wrestling / News
Mike Quackenbush Announces CHIKARA Shutting Down, Resigning From Wrestle Factory
![CHIKARA](https://411mania.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CHIKARA-645x370.jpg)
UPDATE 2: It’s official: CHIKARA is no more following allegations of abuse against Mike Quackenbush and other staff members at the company. Quackenbush took to Twitter to issue a statement, posted on his and CHIKARA’s accounts, that he is discontinuing the promotion and resigning as head trainer at the Wrestle Factory amid the allegations.
Quackenbush said in the announcement:
“I have been made aware of recent allegations about myself, and other 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.”
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) June 24, 2020
UPDATE: CHIKARA set to announce that they are shutting down amid multiple abuse allegations against owner Mike Quackenbush, according to a new report. PWInsider reports that an announcement is coming that the company will shut down, and that Quackenbush will resign as the head trainer at The Wrestle Factory.
The announcement will come after Quackenbush was accused by multiple people of abuse toward female talent. The site notes that Quackenbush reportedly told had several meetings over Zoom with talent and staff since they began coming out last night. In the wake of the accusations, a long list of CHIKARA stars have quit the promotion including Hallowicked, Jacob Hammermeier, Kimber Lee, Frightmare, Green Ant, and Joshua Wells.
ORIGINAL: As we previously reported, CHIKARA removed Kobald from its roster due to allegations of physical and emotional abuse. However, that was not the only accusation against the company or its stars. Since then, there have also been accusations against Mike Quackenbush for abuse and neglect. Icarus was also accused of leaving bruises on an underage girl who he said “liked it rough.”
Quackenbush was also the head trainer of The Wrestle Factory, CHIKARA’s school.
A friend reached out to me after I posted my experience. They would like to remain anonymous for the time being so I'm posting on their behalf. #SpeakingOut pic.twitter.com/5doIHv9tWV
— ❄ Wiggy ❄ (@Wiggygator) June 24, 2020
Third friend reached out. #SpeakingOut about Icarus. pic.twitter.com/2t830jYQuM
— ❄ Wiggy ❄ (@Wiggygator) June 24, 2020
In the wake of these accusations, Hallowicked, Frightmare and Jakob Hammermeier have announced they are leaving CHIKARA and the Wrestle Factory Carolina Dojo.
In addition to being with CHIKARA since the beginning, Hallowicked was also the assistant trainer at the Wrestle Factory. He wrote: “Effective Immediatley I am resigning from CHIKARA and The Wrestle Factory. While I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally, I can not in good conscience continue my association with the group.”
Hammermeier added: “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.”
Frightmare said: “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.”
Effective Immediatley I am resigning from CHIKARA and The Wrestle Factory. While I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally, I can not in good conscience continue my association with the group.
— Hallowicked (@Go2SleepyHollow) 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.
— YungSteveHarvey (@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
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