Abuse Allegations Lead to Shutdown of Pro Wrestling Group

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A week filled with turmoil on the independent professional wrestling scene continued to generate negative publicity Wednesday, when the founder of Chikara, one of the country's longest-running independent organizations, "discontinued" the Philadelphia-based promotion in the wake of abuse allegations.

Michael Spillane, known professionally as Mike Quackenbush, announced his decision to end Chikara, as well as resigning as head trainer of its school, the Wrestle Factory, on Twitter Wednesday, after many of the promotion's top performers announced they were separating themselves from the organization following accusations of sexual abuse, as well as racist and homophobic comments. Some of the allegations involve Quackenbush himself.

As part of the Speaking Out movement, a number of performers and trainees came forward in recent weeks with allegations of misconduct against Quackenbush and several top stars of Chikara, including Icarus and Kobald.

Many top wrestling federations have had talent come under fire this month, including World Wrestling Entertainment, All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor. Accusations range from sexual misconduct and sending inappropriate text messages to underage girls, to physical abuse and degradation of talent and trainees.

Chikara was founded in 2002 by Quackenbush and fellow independent star Thomas Carter, known by the ring name Reckless Youth. Over the years, a stellar roster of big names have performed for the promotion, including CM Punk, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Jon Moxley, the One Man Gang, Jushin Thunder Liger, Matt Riddle, Tito Santana and Mickie James.