View source for The Colony (professional wrestling)

{{Short description|Professional wrestling}}
{{Infobox Wrestling team
|article_name   = The Colony
|type           = S
|image          = The Colony 2011 King of Trios.jpg
|caption        = Soldier Ant, Fire Ant and Green Ant (later known as Silver Ant) in April 2011, celebrating their [[King of Trios#2011|King of Trios]] victory
|members        = Carpenter Ant<br />[[Orange Cassidy|Fire Ant]]<br />[[Tracy Williams|Green Ant (I)/Silver Ant]]<br />Green Ant (II)/Electro Ant<br />[[Drew Gulak|Soldier Ant]]<br />Thief Ant/Ultimo Ant<br />Worker Ant (I)<br />Worker Ant (II)
|names          =The Colony<ref name="Fire Ant">{{cite web|url=http://Chikarafans.com/?page_id=390|title=Fire Ant at Chikarafans.com|work=Chikarafans.com}}</ref><ref name="Soldier Ant">{{cite web|url=http://Chikarafans.com/?page_id=482|title=Soldier Ant at Chikarafans.com|work=Chikarafans.com}}</ref><ref name="Worker Ant">{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=486|title=Worker Ant at Chikarafans.com}}</ref><ref name="Green Ant"/><ref name="Carpenter Ant">{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=4017|title=Carpenter Ant at Chikarafans.com}}</ref><br />Team Colony<ref name="Soldier Ant"/><br />The ResistANTce<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chikarapro.com/events/season-19/08-31-2018_king-trios-2018-night-one|title=King of Trios 2018 - Night One &#124; CHIKARA Pro|website=chikarapro.com|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|heights        = Fire Ant:<br />{{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref name=ChikaraFireAnt>{{cite web|url=http://chikarapro.com/chikara-roster/fire-ant|title=Fire Ant|access-date=2015-03-01|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]}}</ref><br />Silver Ant:<br />{{height||ft=6|in=2}}<ref name=ChikaraSilverAnt>{{cite web|url=http://chikarapro.com/chikara-roster/silver-ant|title=Silver Ant|access-date=2015-03-01|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]}}</ref><ref name="WiFGreen">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingisfun.org/greenant.htm|title=Green Ant|access-date=2013-01-31|work=Wrestling is Fun!}}</ref><br />Soldier Ant:<br />{{height|ft=5|in=9}}<ref name=ChikaraSoldierAnt>{{cite web|url=http://chikarapro.com/chikara-roster/soldier-ant|title=Soldier Ant|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]}}</ref><br />Worker Ant (II):<br />{{height|ft=5|in=11}}<ref name=ChikaraWorkerAntII>{{cite web|url=http://chikarapro.com/chikara-roster/worker-ant|title=Worker Ant|access-date=2015-03-01|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]}}</ref>
|weights        = Fire Ant:<br />{{convert|175|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=ChikaraFireAnt/><br />Silver Ant:<br />{{convert|195|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=ChikaraSilverAnt/><br />Soldier Ant:<br />{{convert|200|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=ChikaraSoldierAnt/><br />Worker Ant (II):<br />{{convert|220|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=ChikaraWorkerAntII/>
|former_members =
|billed         = [[Ant colony#Ant-beds|The Ant Hill]]<ref name=ChikaraFireAnt/><ref name=ChikaraSilverAnt/><ref name=ChikaraWorkerAntII/>
|debut          = Fire Ant and Soldier Ant:<br />February 25, 2006<ref name="Fire Ant"/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/><br />Worker Ant:<br />November 17, 2006<ref name="Worker Ant"/><br />Silver Ant:<br />February 20, 2009<ref name="Green Ant"/><br />Carpenter Ant:<br />May 24, 2009<ref name="Carpenter Ant"/><br />Worker Ant (II):<br />August 1, 2009<ref name=WorkerIICage>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=12466&name=Worker+Ant|title=Worker Ant (II)'s Cagematch profile}}</ref>
|trainer        = Fire Ant, Soldier Ant and Worker Ant:<br />[[Chris Hero]]<ref name="Fire Ant"/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/><ref name="Worker Ant"/><br />[[Mike Quackenbush]]<ref name="Fire Ant"/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/><ref name="Worker Ant"/><br />[[Skayde]]<ref name="CageFire">{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=4112|title=Fire Ant's Cagematch profile|access-date=2010-01-14|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><ref name="CageSoldier">{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=4113|title=Soldier Ant's Cagematch profile|access-date=2010-01-14|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><ref name="CageWorker">{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=4808|title=Worker Ant's Cagematch profile|access-date=2010-01-14|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><br />Silver Ant:<br />[[Cesaro (wrestler)|Claudio Castagnoli]]<ref name="GreenCage">{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=8144|title=Green Ant's Cagematch profile|access-date=2010-01-08|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><br />Mike Quackenbush<ref name=GreenCage/>
}}
'''The Colony''' was a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|professional wrestling stable]], best known for performing for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]. As their name suggests, their [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] is that of an [[ant colony]], which is further reinforced with their names being based on particular ants ([[Red imported fire ant|Fire Ant]], [[Green-head ant|Green Ant]] / [[Saharan silver ant|Silver Ant]], [[Carpenter ant|Carpenter Ant]], and [[Solenopsis molesta|Thief Ant]]) and classes within an ant colony (Soldier Ant and the first and second Worker Ants).
Originally debuting at the [[Tag World Grand Prix#2006|2006 Tag World Grand Prix]] as a tag team consisting of Fire Ant and Soldier Ant, The Colony later grew to include a number of new members. Since debuting, The Colony has seen championship success in singles, [[tag team]] and ''[[Lucha libre#Style of wrestling|trios]]'' competition. In Chikara, Fire Ant and Soldier Ant are [[Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas#Title history|one time]] [[Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas|Campeones de Parejas]], Fire Ant is a [[Chikara Young Lions Cup#Title history|one time]] [[Chikara Young Lions Cup|Young Lions Cup Champion]], Fire Ant and Soldier Ant won the [[Tag World Grand Prix#2008|2008]] [[Tag World Grand Prix]], Carpenter Ant won the 2009 ''[[torneo cibernetico|Torneo Cibernetico]]'' and Fire Ant, Soldier Ant and Green Ant (now known as Silver Ant) won the [[King of Trios#2011|2011]] [[King of Trios]]. The Colony disbanded in 2017 after all but Fire Ant and Worker Ant (II) left Chikara but reformed when the team of Fire Ant, and rookies Thief Ant, and the second Green Ant, previously known as The ResistANTce, won the [[King of Trios#2018|2018 King of Trios]].
In addition to Chikara, the group has seen success in other promotions. Silver Ant is a one-time Wrestling is Fun! (WiF!) 24/7 Champion (as Green Ant) and won Chilanga Mask's 2015 ''Torneo de Parejas'' alongside [[Ophidian (wrestler)|Ophidian]], the second Worker Ant (as assailAnt) is a one-time WiF! Banana Champion, and Fire Ant won the 2014 Forza Lucha Cup.  Furthermore, Fire Ant (under his current ring name of "Freshly Squeezed" [[Orange Cassidy]]) has won several independent wrestling titles and is the longest-reigning [[AEW International Championship]] belt holder.
==History==
===Chikara===
====Debut (2006–2007)====
After being trained by both [[Mike Quackenbush]] and [[Chris Hero]], [[Orange Cassidy|Fire Ant]] and [[Drew Gulak|Soldier Ant]] debuted as Team Colony at the [[Tag World Grand Prix#2006|2006 Tag World Grand Prix]], where they lost in the first round to Lancelot (Lance Steel and Lance Steel).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=734|title="Tag World Grand Prix 2006: Night Two" – 2/25/2006|access-date=2009-12-21|publisher=Chikara Fans}}</ref> Team Colony became ''[[Face (professional wrestling)|technicos]]'' on the undercard and often teamed with fellow masked wrestler [[Vin Gerard|Equinox]] in trios matches. Later in the year, Fire Ant made a brief singles run as he participated in the [[Chikara Young Lions Cup|fourth Young Lions Cup tournament]], which he did not win. Near the end of the year, a third Ant known as Worker Ant, who was also trained by Quackenbush and Hero, joined Team Colony on November 17 to expand the tag team into a stable and thus resulting in the group's name being tweaked to The Colony. Soon after joining, Worker Ant became the group's mouthpiece, as he spoke for them in their [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promos]].
The Colony would become one of the more prominent acts in Chikara in 2007 due to increasingly entertaining and innovative matches as a trio, and a heated feud with the ''[[Heel (professional wrestling)|rudo]]'' [[The Blackout (professional wrestling)|BLKOUT]] stable, a feud which the Colony would win in September with a decisive victory on the Cibernetico undercard.
====Feud with The UnStable (2008–2009)====
[[File:Fire Ant on turnbuckles.jpg|thumb|Fire Ant in 2008]]
Beginning in 2008, Fire Ant once again began competing semi-regularly as a singles wrestler and began a heated feud with former ally Equinox, who had since unmasked himself and began competing under his real name ([[Vin Gerard]]). At the Young Lions Cup tournament on June 15, Fire Ant defeated Gerard for the Cup in a match that garnered significant praise from both the company and fans. However, the following month on July 13, Gerard gained revenge by defeating Fire Ant in a rematch for the Cup after utilizing the cup itself as a weapon, resulting in Fire Ant having the shortest title reign in Chikara history. Soon after the loss, Gerard successfully managed to manipulate ''technico'' [[Stigma (wrestler)|Shane Storm]] into aligning with him, effectively renaming him STIGMA. Gerard and STIGMA would feud with The Colony until September 7, when the two aligned with the returning [[Colin Delaney]] to form the UnStable, and thus evening the numbers of both groups. At the [[Tag World Grand Prix#2008|2008 Tag World Grand Prix]], Fire Ant and Soldier Ant represented The Colony as the stable made its second appearance in the tournament. The Colony would go on to defeat the Fight Club in the opening round, their rivals the UnStable in the semi-finals and both [[The Osirian Portal]] and [[Martin Stone (wrestler)|Martin Stone]] and [[Pac (wrestler)|Pac]] in the finals to win the tournament.
Now with a staggering seven points towards Campeonatos de Parejas contention, Fire Ant and Soldier Ant issued their challenge to the reigning Campeones The Osirian Portal for January 25, 2009. Owing to the number of points they accumulated, Director of Fun Leonard F. Chikarason allowed the Colony to choose their own stipulations for the match. They decreed that the match would be one fall instead of the conventional two-out-of-three falls, and the Portal's third member, Escorpion Egipcio, would be banned from ringside. Despite the stipulations, the Colony failed to win the title.
====Rebuilding and Campeonatos de Parejas (2009–2010)====
On February 20, the Colony lost to [[The Kings of Wrestling|Team F.I.S.T.]] ([[Icarus (wrestler)|Icarus]], [[Gran Akuma]] and [[Chuck Taylor (wrestler)|Chuck Taylor]]) after Worker Ant was pinned by Icarus. After the match, Taylor performed his ''[[Chuck Taylor (wrestler)#In wrestling|Awful Waffle]]'' on Worker Ant onto the floor outside the ring, resulting in Worker Ant suffering ([[kayfabe]]) cranial injuries. Soon after the attack, a fourth Ant, later identified as [[Tracy Williams|Green Ant]], made his debut to help tend to the injured Worker Ant.<ref name=WorkerRetires>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?p=2888|title=Worker Ant retires from wrestling|work=Chikara Fans}}</ref> It was then announced on Chikara's website that Worker Ant retired from wrestling due to the severity of his injuries and that Green Ant would fill in for his absence.<ref name=WorkerRetires/> On May 24, Fire Ant and Soldier Ant, with Green Ant in their corner, defeated Icarus and Chuck Taylor in a [[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Mask vs. Hair]] match, resulting in Icarus and Taylor having their heads shaved. When Gran Akuma attempted to interfere in the closing moments of the match, a new brown-colored Ant, Carpenter Ant, ran out to ringside to fend off Akuma's attack.<ref name=AniversarioYang>{{Cite web|url=http://ww16.nationalsportsreview.com/sports/us/pwp/2009/06/10/dvd-reviews-chikara-aniversario-yang/?sub1=20231218-2023-0410-952f-4486b09e0f51|title=DVD Review|website=ww16.nationalsportsreview.com}} {{dead link|date=December 2023}}</ref> During Chikara's June tour of [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]], Kazuhiko Miyakami wore the costume of Green Ant after it was stolen by Chuck Taylor.<ref name="Green Ant">{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=2907|title=Green Ant at Chikarafans.com}}</ref> The real Green Ant made his wrestling debut on July 31, 2009, in a six-man tag team match, where The Colony defeated The Order of the Neo-Solar Temple ([[UltraMantis Black]], [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] and Crossbones).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=4301|title="Never Kneel at the Altar of Conformity" – 7/31/2009|access-date=2010-03-14|date=2009-08-01|work=Chikara Fans}}</ref>
[[File:Green Ant (Wrestler).jpg|thumb|left|Green Ant in 2012]]
Fire Ant and Soldier Ant acquired two more points over the next few months and challenged the Osirian Portal for the Campeonatos de Parejas again on September 13 at Hiding in Plain Sight. This time around, the Colony was victorious, winning the title in two straight falls.<ref name=Hiding>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=4823|title="Hiding in Plain Sight" – 9/13/2009|access-date=2009-12-21|date=2009-12-14|work=Chikara Fans}}</ref>
On October 18, Fire Ant and Soldier Ant captained their own teams for the annual ''[[torneo cibernetico]]''. Green Ant and Carpenter Ant were brought into the mix, with Green Ant going on Fire's team while Carpenter went on Soldier's team. Soldier and Carpenter Ant ended up as the final two in the match, and Carpenter defeated his fellow Ant via submission after debuting the ''Inverted Chikara Special'' to win the cibernetico.<ref name=CiberneticoIncreible>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?p=4912|title="Cibernetico Incredible" ~ Live Results|access-date=2009-10-19|publisher=ChikaraFans}}</ref> On November 22, 2009, at Three-Fisted Tales, Carpenter Ant became a ''[[Heel (professional wrestling)|rudo]]'' and unmasked to reveal himself as [[Jaka (wrestler)|Pinkie Sanchez]], while also joining the [[Bruderschaft des Kreuzes]] (BDK).<ref name=ThreeFistedTales>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?p=5036|title="Three-Fisted Tales" ~ Live Results|access-date=2009-11-23|work=Chikarafans.com}}</ref> In a blog entry on the promotion's official website, Sanchez explained his decision to appear as Carpenter Ant was done after failing to secure a spot in Chikara and then seeing how easy it was for Green Ant to debut and be immediately accepted into the Chikara locker room.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/blog80.shtml|title=Pinkie Sanchez blog|access-date=2009-12-17|date=2009-12-14|work=Chikara}}</ref> During the break between seasons eight and nine, Sanchez adopted the nickname "Pink Ant" and began wearing a pink and white ant mask, while also declaring a war on The Colony.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/128426/The-CHIKARA-Special-1.30.10:-You-Stay-Classy,-CHIKARA.htm|title=The CHIKARA Special 1.30.10: You Stay Classy, CHIKARA|last=Ford|first=Kevin|date=2010-01-30|work=411Mania|access-date=2010-04-28}}</ref>
On March 20, 2010, at Wit, Verve, and a Bit o' Nerve, The Colony lost the Campeonatos de Parejas to Ares and [[Antonio Cesaro|Claudio Castagnoli]] of the BDK after BDK members Pinkie Sanchez, [[Lince Dorado]] and Tursas attacked them before the match and Tursas [[powerbomb]]ed Soldier Ant against a wall, rendering him unconscious for most of the match.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/136209/CHIKARA-Review:-Wit,-Verve,-and-a-Bit-O%5C%5C-Nerve.htm|title=CHIKARA Review: Wit, Verve, and a Bit O' Nerve|last=Ford|first=Kevin|date=2010-04-19|work=411Mania|access-date=2010-04-28}}</ref>
====King of Trios (2010–2011)====
On April 23 The Colony entered the [[King of Trios#2010|2010 King of Trios tournament]]. After defeating the team of Flip Kendrick, Louis Lyndon and [[Johnny Gargano]], The Colony handed BDK their first non-disqualification loss when they defeated the trio of Pinkie Sanchez, [[Tim Donst]] and Lince Dorado in the quarterfinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/137011/King-of-Trios-Night-2-Results.htm|title=King of Trios Night 2 Results|last=Lansdell|first=Chris|work=411Mania|date=2010-04-25|access-date=2010-04-25}}</ref> On April 25 The Colony defeated Team [[Osaka Pro Wrestling|Osaka Pro]] ([[Atsushi Kotoge]], [[Daisuke Harada]] and [[Tadasuke]]) to make their way to the finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by the BDK trio of [[Ares (wrestler)|Ares]], Castagnoli and Tursas, when referee Derek Sabato turned ''rudo'', revealed himself as being aligned with BDK and performed a fast count to end the match.<ref name=ChikaraResults>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.shtml|title=Chikara - Official results|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]|access-date=2010-04-26|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608052507/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.shtml|archive-date=2008-06-08}}</ref> On August 29, Green Ant broke his arm during a match with [[Keita Yano]] and upon his return in February 2011, Chikara started a storyline similar to that used by the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] with [[Lex Luger]] in 1993, where it was claimed that Green Ant had a metal plate inserted into his arm, which resulted in strikes from that elbow being more powerful due to the plate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/153925/100-Percent-Fordified:-CHIKARA-Young-Lions-Cup-VIII,-Night-Three.htm|title=100 Percent Fordified: CHIKARA Young Lions Cup VIII, Night Three|last=Ford|first=Kevin|work=411Mania|date=2010-09-23|access-date=2011-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/blog/4-12-2011.php|title=Wink Vavasseur blog|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]|date=2011-04-12|access-date=2011-04-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510014220/http://www.chikarapro.com/blog/4-12-2011.php|archive-date=2011-05-10}}</ref> Also in February, The Colony of Fire Ant and Soldier Ant secured three points and challenged [[Mike Quackenbush]] and [[Jigsaw (wrestler)|Jigsaw]] for the Campeonatos de Parejas on March 13, but were unsuccessful in regaining the title.<ref name=ChikaraResults/> On April 15, The Colony entered the [[King of Trios#2011|2011 King of Trios]], defeating [[Nick Cvjetkovich|Sinn Bodhi]], [[The Batiri|Kodama and Obariyon]] in their first round match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_49808.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara KoT Night 1 DVD Review 4/15 - Team Michinoku Pro vs. Team 1-2-3 Kid, Quackenbush & Toyota & Jigsaw vs. SAT's|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-05-04|access-date=2011-05-14|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day during a fan conclave, Chikara held a contest to see if anyone could be able to [[Professional wrestling throws#Body slam|body slam]] the {{convert|375|lb|kg|abbr=on}} BDK member Tursas. Green Ant entered the contest, once again copying a storyline the WWF had used with Lex Luger and [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]] in 1993, but before he could complete the body slam, he was tripped by BDK member Jakob Hammermeier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/182524/Report-From-CHIKARA-Fan-Conclave.htm|title=Report From CHIKARA Fan Conclave|last=Lee|first=Joseph|work=411Mania|date=2011-04-16|access-date=2011-04-17}}</ref> Later that day, The Colony advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 King of Trios by defeating BDK representatives Tim Donst, Delirious and Hammermeier, after Green Ant body slammed the interfering Tursas and then submitted Hammermeier with Luger's trademark finisher, the ''[[Backbreaker#Argentine backbreaker rack|Torture Rack]]''.<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_50050.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara DVD review series - "King of Trios 2011 Night 2" 4/16: F.I.S.T. vs. Osaka Pro, RDV tournament, Quackenbush & Toyota & Jigsaw vs. Michinoku Pro|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-05-13|access-date=2011-05-14|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, The Colony defeated The Osirian Portal (Amasis, [[Jonathan Gresham|Hieracon]] and [[Ophidian (wrestler)|Ophidian]]) to advance to their second King of Trios final in a row.<ref name=ChikaraResults/> Later that same day, The Colony defeated F.I.S.T. (Chuck Taylor, Icarus and Johnny Gargano) in the finals to win the 2011 King of Trios.<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref name=KoT2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_50557.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara DVD review series: "KOT 2011: Night 3 4/17 - Kid vs. Generico, Toyota vs. Eagles, KOT tournament finals|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-06-05|access-date=2011-06-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In July, Green Ant started a "Flex Express" bus tour that was featured on Chikara's video podcasts, in preparation for his singles match with Tursas, again imitating a similar tour Luger had done in 1993. One of the episodes even featured a cameo from Luger himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1311860620|title=Indy News #2: IWF this Saturday, Chikara news|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=2011-07-28|work=WrestleView|access-date=2011-08-02}}</ref> The match took place on July 30 and saw Tursas defeat Green Ant following interference from Jakob Hammermeier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1312312490|title=Indy News #4: Chikara weekend results|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=2011-08-02|work=WrestleView|access-date=2011-08-02}}</ref> On August 27, Green Ant advanced to the finals of the ninth annual Young Lions Cup tournament, before losing to Osaka Pro Wrestling representative Tadasuke.<ref name=ChikaraResults/> The following month, Fire Ant and Green Ant made their first tour of Osaka Pro, which culminated on September 23 in a match, where they unsuccessfully challenged Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada for the [[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=Osaka>{{cite web|url=http://www.osakahurricane.com/?p=1274|title=9/21 Results|last=Leung|first=Jonathan|work=Osaka Holiday Paradise|date=2011-09-21|access-date=2011-09-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osakahurricane.com/?p=1290|title=9/23 Results: Titles Retained, Takayama, Zeus News|last=Leung|first=Jonathan|work=Osaka Holiday Paradise|date=2011-09-23|access-date=2011-09-23}}</ref> On November 13 at Chikara's first internet pay-per-view, [[Chikara High Noon|High Noon]], Fire Ant and Soldier Ant defeated [[The Young Bucks]] to once again earn the right to challenge for the Campeonatos de Parejas, while Green Ant ended his feud with Tursas by defeating him in a grudge match with a new submission maneuver, the ''Chikara Special: Green''.<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_55114.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara "High Noon" iPPV coverage 11/13 -Quackenbush vs. Kingston, Young Bucks vs. The Colony|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-11-13|access-date=2011-11-13|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The Colony cashed in their points on December 2, during Chikara's special post-season JoshiMania weekend, but were defeated by the defending Campeones de Parejas, F.I.S.T. (Chuck Taylor and Johnny Gargano).<ref name=ChikaraResults/>
====The Swarm and Xtreme Force (2012–2014)====
[[File:AssailANT.jpg|thumb|upright|assailAnt, who joined The Colony in late 2012 and later became the second Worker Ant in 2014]]
In 2012, the Colony, along with several other top Chikara wrestlers, started feuding with the Gekido stable, focusing specifically on the masked trio of assailAnt, deviAnt and combatAnt, also known as the Swarm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/231148|title=100 Percent Fordified: Chikara Caught in the Spider's Den|last=Ford|first=Kevin|date=2012-03-29|access-date=2012-09-14|work=411Mania}}</ref> For the [[King of Trios#2012|2012 King of Trios]], Chikara's Director of Fun Wink Vavasseur mixed members of the Colony with members of the Swarm against their wishes, with Soldier Ant being forced to team with combatAnt and deviAnt as the Swarm, and Fire Ant and Green Ant being forced to team with assailAnt as the Colony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/blog/7-31-2012.php|title=Green Ant blog|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]|date=2012-07-31|access-date=2012-09-14}}</ref> Following these changes, both teams were eliminated from the tournament in the first round on September 14, with the Colony losing to Team [[Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling|Sendai Girls]] ([[Dash Chisako]], [[Meiko Satomura]] and [[Sendai Sachiko]]) and the Swarm to Jigsaw, Mike Quackenbush and [[Manami Toyota]].<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1347717623|title=9/14 Chikara "King of Trios: Night 1" Results: Easton, PA|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=2012-09-15|access-date=2012-09-15|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The two mixed Colony and Swarm trios were also forced to remain together after the tournament.<ref name=ChikaraResults/> The Colony's involvement in the feud with Gekido culminated when Quackenbush injured combatAnt to the point of forcing him to retire, leaving the Swarm to consist of only deviAnt and Soldier Ant. Finally, on December 2 at [[Under the Hood]], assailAnt transitioned into being a ''tecnico'' and became a full-fledged member of the Colony. The new Colony then departed together, leaving Soldier Ant alone at ringside.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_66964.shtml | title=Show Results – 12/2 Chikara Season Finale in Philadelphia, Pa.: Kingston defends top title, 1-2-3 Kid & Jannetty, Homecoming Dance leads to big reveal | last=Davidson | first=Chris | date=2012-12-03 | access-date=2012-12-06 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
With the Swarm effectively finished due to Gekido being ousted from Chikara, as well as continued dissension between deviAnt and Soldier Ant, Wink Vavasseur debuted three new Ants on March 8, 2013: Arctic Rescue Ant, Missile Assault Ant and Orbit Adventure Ant. Vavasseur installed Soldier Ant as the leader of this new group, collectively known as The Colony: Xtreme Force, who immediately started a rivalry with the original Colony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/75978/38-chikara-tampa-fl-debut-live-report-eddie-kingston-vs-amazing-kong-sean-waltman-new-ants-debut-and-more.html?p=1|title=3/8 Chikara Tampa, FL debut live report: Eddie Kingston vs. Amazing Kong, Sean Waltman, new ants debut and more|last=Spears|first=Michael|date=2013-03-09|access-date=2013-03-10|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/blog/3-14-2013.php|title=Wink Vavasseur|date=2013-03-14|access-date=2013-04-08|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317182654/http://www.chikarapro.com/blog/3-14-2013.php|archive-date=2013-03-17}}</ref> The rivalry also saw Vavasseur strip The Colony of their King of Trios medals and award them to The Colony: Xtreme Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/76727/part-two-of-the-46-chikara-show.html?p=1|title=Part two of the 4/6 Chikara show|last=Higham|first=Josh|date=2013-04-06|access-date=2013-04-08|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After mixed success with the new Ants throughout March, Soldier Ant ultimately ended his affiliation with the Colony: Xtreme Force by ([[kayfabe]]) quitting Chikara after they defeated the Colony on April 29 at the event The Shoulder of Pallas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/100-percent-fordified-chikara-the-shoulder-of-pallas/|title=411MANIA|website=100 Percent Fordified: CHIKARA The Shoulder of Pallas|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref> When Chikara went inactive following June 2013's [[Aniversario: Never Compromise]], The Colony came together with other Chikara wrestlers to battle a united group of ''rudos'' from the promotion's past, including both Gekido and The Colony: Xtreme Force, who were trying to permanently kill off Chikara. The storyline culminated on February 1, 2014, during the second National Pro Wrestling Day in a face-off between the two groups. During the face-off, assailAnt received an invitation to join the ''rudo'' group, but chose to remain with Chikara and the Colony in the ensuing battle, which the Chikara roster won, leading to the promotion announcing its return.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/103-indies/35296-national-pro-wrestling-day-report-2-1-easton-pa|title=National Pro Wrestling Day report 2-1 Easton, PA|last=Dominello|first=Zach|date=2014-02-04|access-date=2014-02-13|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> During the promotion's inactivity, it was revealed via The Ashes of Chikara YouTube series that Green Ant and Fire Ant still found it difficult to trust assailAnt, due to his previous association with Gekido and attempted to find Soldier Ant, but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, assailAnt proved his loyalty by refusing deviAnt's orders to burn down the Wrestle Factory and not crossing the line at National pro Wrestling Day. After the event, Green Ant discovered that assailAnt's change of heart came from being a father and not wanting his own son to see his father as a bitter and resentful man. Now convinced and fully trusting their former enemy, Green Ant and assailAnt reconciled and Green Ant passed the mantle of Worker Ant to him—which the original intended to be for Green Ant.
====Feud with The Flood (2014–2015)====
[[File:Colony KoT 2014.jpg|thumb|From left to right: Silver Ant, Fire Ant, and Worker Ant (II) during the [[King of Trios#2014|2014 King of Trios]] in September 2014]]
At Chikara's return event, [[Chikara You Only Live Twice|You Only Live Twice]] on May 25, the newly christened Worker Ant, Fire Ant and Green Ant were defeated in a six-man tag team match by The Colony: Xtreme Force, though they were successful in retrieving the King of Trios medals. The event concluded in an angle where Soldier Ant, now sporting a new tattered look,<ref name=SoldierTorneo>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/90046/126-chikara-tomorrow-never-dies-ippv-live-report-from-philadelphia-chikara-announces-uk-tour-royal-rumble-sunday-matinee-in-philly-and-more.html?p=1|title=12/6 CHIKARA 'TOMORROW NEVER DIES' iPPV LIVE REPORT FROM PHILADELPHIA: CHIKARA ANNOUNCES UK TOUR & ROYAL RUMBLE SUNDAY MATINEE IN PHILLY AND MORE &#124; PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref> returned as a ''rudo'' and attacked his former stablemates, despite pleads from Fire Ant, before subsequently joining The Flood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/85879/chikara-you-only-live-twice-ippv-live-report.html?p=1|title=Chikara 'You Only Live Twice' iPPV live report|last=Higham|first=Joshua|date=2014-05-25|access-date=2014-05-25|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> At the same event, Green Ant debuted a new silver look and on June 3, he was confirmed to have changed his name to Silver Ant. On September 19, The Colony defeated The Colony: Xtreme Force in the first round of the [[King of Trios#2014|2014 King of Trios]]. They were, however, eliminated from the tournament the following day by Flood representatives [[Eddie Kingston]], [[Jimmy Jacobs]] and Volgar following outside interference from Soldier Ant and Deucalion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/50836-9-19-chikara-results-easton-pa-king-of-trios-night-1|title=9/19-9/21 Chikara Results: Easton, PA (King of Trios weekend)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=2014-09-20|access-date=2014-09-21|work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On December 6 at [[Chikara Tomorrow Never Dies|Tomorrow Never Dies]], the Ants faced off in the annual ''torneo cibernetico'' with Fire Ant, Silver Ant and Worker Ant representing Chikara and Soldier Ant representing The Flood. In the end, Soldier Ant picked up the win by pinning Fire Ant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/90046/126-chikara-tomorrow-never-dies-ippv-live-report-from-philadelphia-chikara-announces-uk-tour-royal-rumble-sunday-matinee-in-philly-and-more.html?p=1|title=12/6 Chikara 'Tomorrow Never Dies' iPPV live report from Philadelphia: Chikara announces UK tour & Royal Rumble Sunday matinee in Philly and more|last=Higham|first=Joshua|date=2014-12-07|access-date=2014-12-07|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> The rivalry between Soldier Ant and his former Colony stablemates concluded a year later at Top Banana, the season 15 finale on December 5, 2015, where he and Fire Ant faced off in a singles match. Towards the end of the match, Soldier Ant's BDK stablemate Jakob Hammermeier went to punch the referee of the match, but accidentally hit Soldier Ant instead, effectively breaking his reprogramming by Deucalion. Remembering his true self, Soldier Ant then saluted each member of The Colony and officially rejoined the faction upon embracing them and having his King of Trios medal returned to him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/chikara-top-banana-results-126-shocker-biggest-show-year-203096|title=Chikara Top Banana results 12/6: Shocker in biggest show of the year|last=Langan|first=Michael|date=2015-12-06|access-date=2015-12-07|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
{{wide image|File:Fire Ant vs Soldier Ant during CHIKARA's Top Banana at 2300 Arena.jpg|580px|[[Drew Gulak|Soldier Ant]] (left) wrestling [[Orange Cassidy|Fire Ant]] at CHIKARA's Top Banana – December 5, 2015}}
====Various storylines (2016–2018)====
On December 3, 2016, it was announced that Soldier Ant would be forced to retire "due to injuries suffered in the war with Nazmaldun".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/106356/drew-gulak-farewell-and-more-123-chikara-in-chicago-results.html?p=1|title=Drew Gulak farewell and more: 12/3 Chikara in Chicago results|last1=Cardoza|first1=Adam|last2=Langan|first2=Michael|date=2016-12-04|access-date=2016-12-05|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> During 2017, Silver Ant also left Chikara, leaving Fire Ant as the lone Ant left in the promotion. In 2018, Fire Ant descended into madness when he realizes that Ophidian (who was disguised as 17 in 2014) had inadvertently caused The Colony to collapse after saving Frightmare (who was a tecnico at the time) from being killed by Deucalion, which would lead to Hallowicked & Frightmare to be possessed by the Eye of Tyr, and Frightmare destroying the other 3 ants. During 2018, two new ants debuted: Thief Ant, and a second Green Ant. Initially, Fire Ant had issues with the two new ants, saying that they were "not The Colony", until King Of Trios 2018, where they would win the entire tournament.
==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Fire Ant with Young Lions Cup.jpg|thumb|Fire Ant with the Young Lions Cup]]
*'''[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]'''
:*[[Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas|Campeonatos de Parejas]] ([[Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas#Title history|1 time]]) – Fire Ant and Soldier Ant<ref name="Fire Ant"/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/>
:*[[Chikara Young Lions Cup|Young Lions Cup VI]] ([[Chikara Young Lions Cup#Title history|1 time]]) – Fire Ant<ref name="Fire Ant"/>
:*[[King of Trios]] ([[King of Trios#2011|2011]]) – Fire Ant, Green Ant, and Soldier Ant<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref name=KoT2011/>
:*[[King of Trios]] ([[King of Trios#2018|2018]]) – Fire Ant, Green Ant (II), and Thief Ant<ref name=ChikaraResults/>
:*[[Tag World Grand Prix]] ([[Tag World Grand Prix#2008|2008]]) – Fire Ant and Soldier Ant<ref name="Fire Ant"/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/>
:*[[Torneo cibernetico|Torneo Cibernetico]] (2009) – Carpenter Ant<ref name="Pinkie Sanchez">{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3447|title=Pinkie Sanchez at Chikarafans.com|access-date=2009-12-21|publisher=Chikara Fans}}</ref>
:*[[Torneo cibernetico|Torneo Cibernetico]] (2014) - Soldier Ant<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref name="Soldier Ant"/>
*'''Chilanga Mask'''
:*Torneo de Parejas (2015) – Silver Ant and [[Ophidian (wrestler)|Ophidian]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95297/the-lucha-report.html?p=1|title=The Lucha Report|last=Zellner|first=Kris|date=2015-07-20|access-date=2015-07-20|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>
*'''	Eastern Townships Wrestling Association '''
**ETWA Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) - Electro Ant and Ultimo Ant<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=5269|website=Cage Match|title= ETWA Tag Team Championship}}</ref>
*'''Forza Lucha!'''
:*Forza Lucha Cup (2014) – Fire Ant<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=113847|title=Forza Lucha! Dos|access-date=2014-08-25|work=Cagematch}}</ref>
*'''Wrestling is Fun!'''
:*WiF! 24/7 Championship (1 time) – Green Ant<ref>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/chuckietea|title=chuckietea on Instagram|access-date=2013-08-30|work=Instagram}}</ref>
:*WiF! Banana Championship (1 time) – assailAnt<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wresting-is/fun---allentown-show-16884.html|title=Wrestling Is... Fun! - Allentown Show|access-date=2013-05-18|work=Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=20%|Winner (wager)
!width=20%|Loser (wager)
!width=20%|Location
!width=20%|Event
!width=15%|Date
!width=5%|Notes
|-
|Fire Ant and Soldier Ant (masks) || [[Chuck Taylor (wrestler)|Chuck Taylor]] and [[Icarus (wrestler)|Icarus]] (hair) || [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] || ''Aniversario Yang'' || {{dts|2009|05|24}} || <ref name=AniversarioYang/>
|}
===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:150 bottom:60 top:5 right:15
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:02/25/2006 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
Colors =
id:member value:green  legend:The_Colony
id:Swarm value:yellow legend:The_Swarm
id:CXF     value:red    legend:Colony_Xtreme_Force
id:NA value:blue legend:IndependANT
id:Not value:black legend:No_longer_an_ant
ScaleMajor = increment:1  gridcolor:black     start:01/01/2007 unit:year
BarData =
bar:Fire text:Fire Ant
bar:Soldier text:Soldier Ant
bar:Worker text:Worker Ant
bar:Silver text:Green Ant/Silver Ant
bar:Carpenter text:Carpenter Ant/Pink Ant
bar:GreenJPN text:Green Ant (Japan)
bar:Worker2 text:assailANT/Worker Ant II
bar:Deviant text:deviANT
bar:Combatant text:combatANT
bar:Bullet text:Arctic Rescue Ant/Bullet Ant
bar:Orbit text:Orbit Adventure Ant
bar:Missile text:Missile Assault Ant
bar:Pharaoh text:Pharaoh Ant
bar:Green2 text:Green Ant II/Ultimo Ant
bar:Thief text:Thief Ant/Electro Ant
bar:Green3 text:Green Ant III
PlotData =
width:11
bar:Fire     from:02/25/2006 till:10/06/2019 color:member
bar:Soldier  from:02/25/2006 till:07/28/2012 color:member
bar:Soldier  from:07/28/2012 till:12/02/2012 color:Swarm
bar:Soldier  from:12/02/2012 till:03/08/2013 color:NA
bar:Soldier  from:03/08/2013 till:04/29/2013 color:CXF
bar:Soldier  from:05/25/2014 till:12/05/2015 color:NA
bar:Soldier  from:12/05/2015 till:12/03/2016 color:member
bar:Worker   from:11/17/2006 till:03/06/2009 color:member
bar:Silver   from:02/20/2009 till:06/10/2017 color:member
bar:Carpenter from:05/24/2009 till:11/22/2009 color:member
bar:Carpenter from:08/21/2016 till:08/21/2016 color:member
bar:GreenJPN from:06/12/2009 till:06/13/2009 color:member
bar:Worker2  from: 02/26/2012 till:08/17/2012 color:Swarm
bar:Worker2 from:08/17/2012 till:02/04/2017 color:member
bar:Worker2 from:04/14/2018 till:07/14/2018 color:member
bar:Worker2 from:03/16/2019 till:03/16/2019 color:member
bar:Worker2 from:05/11/2019 till:05/11/2019 color:member
bar:Worker2 from:04/03/2024 till:end color:member
bar:Deviant from:02/26/2012 till:12/02/2012 color:Swarm
bar:Deviant from:12/02/2012 till:05/03/2013 color:NA
bar:Deviant from:05/03/2013 till:09/29/2013 color:CXF
bar:Deviant from:09/29/2013 till:06/22/2014 color:NA
bar:Combatant from:02/26/2012 till:09/14/2012 color:Swarm
bar:Bullet  from:03/08/2013 till:09/06/2015 color:CXF
bar:Bullet  from:09/06/2015 till:08/21/2016 color:NA
bar:Bullet  from:08/21/2016 till:12/22/2016 color:member
bar:Missile from:03/08/2013 till:07/25/2015 color:CXF
bar:Missile from:07/25/2015 till:08/21/2016 color:Not
bar:Missile from:08/21/2016 till:09/02/2016 color:member
bar:Missile from:09/02/2016 till:11/09/2019 color:Not
bar:Orbit   from:03/08/2013 till:09/06/2015 color:CXF
bar:Pharaoh from:09/04/2015 till:09/04/2015 color:member
bar:Pharaoh from:08/21/2016 till:08/21/2016 color:member
bar:Pharaoh from:11/05/2016 till:11/05/2016 color:member
bar:Green2  from:02/02/2018 till:end color:member
bar:Thief   from:02/24/2018 till:end color:member
bar:Green3  from:04/20/2024 till:04/20/2024 color:member
}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Chikara profile|fire-ant|Fire Ant}}
*{{Chikara profile|silver-ant|Silver Ant}}
*{{Chikara profile|soldier-ant|Soldier Ant}}
*{{Chikara profile|worker-ant|Worker Ant}}
*[http://wrestlingisfun.org/fireant.htm Fire Ant's Wrestling is Fun! profile]
*[http://wrestlingisfun.org/greenant.htm Green Ant's Wrestling is Fun! profile]
{{Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas}}
{{Tag World Grand Prix}}
{{King of Trios}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Colony}}
[[Category:Independent promotions teams and stables]]
[[Category:Masked tag teams]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling gimmicks]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Ring of Honor teams and stables]]