Former WWE wrestler Kevin Nikel, who performed under the ring names Knuckles Madsen and Ivan Warsaw, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of July 11, 2025 in Arkansas. He was 41 years old.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call shortly after midnight in the area of East Highway 12 near Rogers, Arkansas. When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered Nikel bleeding from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Lieutenant Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that a man was shot and killed near Rogers. Jenkins indicated that the department is not releasing any further details at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.
Michael Hogue, 50, was taken into custody on a probation/parole hold. His address matches the location where the shooting occurred. However, Hogue has not been charged with any crimes related to the shooting as of the current reporting.
Nikel had a professional wrestling career spanning nearly two decades, beginning in 2007. He competed in various independent wrestling promotions, including TSW, UWN, and Memphis Wrestling. His most notable stint came with WWE’s developmental territory NXT, where he wrestled as Knuckles Madsen from 2012 to 2013.
During his time with WWE NXT, Nikel faced several prominent wrestlers, including Kassius Ohno, Mojo Rawley, Rusev, Baron Corbin, and CJ Parker. He primarily showcased his skills on house shows and in dark matches. Following his departure from WWE in 2013, he continued wrestling on the independent circuit around Texas and competed for Championship Wrestling and Southwest Wrestling Entertainment.
Nikel’s final documented match took place in July 2024, marking the end of an 18-year professional wrestling career. He had stepped away from active competition in recent months before his death.
The wrestler leaves behind his nine-year-old son Zach, who wrestling colleagues described as the center of his world. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support for his son.
Wrestling organizations and fellow performers have expressed their condolences following news of Nikel’s death. NWA Texas released a statement indicating they were saddened to learn of his passing and noted that “his contributions to Professional Wrestling will never be forgotten.”
Ozark Mountain Wrestling, the promotion where Nikel was most recently working, described the shock of his loss as being felt deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. The organization emphasized that he was an amazing friend who had a fierce love for his family, particularly his son.
TNA wrestler Moose expressed his grief on social media, revealing that he and Nikel were scheduled to wrestle the following weekend. He described Nikel as a great human being with a great heart and an exceptional professional wrestler whose life was taken too early.
Memphis Wrestling paid tribute to Nikel, describing him as strong-willed with a powerful voice and a force both in and out of the ring. Other wrestling personalities also shared their memories, with one describing him as one of the real cowboys in professional wrestling who loved his family and friends.
Former WWE wrestler Enzo Amore shared that he had spoken with Nikel just one week before his death and described him as one of his best opponents and favorite wrestlers to work with during his career.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues, with authorities not yet releasing additional details about the incident or potential charges related to the case.
A celebration of life was held on July 18th, 2025.