In The Event That...

You Think the WWE Is to Wrestling as Porn Is to Sex

by Christina Shaffer

Chikara Wrestling

Chikara is far from the testosterone-laden, soap opera wrestling you see on TV. Founded by "Lightning" Mike Quackenbush, a professional wrestler and head trainer at South Philly's Wrestle Factory, Chikara strives to entertain without the use of bloodshed, vulgarity or half-naked ladies.

"For the last 25 years, we've all been subjected to the Vince McMahon model of pro wrestling and his 'sports entertainment'," says Quackenbush. "The time is really ripe for a new company to come along and change the game."

Adopting aspects of Japanese wrestling and lucha libre (a popular form of pro wrestling native to Mexico), Chikara combines comedy, colorfully masked competitors and acrobatics. "It's a lot like a comic book coming to life," says Quackenbush.

Forty-eight wrestlers, including Quackenbush, Johnny Saint and Glacier, will brawl at the three-day tournament, which also features autograph sessions, carnival games and a rock band competition. If all the fussing and fighting makes you bloodthirsty, there's no need to punch a wall. Instead, take it out on other fans — there's an amateur bout on Saturday.