CHIKARA is closing its doors.
On June 23, multiple anonymous stories came in alleging CHIKARA founder and Wrestle Factory trainer Mike Quackenbush used homophobic, racists, and misogynistic language towards trainees. Quackenbush was also accused of sexual misconduct in the post, which you can read by clicking here and a follow-up post here.
Following the allegations, many CHIKARA wrestlers including Hallowicked, Jakob Hammermeier, and more tweeted that they would be leaving the company, giving their official resignation.
Mike Johnson at PWInsider reports that due to the allegations, CHIKARA would be shutting down and Quackenbush would resign as head trainer of Wrestle Factory.
Mike Quackenbush released the following statement on the matter:
I have been made aware of recent allegations about myself, and people in my employ.
I take all allegations seriously - whether they are about me, or members of my team.
Addressing these with openness and transparency is of the utmost importance to me. So these matters can be given the proper time and attention, I am disconttuining CHIKARA and resigning as head trainer at Wrestle Factory.
I'll make a full statement on these matters in the near future.
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) June 24, 2020
CHIKARA was founded in 2002 in Philadelphia, was one of the most popular northeast Independent companies and was known for its lucha influence and unique characters. The King of Trios tournament was one of the most highly regarded independent tournaments in the US. Cesaro, CM Punk, Eddie Kingston, Kevin Owens, Chris Hero, and more all competed under the CHIKARA banner.
Fightful will update this post when CHIKARA makes an official announcement.
