Alderete Middle School students get surprise visit from professional wrestler

It was a body-slammin’ good time at Alderete Middle School on Wednesday, as professional wrestler Tessa Blanchard surprised students attending intersession classes to talk to them about overcoming challenges and adjusting their attitudes so they can meet their life goals. 

It was not all serious talk for Blanchard, the first heavyweight female world champion in the Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling circuit. She took some time to show off some moves and even challenged Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz to a pushup contest. 

“To have someone like Tessa come and talk to our kids is just fantastic,” Galaviz said. “Here’s someone who has overcome so much and is now extremely successful. This is the type of stories our kids can connect to … something they need to hear.” 

Blanchard told the AMS crowd that she was aimless as a teen and young adult and even was kicked out of her house by her parents. But thanks to the support of others and the encouragement of mentors to follow her passion for wrestling, she was able to find her path and become successful. 

Students who attended the talk received more than advice. Thanks to the El Paso Sports Commission, students received passes to Blanchard’s upcoming TNA Pay-Per-View show at the El Paso Coliseum on March 13 and 14. 

Thanks for visiting, Tessa!