TNA Wrestling is under fire for allegedly manipulating the media when it comes to interviews with Tessa Blanchard. Allegations have surfaced that claim that the company is restricting journalists from asking about her past controversies while using access to other talent as leverage to push her return without addressing the backlash.

On the latest episode of the Mike & JD Show, Mike detailed how TNA is reportedly playing hardball with media outlets by offering exclusive interviews with other top stars—but only if they agree to avoid questions about Blanchard’s past allegations.

“TNA, they’re doing a really bad thing with this Tessa. And what I mean is they’re putting [her] around in the media and all these different markets, and they’re telling people to interview her—but they can’t talk about the allegations.”

The allegations Mike referred to go back to 2020, when Blanchard was accused of using racial slurs and bullying fellow wrestlers, with La Rosa Negra publicly claiming that Blanchard called her the N-word and spit on her. The accusations led to Blanchard being exiled from the wrestling industry for years, despite previously being positioned as one of the biggest rising stars in the business.

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Now, Blanchard is back with TNA, and the company is reportedly working behind the scenes to control the narrative. Mike claimed that TNA is essentially blacklisting media members who refuse to follow their demands.

“They’re playing this game with the media, and a lot of people—two people I know specifically—have said ‘fck you.’ Like, I’m not gonna be dictated [on] what questions I can and cannot ask Tessa. So if I can’t ask her hard questions, I’m not interviewing her at all. And I don’t wanna interview anybody else because TNA is not in the position they’re trying to be.”*

This revelation comes after reports that Blanchard has yet to apologize or make amends with those she allegedly wronged. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select previously stated, “I hope that she goes and makes amends with the people who were affected by the things that she said and did because I know some of those people, and those efforts have not been made.”

Adding to the controversy, Chris Featherstone reported that Blanchard also had backstage issues during her time in CMLL, where she reportedly yelled at multiple women in the locker room, causing so much tension that it led to company-wide meetings to address the problems.

“I was informed that Tessa Blanchard had many problems in CMLL and yelled at a few girls in the locker room, which led to meetings with the whole women’s roster and the boss because of all the drama.”

Despite all this, TNA has put her back in a top spot, with Blanchard defeating Jordynne Grace at TNA Genesis in her return match. While some fans believe she deserves a second chance, others feel she hasn’t done enough to earn it, especially if TNA is trying to force media outlets to steer clear of discussing her past.

This entire situation puts TNA’s credibility on the line. If the company is truly limiting what reporters can ask, it raises serious questions about how they are handling Blanchard’s return and whether they are prioritizing public relations over accountability.

Should TNA be dictating what media can and can’t ask about Tessa Blanchard, or should she finally address the allegations head-on? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

Steve Carrier is the founder of Ringside News and has been reporting on pro wrestling since 1997. His stories have been featured on TMZ, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and more.

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