Add as a preferred source on Google Tessa Blanchard’s departure from TNA has gained another important backstage detail, right as the company goes through its most turbulent stretch of 2026.
According to Fightful Select, Blanchard was roughly halfway through a three-year contract when she left the company. Sources within TNA also said the company intended to rework her deal and offer her more money, as CMLL had been using her more frequently and paying her higher rates.
Blanchard’s exit was confirmed on June 16, when it was reported that she had requested her release and that TNA had granted it. At the time, the belief was that CMLL wanted her to choose between continuing in Mexico or remaining tied to the U.S.-based promotion.
However, Blanchard gave a different version of events during CMLL Informa. According to her, TNA was the side that demanded a firm decision between the two companies. Blanchard said she spoke with her family and decided to fully commit to CMLL, where she says she still has important goals to accomplish.
“I want to sort things out and set the record straight today.”
Fightful Select has learned that Tessa Blanchard was about halfway through a three-year deal before departing TNA.
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) June 20, 2026
Sources within TNA claimed they were going to rework her deal to offer her more money due to CMLL booking her and paying her more.
More details are now available… pic.twitter.com/cYniDjKtFl
The situation comes during a major internal shake-up in TNA. The company confirmed a “workforce reduction” that also included Tommy Dreamer’s departure, while Sami Callihan has also left the promotion.
Blanchard had returned to TNA at Final Resolution 2024, after her first run ended in 2020 while she was still TNA World Champion. During her second stint, she was initially featured in a rivalry with Jordynne Grace, but she did not win another title with the company.