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PWInsider.com has been told in the wake of allegations against CHIKARA and owner Mike Quackenbush, an announcement is forthcoming that the promotion is shutting down.
We are told by multiple sources that Quackenbush will also announce he is resigning at the head trainer of the WrestleFactory wrestling academy in Philadelphia, PA.
CHIKARA was founded by Quackenbush in 2002 in Pennsylvania, eventually running all over the Eastern seaboard and internationally in Great Britain. It held working relationships with numerous international promotions and brought in a slew of unique international stars from Japan, Mexico, Great Britain and beyond over the years, including lots of joshi puroresu talents. It's flagship weekend was the King of Trios, a multi-day six-person tag team tournament.
There were numerous allegations made overnight, describing alleged systematic abuse towards female trainees and staffers. You can find those accounts at this link. We are told in the wake of the allegations, Quackenbush held numerous meetings with Zoom overnight and this afternoon with talents and staff.
CHIKARA regulars Hallowicked, Jacob Hammermeier and Kimber Lee earlier announced they were done with the company. Numerous other talents are distancing themselves from the company publicly as well:
Effective Immediately I am resigning from CHIKARA. I gave everything I had to the company, and while I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally. I can not in good conscience continue with this company. Thank you for the years of support.
— FRIGHTMARE (@FrightmareLucha) June 24, 2020
I have officially resigned from CHIKARA. I am greatful for the time I have spent there and the chance to work with some amazing talents. For the time being I am still reachable through this account for anyone who needs to talk, or needs someone to listen.
— Scott Holladay (@_ScottHolladay) June 24, 2020
Effective immediately I am resigning from CHIKARA and The Wrestle Factory. Thank you for all your support in the short time I was apart of the roster, it truly means a lot to me and I love you all for it. ?? https://t.co/yVNI8eTani
— ????DANJERHAWK???? (@danjerhawk2000) June 24, 2020
I’m just sick. As of now I can not in good conscience remain a part of @CHIKARApro and it’s absolutely breaking my heart. Consider this my resignation as the princess. Don’t know if I will be back on here today. This one really really hurts. ????
— Kimber Lee ? (@Kimber_Lee90) June 24, 2020
Effective immediately I tender my resignation to Chikara. The Wrestle Factory Carolina Dojo will return to being The Carolina Wrestling Academy. I do not condone any actions by the Philadelphia school and will no longer be associated with the brand.
— COUNT KING WORLDSTAR (@jhammermeier) June 24, 2020
Effective Immediately I am resigning from CHIKARA. I gave everything I had to the company, and while I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally. I can not in good conscience continue with this company. Thank you for the years of support.
— FRIGHTMARE (@FrightmareLucha) June 24, 2020
Effective 6/23, I have ended my relationship with both CHIKARA and The Wrestle Factory. These places felt like home since my first adventure as a fan in 2008. I appreciate the great people I've met along the way. To those people, we will stay in touch.
— Green Ant / ???????? (@_GreenAnt_) June 24, 2020
I can't emphasize how badly my heart hurts right now.
— Joshua Wells • BLM • ACAB (@JoshuaWellsWF) June 24, 2020
I've decided to separate myself from CHIKARA.
Please be understanding of others as they process and grieve. This is an especially trying time for all of the members of the family I made there.
This is a developing story and we will update accordingly.
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