News

Mike Quackenbush Releases Apology Video, Accepts Responsibility, Denies Some Accusations

Following the closure of CHIKARA...

Following the closure of CHIKARA and his resignation as head trainer of Wrestle Factory this week, Mike Quackenbush released a 14-minute video on Saturday, where he accepted responsibility for some recent allegations, but denied others.

The first half of the video was spent discussing one anonymous female trainee who came forward as part of the Speaking Out movement, and the second half was spent addressing other allegations.

Quackenbush claims he first heard a few days ago of the allegation that one trainee was "blackout drunk" at a coach's residence and sexually assaulted. Quackenbush went on to say that the coach was removed several months ago, but that assurances must be made so that it never happens again.

Among other allegations he addressed include a male wrestler exposing himself to a female trainee on a road trip, to which he accepts responsibility for organizing the trip, but claims to have no firsthand knowledge of the incident. He also denied an allegation that he openly talked about his sex life.

Quackenbush does acknowledge that he likely used homophobic language at one point, but doesn't recall making other remarks. He did reflect upon an "exit interview" with a trainee, who said how hurtful it was to hear anti-gay slurs. He also addressed allegations that he made inappropriate remarks about a wrestler who had autism, to which he apologized.

Share this post

WWE COVID Updates, Including On Those Who Missed Tapings

Report: Impact Wrestling Heavily Pursuing Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson

Justin Henry

Written by Justin Henry

In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.