CHIKARA Closes Down Following Abuse Allegations
The cult independent promotion has bitten the dust following multiple allegations.
Cult independent promotion CHIKARA is shutting down following multiple allegations made against the promotion as part of of the #SpeakingOut movement.
Founder Mike Quackenbush issued the following statement on Wednesday, announcing he was also stepping away as the lead trainer at Philadelphia's Wrestle Factory school:-
“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 discontinuing CHIKARA and resigning as head trainer at the Wrestle Factory. I’ll make a full statement on these matters in the near future.”
Multiple CHIKARA personnel have had allegations thrown their way recently, including Quackenbush himself, as he notes above. Wrestler Kobald was recently fired by the group after multiple women came forward alleging he had abused them.
Promotional mainstays Kimber Lee, Hallowicked, and Dasher Hatfield had recently announced that they would no longer wrestle for CHIKARA, which had trumpeted family-friendly messages of inclusivity since opening in 2002, building a considerable following as a result.