The indie wrestling was stunned on Tuesday when allegations came out in regards to the behavior of Mike Quackenbush, owner of CHIKARA and longtime indie veteran wrestler, who was described as using “numerous misogynistic, racist, and homophobic remarks” to students and wrestlers amongst other details in allegations released online via the #SpeakingOut movement. The news hit hard for many fans, as CHIKARA is a promotion whose rabidly loyal fanbase had developed a close-knit community regarding the family-friendly and cartoonish promotion, its characters, and storylines. The news also saw a wave of resignations from multiple top stars for the company, with more expected as the day rolls on, with Dasher Hatfield, Kimber Lee, Hallowicked, and many more announcing their resignation from the company.
CHIKARA was founded in 2002 and was part of the first indie revolution of the early 2000s that saw the rise of indies like Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling (MLW), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), SHIMMER, and others emerge following the demise of WCW and ECW. CHIKARA had come up last week during the on-set of the #SpeakingOut movement, following allegations against Kobald that resulted in swift removal from the roster. CHIKARA has not made any comments yet on the current situation.
I've dedicated my entire wrestling career to Chikara.Once upon a time we created magic,I truly believe that. At this point,I'm embarrassed,I feel let down, my heart is smashed. I'm extremely sorry for those hurt.I still believe wrestling has the power to cure,man I hope I'm right
— Avery Good, Professional Commentator (@VeryGoodProWres) June 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/Kimber_Lee90/status/1275840794172297218
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
I feel like, to an extent, I don’t know who I am anymore. CHIKARA was everything to me. I feel like everything I worked so hard for the last 5 years was just a lie. Like everything I sacrificed was in vain. I’m sad. I’m angry. My heart hurts for all of the victims of that system
— Whisper (@The__Whisper) June 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/JoshuaWellsWF/status/1275704977936220163
Please don’t take a lack of statement as us condoning the abhorrent behavior. Most of us found out the moment you did.
We’re hurting. We’re processing. Please be patient with us right now. I’m sorry.
— BIG CALLUX (@CalluxPW) June 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/ThatOlJukeJoint/status/1275787102106652673
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.
— Ultimo Ant /ウルティモ・アント (@UltimoAnt) 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
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world.
