Pro wrestling star Tessa Blanchard has officially signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), the company announced Monday. Blanchard is set to make her debut at MLW Fightland on September 12 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Blanchard revealed the news in an interview with TMZ’s "Inside the Ring." "Heavy is the crown, but legacy isn't handed to you... it’s forged under pressure," Blanchard said in a news release. "I’ve earned my place as one of the best in the world at what I do, but I’m not coming to MLW to rest on the Blanchard name. MLW is bringing some of the purest, hardest-hitting action in the sport today, and the ‘Undeniable Diamond’ belongs right at the top of it."
Blanchard, a third-generation wrestler, is the daughter of Tully Blanchard and granddaughter of promoter Joe Blanchard. She previously parted ways with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in June.
MLW's existing relationship with Mexico's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) makes Blanchard a natural fit. MLW has previously featured CMLL talent and co-hosted events. In CMLL, Blanchard held the Women’s International Grand Prix title and a CMLL women's tag team championship with Lluvia.
She joins an MLW women's division that includes notable wrestlers such as Shotzi, who currently holds the MLW Women's World Championship, Scarlett Bordeaux, Lady Frost, and Priscilla Kelly.
MLW Fightland is one of the promotion's major events. The card is expected to feature wrestlers including Killer Kross, Matt Riddle, Austin Aries, and Trevor Lee.