Original MLW Title Plans For Tessa Blanchard

Tessa Blanchard References Scrubbed From MLW Website Ahead Of Scheduled Debut

Despite Tessa Blanchard ultimately being pulled from her scheduled debut at MLW Fightland 2026 in Charleston, South Carolina, new reports reveal that Major League Wrestling had substantial long-term plans for her arrival—including a run as champion.

When Blanchard’s appearance at the September 12 tapings fell apart, speculative reports suggested a disagreement over the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship was the primary issue. However, writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed that title logistics were not the source of the conflict:

“Regarding Tessa Blanchard, some thought that MLW was going to put its title—the Women’s Featherweight Championship, as they call it—on her at the 9/12 show. CMLL noted that they had only approved her going there for one date. I was told that the title situation was not the reason for the issues, which to this point nobody involved is talking about.”

Masha Slamovich Title Win Was Always Scheduled

Meltzer clarified that Blanchard was not originally set to dethrone reigning champion Shotzi Blackheart on September 12. Instead, the plan was always for new CONTRA Unit addition Masha Slamovich to capture the gold in her debut:

“Blanchard was expected to end up with the title if they could have put it on her, but Masha Slamovich debuting and winning the title from Shotzi Blackheart on 9/12 at the tapings in Charleston, South Carolina, was always planned. Blanchard was scheduled to face Lady Frost on 9/12.”

Promos Formed Part Of Planned Storyline

Leading into the scheduled debut, Blanchard raised eyebrows in media appearances by openly discussing her ambition to capture MLW championship gold. Sources confirmed to Meltzer that those comments were directly tied to MLW’s creative direction:

“One person close to the situation did confirm to us that Blanchard’s promos about wanting the title were more than just what you would naturally say in an interview, but were going to be part of a storyline direction.”

Long-Term Booking For CONTRA Unit Debut

Meltzer added that Slamovich’s title victory and alignment with CONTRA Unit had been negotiated months prior to the September 12 show:

“They made the deal early in the summer for Slamovich to be a heel in Contra Unit, and we had been told—and had reported—talks for her to come in already. She was always scheduled to debut on the show and win the title.”

With Blanchard pulled from the event following roster status clarifications from CMLL, MLW’s planned feud between Blanchard and Slamovich over the Featherweight Championship remains unexecuted.

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