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Last week, independent promotion Chikara announced they’d removed Anthony Wilson - who wrestled for the Philadelphia-based company as Kobald - from their roster due to multiple allegations leveled against him as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
This week, stories came out about two other prominent figures at the company, including one of its most decorated stars Icarus (real name Ronald Grams) and founder & head trainer Mike Quackenbush (real name Michael Spillane).
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 ❄ (@CZWiggy) June 24, 2020
Third friend reached out. #SpeakingOut about Icarus. pic.twitter.com/2t830jYQuM
— ❄ Wiggy ❄ (@CZWiggy) June 24, 2020
Neither man has commented, but three Chikara stalwarts have announced they’re leaving the company as a result of the mounting claims against others associated with the promotion. That includes Chikara original & assistant trainer Hallowicked, and longtime roster members Frightmare & Jacob Hammermeier. Hammermeier also runs a wrestling school which had operated under the Chikara name.
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 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 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.
— COUNT KING WORLDSTAR (@jhammermeier) June 24, 2020
The #SpeakingOut stories come after Chikara started the year by parting ways with Rory Gulak over “allegations of misconduct”.
Quackenbush has been a guest trainer for WWE at their Orlando Performance Center. Neither Icarus nor Quackenbush have responded to the allegations.