Tessa Blanchard is no longer under contract with TNA Wrestling, marking the end of a tenure defined by both significant professional achievements and internal friction. The promotion confirmed her departure in June 2020, citing a failure to reach an agreement on a contract extension, according to reports from Fightful. This exit followed a period where Blanchard, the former TNA World Champion, was notably absent from television tapings despite her status as the company’s top titleholder.
Why did Tessa Blanchard leave TNA Wrestling?
The primary catalyst for Blanchard’s departure was a breakdown in contract negotiations as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the professional wrestling industry. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Blanchard was residing in Mexico during the height of travel restrictions, making it impossible for her to attend scheduled tapings in Nashville. When she opted not to travel back to the United States for television production, the company moved to terminate her contract.
Her exit was finalized just days before her contract was set to expire in July 2020. This decision stripped her of the World Championship, which she had held since defeating Sami Callihan at Hard to Kill in January 2020.
How did the industry react to the departure?
The split was widely viewed as a culmination of mounting tension between the performer and the organization. While TNA—then operating under the Impact Wrestling banner—was initially reluctant to part ways with their flagship star, the logistical impossibility of her participation forced their hand.
Industry analysts noted that the situation was complicated by previous controversies surrounding Blanchard’s conduct, which had surfaced earlier in 2020. According to 411Mania, while the professional disagreement over travel and contract terms was the official reason for the exit, the promotion had been evaluating its long-term relationship with the wrestler for several months prior to the final release.
What is the significance of this exit?
Blanchard’s departure remains a notable case study in the risks of building a brand around a single performer during a global crisis. Her reign was historically significant; she was the first woman to hold the TNA World Championship, a move designed to elevate the promotion’s profile.
Timeline of Events
- January 2020: Blanchard wins the TNA World Championship at Hard to Kill.
- March 2020: Global pandemic travel restrictions begin, limiting international talent movement.
- June 2020: TNA Wrestling officially terminates Blanchard’s contract.
- July 2020: Blanchard’s original contract expiration date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Tessa Blanchard lose the title in a match?
No. Because she could not attend the tapings, TNA was forced to vacate the championship rather than having her lose it in a traditional match.
Was the departure amicable?
Reports from Fightful indicate the split was a business necessity rather than a mutual parting of ways, driven by the inability to fulfill contractual obligations due to travel bans.
Where did she go after leaving TNA?
Following her exit, Blanchard remained a free agent for a significant period before eventually signing with Women of Wrestling (WOW) in 2022, though she later departed that organization as well.
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