Tessa Blanchard is the new IMPACT World Champion, defeating Sami Callihan in the main event of IMPACT Hard To Kill.
Tessa was in the headlines for the wrong reasons over the weekend as she was accused of bullying and racism by multiple wrestlers including Allysin Kay, Chelsea Green, Isla Dawn, and more. You can find a full rundown of the allegations, which Tessa denied, by clicking here.
Following her IMPACT World Title victory, Tessa gave a post-match speech, which did not air on the pay-per-view.
"Over the past eight months, this has been my life. Sami and oVe have been a thorn in my side and tonight, we did it. Nobody, nobody in this life is perfect. We're all human. And it doesn't matter what you say about me, it doesn't matter what you call me. I've got one of the strongest minds that I have ever known. Whenever you come for me, you come for all these people. And I am now the standard-bearer in IMPACT Wrestling and man or woman, pound-for-pound, I am one of the best in the world and I am now your World Champion."
I dont know if this aired. Tessa loosely addresses the controversy. pic.twitter.com/pMMRHlYgYn
— Voices of Wrestling (@voiceswrestling) January 13, 2020
Tessa did not out-right address the allegations against her in the speech and has not publicly commented since her initial denial. IMPACT held post-match press conferences for various talent at Hard to Kill, but Tessa did not participate. The controversy was not mentioned on commentary during her match with Callihan.
If you use any of the quotes above, please give a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
