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(continued) In 2003, Mike first wrestled in Europe, for Germany's Westside Xtreme Wrestling, in Essen. He would go on to capture their Light Heavyweight title, and reign for over a year. A few months later, Mike toured and trained in Mexico, feuding with the head trainer of the Toryumon, Jorge "Skayde" Rivera. The two remain friendly rivals to this day, and Skayde occassionally visits the US to teach at Chikara Wrestle Factory. Quack has since toured Mexico three more times, and toured Europe over a dozen times, with visits to the UK, Italy, Austria, Holland and more to his credit. Of his visits to Europe, Mike said: "The fans in Germany are probably my very favorite to entertain. They bring an incredible energy, and you have to meet that energy level when you wrestle for them. They are truly some of the greatest wrestling fans you'll ever encounter." Today, Mike is joined by fellow wrestler Claudio Castagnoli as head trainer at Chikara Wrestle Factory, and continues to wrestle several times a month, for companies across the globe. He distinguished himself by assembling an International Crown in 2004, a collection of 6 championships from 3 different countries - one each in every weight class. He is the first wrestler to accomplish such a feat, showing that he can be as formidable against cruiserweights as he is against heavyweights. His 2004 release, Secret Identity has sold out of its initial three printings, as has his CHIKARA Yearbook, of the same year. In addition to his ongoing travels, Mike is working on new books, a new novel, and continues to teach twice a week. His Wrestle Factory moved from Allentown to Philadelphia, PA in March of 2005. Mike's company assumed the training duties for Combat Zone Wrestling in the process, and has been installed at the ECW Arena ever since. Shortly after the merger, Quackenbush achieved a true career milestone by winning the 2005 Best of the Best tournament, pinning B-Boy in the finals to take the trophy. In March of 2007, the Wrestle Factory split from CZW, although the groups continue to share talent. At the conclusion of 2005, Mike underwent back surgery, and his future in wrestling was up in the air. After several months spent recuperating, he made his triumphant return to the ring on his 30th birthday, as a surprise challenger for wXw Heavyweight champion Ares in Essen, Germany. He captured the title before an elated audience, and resumed his work in the U.S. shortly thereafter. In the autumn of 2006, he delivered a career-defining match opposite Claudio Castagnoli at the annual Ted Petty Invitational, showcasing his cutting edge ring-style and earning him a long standing ovation. Reflecting on that match, Mike said: "I am really proud of the way that turned out. It will probably be a long time before I ever top that one. It was one of, if not my very finest performance."
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