CHIKARA Shuts Down Following Abuse Allegations Against Founder Mike Quackenbush

Over the past week, brave men and women have shared their stories of surviving abuse in the British professional wrestling scene and beyond through #SpeakingOut.

The host of CZW's podcast Wiggy shared a friend's story yesterday about CHIKARA founder Mike Quackenbush and said he made "numerous misogynist, racist and homophobic remarks" to students at Wrestle Factory and CHIKARA wrestlers. She also noted multiple examples of sexual misconduct.

Following the allegations, numerous top stars including Kimber Lee, Hallowicked and Dasher Hatfield announced their resignations from the promotion.

Quackenbush has since announced CHIKARA will be shutting down and he has resigned as head trainer of Wrestle Factory.

Quackenbush issued the following statement: "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 Wrestle Factory.

"I'll make a full statement on these matters in the near future."