unique cultural and wrestling environment of Mexico, eager for a new challenge and experience.
Finally, the decision was deeply personal. Blanchard felt CMLL was the right fit for her current career stage, allowing her to take a calculated risk and pursue an opportunity she believed would be rewarding, avoiding future regrets.
While some fans might question the choice given TNA’s broader international reach compared to CMLL’s primary stronghold in Mexico, Blanchard is confident in her ability to establish herself and contribute to CMLL’s growth.
Impact of Tessa Blanchard’s Move on TNA and CMLL
Tessa Blanchard’s decision to join CMLL has significant implications for both promotions. For TNA, it means the loss of a major star and a prominent figure in their women’s division, which is in a rebuilding phase. TNA will need to focus on developing new talent and finding performers capable of drawing audiences and delivering high-quality matches.
Although TNA possesses other talented female wrestlers, none currently match Blanchard’s name recognition or championship pedigree. The company will likely need to invest more in rising stars or seek new signings to compensate for her departure.
For CMLL, acquiring Blanchard represents a major coup. They gain a proven star capable of headlining events and potentially expanding their reach into new markets, particularly in the United States. CMLL, a promotion with decades of history, could benefit significantly from Blanchard’s presence in enhancing its international profile.
CMLL has already begun actively promoting Blanchard, featuring her in marketing materials and announcing her matches, signaling her importance to the promotion. This aligns with her desire to be a top-tier talent.
Wrestlers facing similar ultimatums have had to choose between major promotions like WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or AEW and Ring of Honor, often leading to significant industry shifts. Blanchard’s situation is unique due to her family background but also highlights the intense competition for talent in the global wrestling industry.
Companies are vying for exclusive talent to build their brands, forcing wrestlers to make strategic career decisions about where they can best thrive.
Tessa Blanchard’s Future in Lucha Libre
References
- Former WWE Star And Hall Of Famer's Daughter Explains Why She Chose To Leave After Being Given Two Choices – Original report (NDTV Sports)
- Former WWE Star And Hall Of Famer's Daughter Explains Why She Chose To Leave After Being Given Two Choices – NDTV Sports – This is the original RSS article reporting Tessa Blanchard's explanation of her TNA exit and choice to join CMLL.
- Dwayne Johnson’s Daughter Simone Leaving WWE After 6 Years, Retires Ava Raine Stage Name – E! News – Reports on Simone Johnson's departure from WWE and retirement of her ring name Ava Raine, unrelated to Tessa Blanchard.
- Why El Paso is paying tribute to late WWE star Eddie Guerrero – The Texas Tribune – Covers El Paso's tribute to Eddie Guerrero, unrelated to Tessa Blanchard.
- New Details Emerge on Ava's WWE Departure – Sports Illustrated – Provides new details on Ava's WWE departure, unrelated to Tessa Blanchard.
- Becky Lynch’s decision to leave wrestling in Pandemic era during famous WWE segment: 'That was the perfec – The Times of India – Discusses Becky Lynch's decision to leave wrestling during the pandemic, unrelated to Tessa Blanchard.
