The number of WWE superstars with COVID-19 was likely to rise and that is now happening. Also, CHIKARA is closed after allegations from the #SpeakingOut movement.
More WWE Superstars Contract COVID-19
The names of more WWE superstars to test positive for COVID-19 are being revealed including Adam Pearce and Kayla Braxton. Earlier, Renee Young confirmed she has the virus.
Pearce, a producer for the promotion, announced that he had the coronavirus on his birthday this past Wednesday.
“Covid was NOT on my birthday list,” the 42-year-old posted on Twitter.
Covid was NOT on my birthday list. pic.twitter.com/PbGol7w30H
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) June 25, 2020
Pearce debuted in pro wrestling in 1996 and retired in 2014 to take a role in WWE. He is a former five-time NWA heavyweight champion and also held the PWG and NWA British Commonwealth titles.
Originally, Pearce was working as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center. He was promoted to producer for Raw and SmackDown shortly after.
The WWE Performance Center was hit by the virus earlier this month. In Orlando, cases have spiked over recent days forcing the closure of many establishments once again.
Seeing the COVID news about Renee Young and Adam Pearce. Hoping for a strong and quick recovery for them and anyone else.
— The Daily Smark – Wrestling News (@thedailysmark) June 25, 2020
Wasn’t Adam Pearce breaking up backstage brawls for weeks?
Wishing all the best to Adam in his recovery. https://t.co/TlIH4AJeCH
— Tom Colohue (@Colohue) June 25, 2020
WWE producer Adam Pearce has also revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Wishing Adam Pearce a speedy recovery.
This looks like it is only going to get worse for WWE. This is what happens when you have such poor testing procedures prior to this.#WWE #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/IbxnRyrcCJ
— WrestleNews365 (@365Wrestle) June 25, 2020
Braxton Is Positive Again
Braxton, an on-air talent, also announced that she has COVID-19 for a second time.
“Was keeping it quiet but since everyone else is sharing, I feel like it is my responsibility to share this PSA: YOU CAN GET COVID-19 MORE THAN ONCE!” she wrote. “I had it back in early March and then thought I was invincible after I recovered. Not true. Dont be dumb like me.”
Was keeping it quiet but since everyone else is sharing, I feel like it is my responsibility to share this PSA: YOU CAN GET COVID-19 MORE THAN ONCE! I had it back in early March and then thought I was invincible after I recovered. Not true. Dont be dumb like me.
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) June 25, 2020
Sending out my prayers to
Renee Young
Kayla Braxton and
Adam PearceHoping they recover well and beat this virus. This is just a reminder Y’all COVID-19 is very serious and should not be taken lightly at all.
So please everyone stay safe and wash your hands!
— Lenny B. (@LBibbs_93) June 25, 2020
Kayla Braxton , a credible wwe interviewer , has tested positive for covid and says it’s her second time she has had the disease… have there been others in the USA who have second cases ??
— alan (@dinkinc) June 25, 2020
Kayla Braxton revealing she had COVID in early March leaves a lot of questions about who may have had it in WWE 2 or 3 months ago
— The Oracle of Wrestling (@kingmotivatorh) June 25, 2020
In conclusion, COVID-19 cases are not away. In fact, they are rising in many parts of the United States.
CHIKARA Closed
Mike Quackenbush, the founder of CHIKARA, has announced that the promotion will close its doors officially. Basically, previous behaviors has caused the promotion to fold after 18 years.
Quackenbush addressed the accusations made against the promotion as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
“I’ve been made aware of recent allegations about myself, and the people in my employ,” Quackenbush posted. “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 the Wrestle Factory.”
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) June 24, 2020
He added that a “full statement on these matters” will be released in the near future.
CHIKARA was founded in 2002 by Quackenbush and Reckless Youth in Philadelphia. Multiple live events were held monthly from the Wrestle Factory.
Current AEW champion Jon Moxley, CM Punk, A.J. Styles, Brodie Lee, Austin Aries, Adam Cole, Daniel Bryan and several others have all called CHIKARA home over the years.
The accusations include abuse towards female staffers and trainees, with many current CHIKARA wrestlers announcing they were leaving the promotions immediately.
#SpeakingOut about Kobald/Anthony Wilson. pic.twitter.com/RVuMLgP6aL
— ❄ Wiggy ❄ (@Wiggygator) June 20, 2020
Reaction To CHIKARA Closing
Any former #Chikara wrestlers looking for work email me and put your info in this tweet!
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) June 24, 2020
Anyone from the Chikara School are welcome to workout/train at the H2o Wrestling Academy.
30 students here that can speak on a safe & positive environment.
We’ve been open for a month. Abding by all safety & heath protocols & have had no issues or anyone get sick.
Just hmu
— Bulldozer Matt Tremont (@TremontH2O) June 24, 2020
CHIKARA was never about one person or one building or any tangible thing.
CHIKARA was about a community, about a spirit I (and many others) spent my entire adult life helping to facilitate, on both sides of the curtain.
When processing this, please try and separate the two.
— Bryce Remsburg (@dabryceisright) June 24, 2020
Talent Resigns
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 have given notice to the CHIKARA office and I’m leaving the territory. I have been there for 8 years, & I will forever cherish the friends, memories and money I made there.
Before it hits the dirt sheets, I’m going back to Texas to feud with Akbar
— Bakabella (@SBakabella) June 24, 2020
I feel like, to an extent, I don’t know who I am anymore. CHIKARA was everything to me. I feel like everything I worked so hard for the last 5 years was just a lie. Like everything I sacrificed was in vain. I’m sad. I’m angry. My heart hurts for all of the victims of that system
— The Whisper ?️? (@The__Whisper) June 24, 2020
I can’t emphasize how badly my heart hurts right now.
I’ve decided to separate myself from CHIKARA.
Please be understanding of others as they process and grieve. This is an especially trying time for all of the members of the family I made there.
— Joshua Wells • BLM • ACAB (@JoshuaWellsWF) June 24, 2020
I can’t emphasize how badly my heart hurts right now.
I’ve decided to separate myself from CHIKARA.
Please be understanding of others as they process and grieve. This is an especially trying time for all of the members of the family I made there.
— Joshua Wells • BLM • ACAB (@JoshuaWellsWF) June 24, 2020
Final Thoughts
In summary, CHIKARA helped develop some of the current talent now on TV. But, their past has caught up and the promotion needed to cease operations.
While it is sad these companies are closing, it must be done. The wrestlers seemingly did nothing wrong.
The blame needs to be focused on those that ran the business. They are supposed to be trustworthy, but that is clearly not the case.
More About:Sports
Read This Next
