Kevin Nash, a WWE Hall of Famer, recently addressed comparisons between Tessa Blanchard and Rhea Ripley, focusing on why he believes Blanchard does not match Ripley’s current standing in the wrestling world. Nash’s comments came during a podcast episode, highlighting ongoing debates around Rhea Ripley vs Tessa Blanchard in the wrestling community.
Tessa Blanchard returned to TNA Final Resolution last year amid ongoing controversy. Once considered a top star, especially after defeating Sami Callihan at Hard To Kill to claim the TNA World Championship, Blanchard’s tenure faced setbacks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blanchard lost her title and contract after multiple no-shows, compounded by serious allegations of backstage bullying and racism, notably from wrestler La Rosa Negra. Although Blanchard denied these claims, the fallout impacted her career, leaving her absent from WWE and AEW programming despite her wrestling lineage.
Blanchard’s dominance in women’s wrestling remains notable, and she has often been compared to current WWE sensation Rhea Ripley amid TNA’s collaborations with WWE. During a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast, Kevin Nash responded to a fan suggestion for a best-of-three Iron Woman match between Ripley and Blanchard. Nash expressed skepticism over Blanchard’s current relevance, stating that if she were truly on Ripley’s level, she would be part of WWE’s NXT roster.
“If Tessa Blanchard was somebody that should be in an Iron Man or Iron Woman match against Rhea Ripley, don’t you think she’d at least be on the NXT roster? I doubt somebody from the double A squad is the person you want to go best of… best of three with.” —Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
Blanchard and La Rosa Negra have since made peace, and Blanchard resumed appearing in TNA Wrestling last year. Unfortunately, she suffered a concussion in May during TNA Under Siege and is currently recovering from the injury. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley’s career within WWE continues to flourish; she is viewed as one of the company’s leading female talents and is slated to face Iyo Sky at the upcoming Evolution 2 event.
Kevin Nash and His Wife Face Serious Health Challenges
Kevin Nash, now 65, recently shared a candid update about the significant health struggles he and his wife, Tamara Nash, have been experiencing. On his Kliq This podcast, Nash detailed the physical setbacks they have both endured, highlighting the toll these challenges have taken on their lives.
“She didn’t have a hip replacement. She had that f**ng procedure done first to see if they could fix the top of the f**ng femur… and it didn’t hold. So she was non-weight-bearing for three f**king months, and then they did the surgery. Her muscles had all atrophied… the rehab is just brutal. It was one thing after another. Then it was like, I got the herniated disc in my back, and then I tore my f**king shoulder. I came in f**ked up. I was injured physically to the point where I couldn’t run before I got in the business. My right knee was gone.” —Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
Nash emphasized the severity of Tamara’s hip condition, which required multiple interventions and prolonged immobility. His own injuries, including a herniated disc and torn shoulder, have compounded the difficulties they face together. These revelations have elicited sympathy from fans aware of Nash’s iconic wrestling career and the physical toll that past injuries and aging have imposed.
The current situation illustrates the harsh realities former wrestlers often encounter after years of physical strain in the industry. Both Nash’s and Blanchard’s stories underscore the challenges faced by performers inside and outside the ring, where injuries and personal issues can dramatically affect their careers and lives.
Looking ahead, the wrestling world continues to watch Rhea Ripley’s rise in WWE with great interest, while Tessa Blanchard’s future remains uncertain as she recovers. Nash’s candid remarks highlight the evolving landscape of women’s wrestling and the metrics by which wrestlers are currently judged, particularly in debates over matches like Rhea Ripley vs Tessa Blanchard.
