CHIKARA

CHIKARA was a Indie pro wrestling promotion operating in the United States, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

The CHIKARA promotion was founded on May 25, 2002 by Mike Quackenbush, "Reckless Youth" Tom Carter, and it ceased operations on June 24, 2020.

The company was known for its unique blend of wrestling styles, combining influences from lucha libre with its own distinctive characters and storylines. The promotion took its name from the Japanese kanji for "strength" (力).

Chikara was recognized for its creative and family-friendly approach, featuring regular events at their training facility, the Chikara Wrestle Factory. Key events included King of Trios, an annual tag team tournament, and Tag World Grand Prix, focusing on tag team and trios matches. Other major events were Aniversario (held in May) and the Young Lions Cup (held from June to August). In 2011, the promotion introduced the Grand Championship as its top singles title.

The promotion's roster often included masked wrestlers with elaborate gimmicks, and performers were categorized into técnicos (faces) and rudos (heels), reflecting the lucha libre tradition.

Chikara ceased operations in June 2020 amid allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct against individuals within the promotion during the Speaking Out movement. Despite the closure of the promotion, the Chikara Wrestle Factory school remains operational in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

CHIKARA: Info