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Wikipedia

Chikara (professional wrestling)

April 07, 2023

Chikara (stylized in all capital letters and sometimes referred to as Chikara Pro) was an American professional wrestling promotion based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company took both its name and logo from the Japanese kanji meaning 'strength' (力). It was founded in 2002 by professional wrestlers Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth, who also served as trainers and in-ring performers.

Chikara
Founded2002; 21 years ago (2002)
Defunct2020; 3 years ago (2020)
StyleProfessional wrestling
Lucha libre
Sports entertainment
HeadquartersPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Founder(s)Mike Quackenbush
Reckless Youth
Owner(s)Reckless Youth (2002)
Mike Quackenbush (2002–2020)
WebsiteOfficial website

The promotion held multiple live events per month, with the majority taking place at the Wrestle Factory. Two of their major events, September's King of Trios, the promotion's premiere event, and April's Tag World Grand Prix were centered on tag team and trios matches. Their other major events included Aniversario, held in May, and the Young Lions Cup tournament, held between June and August. In 2011, Chikara introduced the Grand Championship, the promotion's primary singles championship.

Influenced by the lucha libre tradition, Chikara performers were grouped into técnicos and rudos (the lucha libre terms for faces and heels respectively). Just as in lucha libre, many performers in the promotion performed under masks and with unique gimmicks.

The promotion closed in June 2020, after several allegations of abuse, misconduct, and sexual assault/harassment were made against it, as part of the Speaking Out movement.

History

 
Mike Quackenbush, one of the founders and the trainer until the promotion's closure

In the summer of 2000, after "Reckless Youth" Tom Carter had been released from his World Wrestling Federation developmental deal, he, Mike Quackenbush and Don Montoya started talking about starting a wrestling school, which would teach professional wrestling in various international styles. Originally, the school was to be called "Impact Wrestling" (not to be confused with the later promotion of the same name), but when Montoya decided not to put up money for its foundation and left the project, Carter and Quackenbush decided they needed a new name.[1] The Wrestle Factory was founded by Carter and Quackenbush in Allentown, Pennsylvania on January 7, 2002. The first class included UltraMantis, Mister Zero, Dragonfly, Hallowicked, and Ichabod Slayne. In May of the same year, Chikara expanded into a wrestling promotion with the intent of showcasing its students. The first show on May 25, 2002, featured not only the Wrestle Factory students and head trainers, but several other independent wrestlers, including Don Montoya, CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Chris Hero, Love Bug, Marshal Law, and Blind Rage. The main event of the first show featured Quackenbush and Youth joined by Don Montoya as the Black T-shirt Squad defeat the Gold Bond Mafia of Chris Hero, CM Punk, and Colt Cabana. In the early days, Blind Rage, Hallowicked, and Ichabod Slayne formed a stable known as the Night Shift, which became the top group of rudos (or heels) in the promotion. They frequently feuded with tecnicos (faces) Quackenbush, Youth, and UltraMantis. Notable events of 2002 included an appearance by former World Championship Wrestling star La Parka, who joined Mister Zero against Quackenbush and Youth, and the opening of the short-lived sister promotion Kiryoku Pro, which highlighted female wrestling.

2002 was also marked by a lawsuit against Chikara for promoting shows at the Wrestle Factory. Neighborhood activists claimed that the building was not properly zoned for assembly, and that the shows detracted from the "complexion of the community". It was eventually ruled that Chikara provided inadequate parking for their shows, and would not be allowed to promote out of the Wrestle Factory any longer. This deterred Chikara from holding any more shows until October. During the Chikara hiatus, they released tapes of their early shows, titled "The Renaissance Dawns" and "Baila, Parka, Baila", and the wrestlers worked showcase matches in other promotions, such as IWA Mid-South. Chikara soon reached an agreement with St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allentown to hold shows there, only eight blocks from the Wrestle Factory. Chikara also began a second Wrestle Factory class, but lost trainer Reckless Youth at the beginning of the class, as he left the wrestling business. The first show in St. John's saw the Wildcards (Eddie Kingston and BlackJack Marciano), Gran Akuma, D. J. Skittlez, Melvin Snodgrass and Lester Crabtree debut, and shortly after, they were joined by Wrestle Factory graduates Jigsaw and Bryce Remsburg. Soon after Chikara debuted the Young Lions Cup tournament, a concept still used by the promotion. Commonly abbreviated as the YLC, the tournament was designed to showcase the best of the Wrestle Factory graduates. Hallowicked defeated Mister Zero to win the inaugural tournament, becoming the first-ever Young Lions Cup Champion in the process. In December 2002, Chikara took a two-week break during Christmastime before returning in 2003, establishing a tradition of "seasons" that they maintain today.

 
The Chikara roster of 2004

In 2004, Chris Hero became a co-trainer at the Chikara Wrestle Factory, replacing Carter. In 2005, Jorge "Skayde" Rivera joined as the third trainer. In March 2005, the school moved from Allentown to the New Alhambra Arena, in Philadelphia.[2] They then took over the training for Combat Zone Wrestling, leading to the school's new name of CZW/Chikara Wrestle Factory.[2] After the schools split in 2007, the training center became once again simply known as the Chikara Wrestle Factory.[2] In 2007, Claudio Castagnoli took over Chris Hero's training duties.[2]

On March 2, 2008, Chikara drew their biggest crowd ever of over 550 people during the King of Trios finals. That record was broken on January 31, 2010, when their first show of season nine, A Touch of Class, drew over 600 fans. Later that year, on July 25, the record was broken once again at Chikarasaurus Rex: King of Show, which drew 755 fans.[3] The show was released by Smart Mark Video on DVD less than 24 hours after its conclusion.[3]

On April 26, 2009, Chikara announced a working agreement with Dragon Gate USA, which saw Chikara wrestlers take part in Dragon Gate USA events.[4] Throughout the years, Chikara has also worked with several Japanese promotions in bringing their talent over to the United States, including Dragon Gate,[5] Ice Ribbon,[6] JWP Joshi Puroresu,[7] and Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling.[8] In 2010, Chikara established a close working relationship with the Osaka Pro Wrestling promotion.[9] In December 2011, Chikara partnered with numerous Japanese promotion to hold the three-day-long JoshiMania event, which featured some of the biggest names in joshi puroresu.[7] Wrestlers such as Aja Kong, Dick Togo, The Great Sasuke, Jinsei Shinzaki, Kana, Kaori Yoneyama, Kota Ibushi, Manami Toyota, and Mayumi Ozaki have made rare American appearances for Chikara.[10]

 
Juan Francisco de Coronado, a former Grand Champion and trainer

On April 25, 2010, Chikara announced the release of a video game, titled Rudo Resurrection, for multiple gaming platforms later in the year.[11] After not being heard of again for four years, it was announced on May 2, 2014, that a new developer, Rotary Games, had picked up the rights to the game.[12]

On August 1, 2011, Chikara announced that their first ever live Internet pay-per-view (iPPV), titled High Noon, would take place November 13, 2011, and would feature the crowning of the first ever Chikara Grand Champion.[13] The event would again break Chikara's attendance record, drawing 864 fans.[14] During 2012, High Noon was followed by the Chikarasaurus Rex: How to Hatch a Dinosaur and Under the Hood Internet pay-per-views.[15][16]

In February 2012, Chikara launched their first ever web comic, written by Joey Esposito and drawn by Alex Cormack, telling the secret origin of Frightmare. On April 6, 2013, Chikara took part in WrestleCon, held during the WrestleMania 29 weekend in Secaucus, New Jersey, holding an event, which again broke the promotion's attendance record.[17]

On June 2, 2013, Chikara ran an angle at the conclusion of their fourth iPPV, Aniversario: Never Compromise, where the event was shut down by Director of Fun Wink Vavasseur.[18] Following the event, Chikara went inactive, "canceling" all upcoming events, though in reality these events were never scheduled to take place.[19] Chikara held no official events for the rest of 2013,[20] though wrestlers from the promotion did hold a small event on November 2 in Philadelphia's FDR Skatepark with the storyline that they were trying to revive the promotion.[21][22][23] In October 2013, Neon Alley acquired rights to 26 Chikara events, which would start airing on the channel on Sundays as part of the new fall lineup.[24] On February 1, 2014, it was announced that Chikara would be returning on May 25.[25] On February 10, 2014, it was announced that The Wrestle Factory would start a new training class at the 2300 Arena on March 1.[26]

In April 2015, Chikara made its debut in the United Kingdom with a four-show tour held across England and Wales[27] and launched Chikaratopia, a streaming service featuring past events.[28] That same year on July 29, the promotion launched a new weekly program, entitled Journey Into Chikara, which would air live on both Chikaratopia and YouTube.[29] In December 2016, Chikara concluded its 16th season.[30] However, when the promotion returned in February 2017, it was announced as the start of season 18. Season 17 had been taped during the break and would be streamed on Chikaratopia.[31]

On August 7, 2019, Chikara announced a working relationship with Michinoku Pro Wrestling.[32]

On June 24, 2020, Quackenbush announced Chikara was shutting down amid allegations of misconduct within the company.[33]

Chikara Wrestle Factory

On January 7, 2002, "Reckless Youth" Tom Carter and Mike Quackenbush founded the Chikara Wrestle Factory, a wrestling school based in Allentown, Pennsylvania.[1] Following the start of the Wrestle Factory's second class, Carter departed from Chikara and ultimately left the wrestling industry. In 2004, Chris Hero became a co-trainer at the Wrestle Factory, filling the vacancy left by Carter's departure. In 2005, Mexican luchador Jorge "Skayde" Rivera became the school's third trainer. In March 2005, the school moved from Allentown to the New Alhambra Arena, in Philadelphia.[2] In 2007, Chris Hero left Chikara and the Wrestle Factory, with Claudio Castagnoli taking over Hero's training duties.[2] In August 2011, Castagnoli signed with WWE, and departed the Wrestle Factory. Former guest instructors included El Pantera, Terry Funk, CM Punk, Marty Jannetty, and many others.[2]

At the time of June 2020, head trainer Mike Quackenbush was assisted by trainers Fire Ant, Hallowicked, and Ophidian.[34] As of now, training to prospective professional wrestlers, managers, valets, and referees in Northeastern Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[2] is offered in all styles of pro wrestling, including lucha libre, puroresu, Lancashire, and catch, among others.

Championships

Championship Final champion(s) Previous champion(s) Date won Days held Location
Chikara Grand Championship Dasher Hatfield "Mr. Touchdown" Mark Angelosetti April 5, 2019 446 Jersey City, New Jersey
Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas The Bird and The Bee
(Solo Darling and Willow Nightingale)		 F.I.S.T.
(Tony Deppen and Travis Huckabee) 		November 9, 2019 228 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chikara Young Lions Cup Ricky South Still Life with Apricots and Pears January 18, 2020 158 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Other accomplishments

Accomplishment Last winner(s) Date won
King of Trios The Crucible
(Ophidian, Princess KimberLee, and Lance Steel) 		October 6, 2019
Rey de Voladores The Whisper October 6, 2019
Tag World Grand Prix The Throwbacks
(Dasher Hatfield and "Mr. Touchdown" Mark Angelosetti) 		April 14, 2018
Torneo Cibernetico The Whisper June 20, 2020
Infinite Gauntlet Ophidian May 11, 2019
The Johnny Kidd Invitational Ophidian September 7, 2019

Notable alumni

Commercial DVD releases

Big Vision Entertainment releases

Name Release date Region Additional information
Best of Chikara November 6, 2007 Global Contains 9 matches from 2005 and 2006.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Namako, Jason (2016-02-01). "Mike Quackenbush on Chikara's history, their loyal fanbase". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Wrestle Factory History". Chikara. Archived from the original on 2009-10-05. Retrieved 2011-04-01.
  3. ^ a b "Thanks to the 755 fans who made C-Rex the biggest Chikara show ever! And if you missed it, don't fret – the DVD comes out TOMORROW at SMV!". Chikara. Twitter. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  4. ^ . Dragon Gate USA. 2010-04-27. Archived from the original on 2010-09-26. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  5. ^ Boutwell, Josh (2010-07-30). "Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  6. ^ Boutwell, Josh (2011-08-06). "Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  7. ^ a b Magee, Bob (2011-12-02). "JoshiMania tonight in Phily with Toys for Tots". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  8. ^ Martin, Adam (2012-03-19). "Indy News #2: KSWA Wrestling, Sendai Girls/Chikara". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  9. ^ Martin, Adam (2010-09-24). "Indy News #2: NWA Hollywood, Chikara and TWA". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  10. ^ . Chikara. Archived from the original on 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2012-07-13.
  11. ^ Martin, Adam (2010-05-14). "More details on a new Chikara video game". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  12. ^ Higham, Joshua (2014-05-04). "As Chikara returns this month, an update on everything going on". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
  13. ^ Csonka, Larry (2011-08-01). "Various News: Chikara's to I-PPV, Joshimania, Billy Corgan's New Promotion,More". 411Mania. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  14. ^ Martin, Adam (2011-11-24). "Chikara draws well for "High Noon" iPPV event". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2011-11-24.
  15. ^ Radican, Sean (2012-06-02). "Radican's Chikara "Chikarasaurus Rex" iPPV review 6/2 – live coverage of event from Philaldephia". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
  16. ^ Caldwell, James (2012-11-08). "Indy News: Next PWG main event set, Chikara returning to iPPV". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
  17. ^ Higham, Josh (2013-04-06). "Part two of the 4/6 Chikara show". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2013-04-13.
  18. ^ Johnson, Mike (2013-06-02). "Out go the lights, Sopranos style: complete Chikara Anniversario 2013 iPPV coverage". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  19. ^ Meltzer, Dave (2013-06-03). "Mon. update: Two major new UFC fights and talks of stadium show, Austin gets national pub, Chikara ending, Wrestling star robbed, Goldberg, Bella Twins, Best TV show of last week, Promotion reforms". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  20. ^ . Chikara. Archived from the original on 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  21. ^ Johnson, Mike (2013-11-02). "Chikara returns?". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
  22. ^ Meltzer, Dave (2013-11-04). "Mon. update: Huge mid-week, WWE webisode cartoon, WWE ads, Huge convention, Rock TV show, new TNA show, New wrestling show on small network, Flair". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
  23. ^ Boutwell, Josh (2013-11-09). "Viva la Raza! Lucha Weekly 11/9/13". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  24. ^ Johnson, Mike (2013-10-05). "Official Chikara on Neon Alley press release". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  25. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-02-01). "Chikara returns, first show this May". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-02-01.
  26. ^ Namako, Jason (2014-02-10). "Chikara to re-open wrestling school at former ECW Arena". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  27. ^ Caldwell, James (2015-04-04). "Saturday events: NXT wraps tour, Samoa Joe & Duggan at 2CW, Waltman headlines Slamfest, Chikara U.K. Tour, Mickie James, Trevor Murdoch, Gargano, more stars". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-04-07.
  28. ^ Johnson, Mike (2015-04-28). "Jim Ross discusses Verne Gagne memories, Corgan purchases wrestling archive, Taz, sample Chikara's new streaming service and more news". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
  29. ^ Caldwell, James (2015-07-29). "Chikara news: Chikara joining Mega-Wednesdays with new online show". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
  30. ^ Cardoza, Adam; Langan, Michael (2016-12-04). "Drew Gulak farewell and more: 12/3 Chikara in Chicago results". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  31. ^ Cardoza, Adam (2017-02-04). "2/4 Chikara National Pro Wrestling Day report". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  32. ^ Mike Johnson (August 7, 2019). "NWA ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY, CHIKARA TEAMING WITH MICHINOKU PRO AND MORE". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  33. ^ "Mike Quackenbush closes Chikara, resigns as school's head trainer". f4wonline. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  34. ^ "Our Training Faculty". Chikara Wrestle Factory. Retrieved 2018-07-12.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to CHIKARA.
  • Official website  
  • Official message board
  • Filsinger Games: Chikara

April 07, 2023
chikara, professional, wrestling, chikara, stylized, capital, letters, sometimes, referred, chikara, american, professional, wrestling, promotion, based, philadelphia, pennsylvania, company, took, both, name, logo, from, japanese, kanji, meaning, strength, fou. Chikara stylized in all capital letters and sometimes referred to as Chikara Pro was an American professional wrestling promotion based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania The company took both its name and logo from the Japanese kanji meaning strength 力 It was founded in 2002 by professional wrestlers Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth who also served as trainers and in ring performers ChikaraFounded2002 21 years ago 2002 Defunct2020 3 years ago 2020 StyleProfessional wrestlingLucha libreSports entertainmentHeadquartersPhiladelphia PennsylvaniaFounder s Mike QuackenbushReckless YouthOwner s Reckless Youth 2002 Mike Quackenbush 2002 2020 WebsiteOfficial websiteThe promotion held multiple live events per month with the majority taking place at the Wrestle Factory Two of their major events September s King of Trios the promotion s premiere event and April s Tag World Grand Prix were centered on tag team and trios matches Their other major events included Aniversario held in May and the Young Lions Cup tournament held between June and August In 2011 Chikara introduced the Grand Championship the promotion s primary singles championship Influenced by the lucha libre tradition Chikara performers were grouped into tecnicos and rudos the lucha libre terms for faces and heels respectively Just as in lucha libre many performers in the promotion performed under masks and with unique gimmicks The promotion closed in June 2020 after several allegations of abuse misconduct and sexual assault harassment were made against it as part of the Speaking Out movement Contents 1 History 2 Chikara Wrestle Factory 3 Championships 3 1 Other accomplishments 4 Notable alumni 5 Commercial DVD releases 6 See also 7 References 8 External linksHistory Edit Mike Quackenbush one of the founders and the trainer until the promotion s closure In the summer of 2000 after Reckless Youth Tom Carter had been released from his World Wrestling Federation developmental deal he Mike Quackenbush and Don Montoya started talking about starting a wrestling school which would teach professional wrestling in various international styles Originally the school was to be called Impact Wrestling not to be confused with the later promotion of the same name but when Montoya decided not to put up money for its foundation and left the project Carter and Quackenbush decided they needed a new name 1 The Wrestle Factory was founded by Carter and Quackenbush in Allentown Pennsylvania on January 7 2002 The first class included UltraMantis Mister Zero Dragonfly Hallowicked and Ichabod Slayne In May of the same year Chikara expanded into a wrestling promotion with the intent of showcasing its students The first show on May 25 2002 featured not only the Wrestle Factory students and head trainers but several other independent wrestlers including Don Montoya CM Punk Colt Cabana Chris Hero Love Bug Marshal Law and Blind Rage The main event of the first show featured Quackenbush and Youth joined by Don Montoya as the Black T shirt Squad defeat the Gold Bond Mafia of Chris Hero CM Punk and Colt Cabana In the early days Blind Rage Hallowicked and Ichabod Slayne formed a stable known as the Night Shift which became the top group of rudos or heels in the promotion They frequently feuded with tecnicos faces Quackenbush Youth and UltraMantis Notable events of 2002 included an appearance by former World Championship Wrestling star La Parka who joined Mister Zero against Quackenbush and Youth and the opening of the short lived sister promotion Kiryoku Pro which highlighted female wrestling 2002 was also marked by a lawsuit against Chikara for promoting shows at the Wrestle Factory Neighborhood activists claimed that the building was not properly zoned for assembly and that the shows detracted from the complexion of the community It was eventually ruled that Chikara provided inadequate parking for their shows and would not be allowed to promote out of the Wrestle Factory any longer This deterred Chikara from holding any more shows until October During the Chikara hiatus they released tapes of their early shows titled The Renaissance Dawns and Baila Parka Baila and the wrestlers worked showcase matches in other promotions such as IWA Mid South Chikara soon reached an agreement with St John s Lutheran Church in Allentown to hold shows there only eight blocks from the Wrestle Factory Chikara also began a second Wrestle Factory class but lost trainer Reckless Youth at the beginning of the class as he left the wrestling business The first show in St John s saw the Wildcards Eddie Kingston and BlackJack Marciano Gran Akuma D J Skittlez Melvin Snodgrass and Lester Crabtree debut and shortly after they were joined by Wrestle Factory graduates Jigsaw and Bryce Remsburg Soon after Chikara debuted the Young Lions Cup tournament a concept still used by the promotion Commonly abbreviated as the YLC the tournament was designed to showcase the best of the Wrestle Factory graduates Hallowicked defeated Mister Zero to win the inaugural tournament becoming the first ever Young Lions Cup Champion in the process In December 2002 Chikara took a two week break during Christmastime before returning in 2003 establishing a tradition of seasons that they maintain today The Chikara roster of 2004 In 2004 Chris Hero became a co trainer at the Chikara Wrestle Factory replacing Carter In 2005 Jorge Skayde Rivera joined as the third trainer In March 2005 the school moved from Allentown to the New Alhambra Arena in Philadelphia 2 They then took over the training for Combat Zone Wrestling leading to the school s new name of CZW Chikara Wrestle Factory 2 After the schools split in 2007 the training center became once again simply known as the Chikara Wrestle Factory 2 In 2007 Claudio Castagnoli took over Chris Hero s training duties 2 On March 2 2008 Chikara drew their biggest crowd ever of over 550 people during the King of Trios finals That record was broken on January 31 2010 when their first show of season nine A Touch of Class drew over 600 fans Later that year on July 25 the record was broken once again at Chikarasaurus Rex King of Show which drew 755 fans 3 The show was released by Smart Mark Video on DVD less than 24 hours after its conclusion 3 On April 26 2009 Chikara announced a working agreement with Dragon Gate USA which saw Chikara wrestlers take part in Dragon Gate USA events 4 Throughout the years Chikara has also worked with several Japanese promotions in bringing their talent over to the United States including Dragon Gate 5 Ice Ribbon 6 JWP Joshi Puroresu 7 and Sendai Girls Pro Wrestling 8 In 2010 Chikara established a close working relationship with the Osaka Pro Wrestling promotion 9 In December 2011 Chikara partnered with numerous Japanese promotion to hold the three day long JoshiMania event which featured some of the biggest names in joshi puroresu 7 Wrestlers such as Aja Kong Dick Togo The Great Sasuke Jinsei Shinzaki Kana Kaori Yoneyama Kota Ibushi Manami Toyota and Mayumi Ozaki have made rare American appearances for Chikara 10 Juan Francisco de Coronado a former Grand Champion and trainer On April 25 2010 Chikara announced the release of a video game titled Rudo Resurrection for multiple gaming platforms later in the year 11 After not being heard of again for four years it was announced on May 2 2014 that a new developer Rotary Games had picked up the rights to the game 12 On August 1 2011 Chikara announced that their first ever live Internet pay per view iPPV titled High Noon would take place November 13 2011 and would feature the crowning of the first ever Chikara Grand Champion 13 The event would again break Chikara s attendance record drawing 864 fans 14 During 2012 High Noon was followed by the Chikarasaurus Rex How to Hatch a Dinosaur and Under the Hood Internet pay per views 15 16 In February 2012 Chikara launched their first ever web comic written by Joey Esposito and drawn by Alex Cormack telling the secret origin of Frightmare On April 6 2013 Chikara took part in WrestleCon held during the WrestleMania 29 weekend in Secaucus New Jersey holding an event which again broke the promotion s attendance record 17 On June 2 2013 Chikara ran an angle at the conclusion of their fourth iPPV Aniversario Never Compromise where the event was shut down by Director of Fun Wink Vavasseur 18 Following the event Chikara went inactive canceling all upcoming events though in reality these events were never scheduled to take place 19 Chikara held no official events for the rest of 2013 20 though wrestlers from the promotion did hold a small event on November 2 in Philadelphia s FDR Skatepark with the storyline that they were trying to revive the promotion 21 22 23 In October 2013 Neon Alley acquired rights to 26 Chikara events which would start airing on the channel on Sundays as part of the new fall lineup 24 On February 1 2014 it was announced that Chikara would be returning on May 25 25 On February 10 2014 it was announced that The Wrestle Factory would start a new training class at the 2300 Arena on March 1 26 In April 2015 Chikara made its debut in the United Kingdom with a four show tour held across England and Wales 27 and launched Chikaratopia a streaming service featuring past events 28 That same year on July 29 the promotion launched a new weekly program entitled Journey Into Chikara which would air live on both Chikaratopia and YouTube 29 In December 2016 Chikara concluded its 16th season 30 However when the promotion returned in February 2017 it was announced as the start of season 18 Season 17 had been taped during the break and would be streamed on Chikaratopia 31 On August 7 2019 Chikara announced a working relationship with Michinoku Pro Wrestling 32 On June 24 2020 Quackenbush announced Chikara was shutting down amid allegations of misconduct within the company 33 Chikara Wrestle Factory EditOn January 7 2002 Reckless Youth Tom Carter and Mike Quackenbush founded the Chikara Wrestle Factory a wrestling school based in Allentown Pennsylvania 1 Following the start of the Wrestle Factory s second class Carter departed from Chikara and ultimately left the wrestling industry In 2004 Chris Hero became a co trainer at the Wrestle Factory filling the vacancy left by Carter s departure In 2005 Mexican luchador Jorge Skayde Rivera became the school s third trainer In March 2005 the school moved from Allentown to the New Alhambra Arena in Philadelphia 2 In 2007 Chris Hero left Chikara and the Wrestle Factory with Claudio Castagnoli taking over Hero s training duties 2 In August 2011 Castagnoli signed with WWE and departed the Wrestle Factory Former guest instructors included El Pantera Terry Funk CM Punk Marty Jannetty and many others 2 At the time of June 2020 head trainer Mike Quackenbush was assisted by trainers Fire Ant Hallowicked and Ophidian 34 As of now training to prospective professional wrestlers managers valets and referees in Northeastern Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2 is offered in all styles of pro wrestling including lucha libre puroresu Lancashire and catch among others Championships EditChampionship Final champion s Previous champion s Date won Days held LocationChikara Grand Championship Dasher Hatfield Mr Touchdown Mark Angelosetti April 5 2019 446 Jersey City New JerseyChikara Campeonatos de Parejas The Bird and The Bee Solo Darling and Willow Nightingale F I S T Tony Deppen and Travis Huckabee November 9 2019 228 Philadelphia PennsylvaniaChikara Young Lions Cup Ricky South Still Life with Apricots and Pears January 18 2020 158 Philadelphia PennsylvaniaOther accomplishments Edit Accomplishment Last winner s Date wonKing of Trios The Crucible Ophidian Princess KimberLee and Lance Steel October 6 2019Rey de Voladores The Whisper October 6 2019Tag World Grand Prix The Throwbacks Dasher Hatfield and Mr Touchdown Mark Angelosetti April 14 2018Torneo Cibernetico The Whisper June 20 2020Infinite Gauntlet Ophidian May 11 2019The Johnny Kidd Invitational Ophidian September 7 2019Notable alumni Edit1 2 3 Kid Sean Waltman X Pac 2 Cold Scorpio A C H Acid Jaz Aero Star El Alebrije Cedric Alexander Bryan Alvarez Amasis Amazing Kong Amazing Red Josh Abercrombie Josh Raymond Mark Andrews Mark Angelosetti Ares Austin Aries Atlantis Ax B Boy The Barbarian Tyler Bate Mike Bennett Big Stevie Cool Sinn Bodhi Chris Bosh Max Boyer Maxime Boyer Brad Bradley Brain Damage Harlem Bravado Lancelot Bravado Jay Briscoe Mark Briscoe D Lo Brown Bull Pain BxB Hulk C Red Colt Cabana Matt Classic Call Me Kevin Sami Callihan Arik Cannon Carpenter Ant Claudio Castagnoli Cesaro Chimaera Dash Chisako Chiva IV Chiva Kid Tommaso Ciampa Cima Adam Cole Danny Boy Collins Command Bolshoi Jervis Cottonbelly Matt Cross Da Blue Guy Allison Danger Christopher Daniels Curry Man Danny Daniels Bryan Danielson KC Day Cloudy Sara Del Rey Colin Delaney Colin Olsen Delirious Chris Dickinson J J Dillon DJ Hyde Mano Metalico Naruki Doi Tim Donst Lince Dorado Drago Ryan Drago Simon Grimm Tommy Dreamer Pete Dunne Dustin Chuck Taylor Sonjay Dutt Dymond Madison Eagles Robbie Eagles Ebessan I Kikutaro Eddie Edwards Egotistico Fantastico Robbie Ellis Tommy End Escorpion Egipcio Excalibur Fenix Orange Cassidy Fire Ant Jody Fleisch A R Fox Terry Frazier Frightmare Tsukasa Fujimoto Gangrel Johnny Gargano El Generico Vin Gerard Equinox Glacier Gran Akuma The Great Sanada The Great Sasuke Green Ant I Silver Ant Green Ant II Jonathan Gresham Hieracon Chavo Guerrero Jr Drew Gulak Soldier Ant Billy Gunn Dasher Hatfield Hailey Hatred Hallowicked Ayako Hamada Daisuke Harada Daizee Haze Helios Ricochet Cheech Hernandez Cheech Hernandez Chris Hero Hollywood Nova Simon Dean Homicide Hydra Princess Kimber Lee Kota Ibushi Icarus Incognito Greg Iron Ryuji Ito Matt Jackson Nick Jackson Jimmy Jacobs Jagged Scott Parker Mickie James Marty Jannetty Jazz Jigsaw Johnny Joker Colt Cabunny Kagetora Kana Maria Kanellis Manami Katsu Kenny Johnny Kidd Eddie Kingston Mickie Knuckles Kodama Aja Kong Atsushi Kotoge Kudo Tsubasa Kuragaki Yujiro Kushida La Parka La Parkita Brodie Lee Trevor Lee Candice LeRae Jay Lethal Jushin Thunder Liger Scott Lost Heidi Lovelace Jerry Lynn Mad Man Pondo Magno Makoto Mercedes Martinez Mascarita Dorada James Mason Shane Matthews Joel Maximo Jose Maximo Wil Maximo m c KZ Jessie McKay Meng Mikey Milanito Collection a t Milano Collection A T Miyawaki Masaaki Mochizuki Aldo Montoya Jon Moxley Necro Butcher CP Munk Osamu Nishimura Shinjitsu Nohashi Amber O Neal Kyle O Reilly Yuji Okabayashi Kazuchika Okada Jimmy Olsen Equinox II One Man Gang Ophidian El Oriental Chase Owens Mayumi Ozaki Pac El Pantera Archibald Peck Mixed Martial Archie The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger The Latvian Proud Oak Portia Perez Pierrothito Player Dos Stupefied Player Uno Psycho CM Punk Mike Quackenbush Rain Reckless Youth Joel Redman Ashley Remington Rey Bucanero Willie Richardson Matt Riddle Jorge Rivera Marshe Rockett Rockstar Spud Romeo Roselli Ian Rotten Ruckus Joey Ryan Sabian Chris Sabin Zack Sabre Jr Sendai Sachiko Raisha Saeed Johnny Saint Sumie Sakai Sha Samuels Tito Santana Sassy Stephie Meiko Satomura Daisuke Sekimoto Trent Seven SeXXXy Eddy Shark Girl Alex Shelley Mototsugu Shimizu Mima Shimoda Shingo Jinsei Shinzaki Mio Shirai Emil Sitoci Smash Al Snow Kevin Steen Martin Stone Jonny Storm Shane Storm Stigma A J Styles Super Dragon Super Shisa Rich Swann Larry Sweeney Matt Sydal Tadasuke Tatanka Dave Taylor Thief Ant Antonio Thomas Tigre Uno Rhett Titus Dick Togo Tank Toland Manami Toyota Akira Tozawa Trauma Toshie Uematsu Ultramantis UltraMantis Black Victoria The Warlord Worker Ant I Worker Ant II Shiima Xion Yamamoto Keita Yano Kaori Yoneyama Masato Yoshino Drake YoungerCommercial DVD releases EditBig Vision Entertainment releases Name Release date Region Additional informationBest of Chikara November 6 2007 Global Contains 9 matches from 2005 and 2006 See also EditList of independent wrestling promotions in the United StatesReferences Edit a b Namako Jason 2016 02 01 Mike Quackenbush on Chikara s history their loyal fanbase Wrestleview Retrieved 2016 02 01 a b c d e f g h Wrestle Factory History Chikara Archived from the original on 2009 10 05 Retrieved 2011 04 01 a b Thanks to the 755 fans who made C Rex the biggest Chikara show ever And if you missed it don t fret the DVD comes out TOMORROW at SMV Chikara Twitter 2010 07 25 Retrieved 2010 07 26 DGUSA and Chikara reach working agreement Dragon Gate USA 2010 04 27 Archived from the original on 2010 09 26 Retrieved 2010 09 17 Boutwell Josh 2010 07 30 Viva La Raza Lucha Weekly Wrestleview Retrieved 2012 07 13 Boutwell Josh 2011 08 06 Viva La Raza Lucha Weekly Wrestleview Retrieved 2012 07 13 a b Magee Bob 2011 12 02 JoshiMania tonight in Phily with Toys for Tots Wrestleview Retrieved 2012 07 13 Martin Adam 2012 03 19 Indy News 2 KSWA Wrestling Sendai Girls Chikara Wrestleview Retrieved 2012 07 13 Martin Adam 2010 09 24 Indy News 2 NWA Hollywood Chikara and TWA Wrestleview Retrieved 2012 07 13 Past results Chikara Archived from the original on 2013 02 25 Retrieved 2012 07 13 Martin Adam 2010 05 14 More details on a new Chikara video game Wrestleview Retrieved 2011 12 21 Higham Joshua 2014 05 04 As Chikara returns this month an update on everything going on Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2014 05 05 Csonka Larry 2011 08 01 Various News Chikara s to I PPV Joshimania Billy Corgan s New Promotion More 411Mania Retrieved 2011 08 01 Martin Adam 2011 11 24 Chikara draws well for High Noon iPPV event Wrestleview Retrieved 2011 11 24 Radican Sean 2012 06 02 Radican s Chikara Chikarasaurus Rex iPPV review 6 2 live coverage of event from Philaldephia Pro Wrestling Torch Retrieved 2012 11 08 Caldwell James 2012 11 08 Indy News Next PWG main event set Chikara returning to iPPV Pro Wrestling Torch Retrieved 2012 11 08 Higham Josh 2013 04 06 Part two of the 4 6 Chikara show Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2013 04 13 Johnson Mike 2013 06 02 Out go the lights Sopranos style complete Chikara Anniversario 2013 iPPV coverage Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2013 07 14 Meltzer Dave 2013 06 03 Mon update Two major new UFC fights and talks of stadium show Austin gets national pub Chikara ending Wrestling star robbed Goldberg Bella Twins Best TV show of last week Promotion reforms Wrestling Observer Newsletter Retrieved 2013 07 14 Events Chikara Archived from the original on 2013 05 30 Retrieved 2013 07 14 Johnson Mike 2013 11 02 Chikara returns Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2013 11 11 Meltzer Dave 2013 11 04 Mon update Huge mid week WWE webisode cartoon WWE ads Huge convention Rock TV show new TNA show New wrestling show on small network Flair Wrestling Observer Newsletter Retrieved 2013 11 11 Boutwell Josh 2013 11 09 Viva la Raza Lucha Weekly 11 9 13 Wrestleview Retrieved 2013 11 13 Johnson Mike 2013 10 05 Official Chikara on Neon Alley press release Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2013 10 05 Johnson Mike 2014 02 01 Chikara returns first show this May Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2014 02 01 Namako Jason 2014 02 10 Chikara to re open wrestling school at former ECW Arena Wrestleview Retrieved 2014 02 11 Caldwell James 2015 04 04 Saturday events NXT wraps tour Samoa Joe amp Duggan at 2CW Waltman headlines Slamfest Chikara U K Tour Mickie James Trevor Murdoch Gargano more stars Pro Wrestling Torch Retrieved 2015 04 07 Johnson Mike 2015 04 28 Jim Ross discusses Verne Gagne memories Corgan purchases wrestling archive Taz sample Chikara s new streaming service and more news Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2015 07 29 Caldwell James 2015 07 29 Chikara news Chikara joining Mega Wednesdays with new online show Pro Wrestling Torch Retrieved 2015 07 29 Cardoza Adam Langan Michael 2016 12 04 Drew Gulak farewell and more 12 3 Chikara in Chicago results Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2017 02 05 Cardoza Adam 2017 02 04 2 4 Chikara National Pro Wrestling Day report Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved 2017 02 05 Mike Johnson August 7 2019 NWA ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY CHIKARA TEAMING WITH MICHINOKU PRO AND MORE Pro Wrestling Insider Retrieved September 7 2019 Mike Quackenbush closes Chikara resigns as school s head trainer f4wonline Retrieved June 25 2020 Our Training Faculty Chikara Wrestle Factory Retrieved 2018 07 12 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to CHIKARA Official website Official message board Chikara Podcast A Go Go Filsinger Games Chikara Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Chikara professional wrestling amp oldid 1144592444, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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