Former WWE wrestler Kevin Nikel, known professionally as Knuckles Madsen and Ivan Warsaw, was fatally shot in Rogers, Arkansas on Friday, July 12, 2025. The 41-year-old professional wrestler was discovered by Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies shortly after midnight with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
According to Lieutenant Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call in the area of East Highway 12 near Rogers and found Nikel bleeding from his wound. He was immediately transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with authorities not releasing additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, multiple sources report that 50-year-old Michael Hogue, whose address matches the location where the shooting occurred, was taken into custody on a probation and parole hold. Hogue has not been charged with any crimes related to the shooting as of the time of reporting.
Nikel competed in WWE NXT under the ring name Knuckles Madsen from 2012 to 2013. During his time with the company’s developmental territory, he faced notable opponents including Mojo Rawley, Kassius Ohno, Rusev, Baron Corbin, and CJ Parker. He primarily performed in house shows and dark matches before departing the organization.
Following his WWE departure, Nikel continued his wrestling career on the independent circuit under the name Ivan Warsaw. He competed for various promotions including TSW, UWN, Memphis Wrestling, Championship Wrestling, and Southwest Wrestling Entertainment. His wrestling career spanned nearly two decades, with his final documented match taking place in July 2024.
Nikel leaves behind his eight-year-old son Zac, who was described by colleagues as the center of his world. Ozark Mountain Wrestling indicated that Nikel was an amazing friend who had a fierce love for his family.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover memorial service costs and provide financial support for Zac. The fundraising effort was shared by various wrestling organizations and colleagues who worked with Nikel throughout his career.
Multiple wrestling promotions and fellow wrestlers have paid tribute to Nikel since news of his death emerged. Dogg Pound Championship Wrestling released a statement expressing sadness over his passing, noting that his contributions to professional wrestling will never be forgotten. The organization extended thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
TNA X-Division Champion Moose expressed shock at the news, revealing that he and Nikel were scheduled to wrestle the following weekend. Moose characterized Nikel as a great human being with a great heart and described him as a great professional wrestler who would be missed dearly.
Memphis Wrestling posted a tribute remembering Nikel as strong-willed with a powerful voice and described him as a force both in and out of the ring. The organization noted his impact on their wrestling family and expressed devastation over his untimely passing.
Professional wrestler Enzo Amore, formerly of WWE, shared that Nikel was “one of the best wrestlers in the world” and described him as his best opponent. Amore revealed that he and Nikel had spoken just the previous week and expressed disbelief at the news.
Ozark Mountain Wrestling announced plans for a memorial service to celebrate Nikel’s life and memory. The service was scheduled for Friday, July 18, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at New Hope Assembly of God, located at 2626 West New Hope Road in Rogers, Arkansas. The organization invited friends and family to join them in fellowship and support as they remembered Nikel and the impact he had on those around him.
The wrestling community’s response highlighted Nikel’s reputation as both a skilled performer and a dedicated family man. Colleagues consistently described him as someone who prioritized his relationships and maintained strong connections within the wrestling industry throughout his career.
