Tessa Blanchard’s TNA exit makes a lot more sense now, because CMLL was apparently giving her what TNA could not.
According to Fightful Select, CMLL was booking Blanchard more often and paying her more than TNA, based on what sources claimed. That alone is a huge part of the story. More dates and better money usually make the decision pretty easy.
“CMLL books Tessa Blanchard more, and paid more based on what sources claimed.”
But it was not just about money. It also noted that Blanchard preferred how she was being used creatively in CMLL.
“We’re told that Blanchard also preferred how she was used in CMLL creatively.”
CMLL was not just a side gig for Blanchard. It was the place giving her more work, more money, and a creative direction she liked better. There was also a business issue hanging over everything. It was noted that CMLL has become very strict about talent promoting rival brands, even when those wrestlers are not under contract.
“CMLL sources we spoke to said the company is getting very particular of their talent – even non-contracted – promoting ‘competing brands.’”
That put Blanchard in a tough spot. She was still under a three-year TNA deal, but CMLL was clearly becoming the better landing spot for her career. Fightful previously noted that TNA ended up letting her out around halfway through the contract.
“Sources familiar to the situation claimed that Blanchard was under a three year deal with TNA, so they ended up letting her out about halfway through the contract.”
So the picture is pretty clear. TNA still had her under contract, but CMLL was where she was getting better money, more bookings, and creative she preferred. If CMLL did not want talent tied to competing brands, then Blanchard’s split from TNA was almost inevitable. This was not just about leaving one company. It was about choosing the place that was using her better.
Do you think Tessa Blanchard made the right move sticking with CMLL over TNA? Let us know in the comments below.
