Tessa Blanchard isn’t staying silent after fellow wrestler Chrissy Rivera publicly questioned whether she has truly taken accountability for past controversies.
Rivera recently appeared on the Monte and Pharaoh show, where she was asked directly whether Blanchard deserves a second chance in wrestling. Rivera didn’t hesitate, answering “No,” before expanding on her belief that the core issue isn’t talent — it’s accountability.
Rivera made it clear that her stance wasn’t based on personal conflict, but rather her perception of how Blanchard has handled criticism over the years. She suggested that repeated incidents and apologies created a pattern that has followed Blanchard throughout her career.
“Because I don’t think she’s sorry. I don’t think her apology is genuine. No accountability. I’m not saying I’m psychic, but I can read people, and I just feel like — yeah, we all mess up, we all make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. I’m not perfect either. I’ve done my share of things.”
Despite questioning Blanchard’s accountability, Rivera clarified that her own personal interaction with Blanchard was professional and without issue.
“I don’t think she’s a bad person. I don’t really know her. I worked with her very briefly in WSU, and everything was fine. I got along with her, I never had an issue personally.”
Rivera continued by saying she believes Blanchard’s ability inside the ring isn’t the problem — but rather what happens outside of it.
“But I think she has a lot of growing up to do, and that’s what’s holding her back.”
Following Ringside News’ coverage of Rivera’s comments, Blanchard responded directly in the comment section, addressing the conversation surrounding accountability and Rivera’s remarks about her character. Blanchard pointed out that Rivera admitted she never personally had an issue with her, while still offering strong opinions about her conduct.
“Says never had a problem with Tessa. Minimal interactions with Tessa. Makes opinions about Tessa. Hasn’t seen Tessa for 8-10years. But one thing was correct, Tessa is absolutely the best at what she does!”
While Blanchard criticized the narrative surrounding her, the accountability discussion Rivera referenced has surfaced before from other voices in wrestling. Back in January 2025, WWE star Chelsea Green echoed similar concerns while reacting to fans defending Blanchard during ongoing debates about her past allegations. Green reacted strongly to a social media post defending Blanchard and made her feelings clear at the time.
“This is giving me the ick… you thinking defending a racist bully is cool. Someone tell them, lol.”
Although Green later deleted the tweet, her comments reinforced how the accountability discussion has remained a recurring topic among wrestlers and fans. Blanchard remains active in TNA Wrestling and continues to be featured regularly on television, but reactions to her presence remain mixed depending on who is speaking. Rivera’s remarks and Blanchard’s response add another chapter to a conversation that has followed her for years — one centered not on talent, but on perception, responsibility, and growth.
Do you think Tessa Blanchard has done enough to move past her controversies, or do comments like Chrissy Rivera’s reflect concerns that still need to be addressed? Share your thoughts and feedback below and join the conversation.