The Problem With Tessa Blanchard That No One Wants To Talk About

Why the Diamond may not be in demand.

Tessa Blanchard
Anthem Sports & Entertainment

Impact Wrestling released their reigning World Champion, Tessa Blanchard, on 25 June. Fans haven't stopped fantasy-booking her next move since.

It's easy to see what this 'Diamond' would bring to the oft-criticised AEW women's division. Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, Nyla Rose, Riho: these are skilled, talented performers who haven't yet reached their respective ceilings, though none is as well-rounded as the female figureheads in rival promotions. While Penelope Ford, Tay Conti, Kris Statlander, and Anna Jay boast immense promise, they are near the beginning of their development curves. Blanchard is a more complete performer than all of these names, and while only 25 years old, she could immediately be booked as a division-leading vanguard.

Between Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and NXT UK, WWE has no shortage of elite females, though only Charlotte Flair carries herself with the same assured superstar swagger as Tessa. She'd be a complementary addition to a scene already boasting Bayley, Sasha Banks, the absent Becky Lynch, and more, and, at her age, has the potential to one day succeed them all. Who better to eventually replace a Horsewoman than a Horseman's daughter?

Tessa could walk into AEW or WWE and be a huge deal right away. The thing is, there's a strong chance Blanchard won't end up working for either anytime soon.

Let's talk about why.

CONT'd...

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.