A former WWE wrestler has been shot and killed in Arkansas.
Kevin Nikel, known as Ivan Warsaw and Knuckles Madsen, was shot in the stomach early Friday morning, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office revealed.
He was brought to hospital where he passed away. An investigation is still underway.
Nikel wrestler for TSW, UWN and Memphis Wrestling. In NXT, he wrestled as Knuckles Madsen from 2012 to 2013. There he wrestled Mojo Rawley, CJ Parker, Rusev, Baron Corbin and Kassius Ohno.
TNA superstar Moose had this to say:
Wow…… this hit hard just got the news on Kevin Nykiel we were supposed to wrestle next weekend but his life got taken way too early….. Great human Great Heart Great pro wrestler you will be missed dearly. Rest Easy ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/ytVddKN3Pp
— MOOSE™️ (@TheMooseNation) July 12, 2025
Memphis Wrestling wrote this tribute:
Our Memphis Wrestling family is devastated to learn about the untimely passing of Kevin Nikels aka Ivan Warsaw.
Strong-willed. Powerful voice. A force in and out of the ring.
“He’s a killer… and he’s coming home.”
Rest in power, Kevin 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8K9edF69I9
— Memphis Wrestling (@Mem_Wrestling) July 12, 2025
Ozark Mountain Wrestling remembered Nikel:
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of Kevin Nikel (Ivan Warsaw).
The shock of his loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew & loved him. He was an amazing friend & had a fierce love for his family.
We ask for privacy & prayers during this difficult time pic.twitter.com/BPLc5NOcwA
— Ozark Mountain Wrestling (@OMWinfo) July 12, 2025
Others posted:
Rest in peace to a really good man – Kevin Nikel (Knuckles Madsen/Ivan Warsaw)
He was a good man who loved his family and friends. Shot in cold blood. He was one of the real cowboys in pro wrestling. Gone, but never forgotten.
— Stallion Rogers ☆ スタリオン・ロジャース (@StallionRogers) July 12, 2025
NWA Texas is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Nikel, professionally known as Ivan Warsaw & Knuckles Madsen.
His contributions to Professional Wrestling will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
Rest in Peace 💐 pic.twitter.com/UwdQVBhoRi
— “The Voice” 🎙Lieutenant Dan 🇺🇸 (@LTDanTheVoice) July 12, 2025
We lost one of the best wrestlers in the world, anyone who was in the ring with Ivan Warsaw, Knuckles Madsen, or Killer Kevin Nikel.
Truth be told, this is one of my favorite matches of my career, against my best opponent.
We just spoke last week, I can’t believe it.
💔 https://t.co/xsoxlu92x1— REAL1 (FKA Enzo Amore) (@real1) July 12, 2025
