Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-724

Cross actions shall be instituted by cross summons to be filed any day before the day of trial, unless a nonresident defendant enters an appearance and waives publication. In such case, the cross summons shall be filed within two (2) whole days after entry of appearance. In all such actions instituted before courts of general sessions, the case shall not be set for trial until the fourth day after the date of service of original summons, or return date of any publication for a nonresident, or date of entry of appearance of a nonresident.