Arguably the top female wrestler of last year, Tessa Blanchard, is preparing to make history tomorrow as she will face Sami Callihan for the IMPACT World Championship. All of 2019 was quite the build up for this very moment, a moment in which a female just may become a world champion in the men’s division.
Unfortunately for her, during a time she is about to break the glass ceiling a post by her on Twitter is overshadowing her moment. The tweet in question was what seemed like such a positive post of woman empowerment which has now turned quite negative.
Hey women, try supporting one another. Cool things happen.
— Tessa Blanchard (@Tess_Blanchard) January 11, 2020
After this post, several of Blanchard’s peers have weighed in on what she has said. Many calling her out for her alleged verbal and physical bullying and Allysin Kay commenting on Blanchard’s prior racial slur. The first two to start the conversation were Kay and Chelsea Green.
You’ve consistently put down, bullied, and belittled countless female coworkers, including me. Is that support? https://t.co/MrOOksiijk
— CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) January 11, 2020
Remember when you spat in a black woman’s face and called her the N-word in Japan? Was that you “supporting women“? The AUDACITY of this tweet https://t.co/P49uNWsqIH
— Allysin Kay (@Sienna) January 11, 2020
Blanchard would then respond to Green’s tweet and give an overall blanket statement as well.
I’ve never been anything but kind to u. I’ve dealt with mean girls since I started..not saying I’m a saint, hell I’ve had my ups&downs & Ive made silly decisions…Such is life. u have ZERO merit in your comments..Instead putting me down here for a little clout…you’ve got my #! https://t.co/wBxvnnUx4G
— Tessa Blanchard (@Tess_Blanchard) January 11, 2020
not true. That’s my statement and the most attention I’ll give it because of how actually ridiculous it is.
— Tessa Blanchard (@Tess_Blanchard) January 11, 2020
Blanchard has responded to these allegations by saying that this is all the attention she will give to this. Since then many people, including the talent that Kay was referring to, La Rosa Negra, have come forward.
@Sienna & @ImChelseaGreen Thank you so Much!!!!…….
— La Black Rose from Puerto Rico (@LaAbusadoradePR) January 11, 2020
That Story!!!!…. Yes, that's happens on Japan 2017!!! If @Tessa_Blanchard do not Remember it … Can I!..
I am not a Mean Girl with any Coworkers around the world .
Be kind of #racist is not ridiculous is a #sickness https://t.co/wGnSnmNhvg
The reason I’ve never said anything until now is because it wasn’t my story to tell. I made it clear to La Rosa that I had her back, and today was the day she gave me permission. You can’t force someone to come forward, but you can be there for them. THAT is “supporting women”.
— Allysin Kay (@Sienna) January 11, 2020
Former TNA Knockout, Rebel, would join into this specific topic as well as indie wrestler Renee Michelle and AEW’s Shanna.
I like to think people change over time. But I can confirm the bad behavior & non supportive attitude in Japan, I was there https://t.co/u1e60bgdE6
— REBEL/ Tanea (@RebelTanea) January 11, 2020
NXT UK talent Isla Dawn also spoke up on her thoughts as she stated she experienced the verbal and
On the flip side to this, there have been a few wrestlers who have commented a little differently. IMPACT talent Kiera Hogan and indie wrestler Diamante have approached this a different way then most have. Instead of pulling out the receipts, they see this as a way to grow. Perhaps instead of past actions defining someone, maybe they could use their poor judgement to change and be a better person.
What are your thoughts on what has transpired? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Check back in with Diva Dirt to see if Tessa Blanchard becomes the new IMPACT World Champion.