Controversial wrestler Tessa Blanchard made her return to TNA Wrestling late last year, with an attack on Jordynne Grace that led to Blanchard defeating Grace at Sunday’s TNA Genesis pay-per-view. This was Blanchard’s first match with the promotion since 2020, and speaking on “Broken open radio” WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his thoughts on the performance.
“I’m analyzing Tessa Blanchard, the professional wrestler right now, not the human being, and what I saw from Tessa and Jordynne was very, very good,” Bully said.
Bully praised both women for their athleticism, with particular praise for Blanchard. The radio host likened the second-generation performer to an important WWE figure who has his own legacy ties.
“Tessa Blanchard has just as much control over her athletic abilities as Charlotte Flair,” Bully continued.
Despite his abilities, neither WWE nor AEW seem ready to take a chance on Blanchard yet, likely due to accusations of racism and bullying that emerged against Blanchard in early 2020. At that time, when TNA was still known as Impact Wrestling, Blanchard was booked to win the company’s most prestigious title, the Impact World Championship. However, Blanchard took time off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was ultimately stripped of the title.
“It looked like she was going to be exiled to this island forever, and she was given another opportunity,” Bully said.
Bully co-host Dave LaGreca suggested that Blanchard issue a public apology for his past behavior. Although Bully wasn’t opposed to the idea, the former WWE star shared his belief that his job is to judge Blanchard for what happens after he comes out of the curtain. It was previously reported that Blanchard had privately apologized and made amends with La Rosa Negra in 2023.
If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” with ah/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
