The July killing of former WWE developmental talent Kevin Nikel has taken a major turn, as the U.S. Marshals have confirmed the arrests of two suspectsone of them Nikels own exwife.
According to officials, both were taken into custody on November 17, 2025, bringing a tragic case back into the spotlight. Nikel, known to wrestling fans as Ivan Warsaw and Knuckles Madsen, died on July 11 after being found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen in Rogers, Arkansas. He was transported to the hospital but later passed away. He was only 41 years old.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced that Michael Hogue has been charged with 1st Degree Murder, while Amanda Penny, Nikels exwife, has been charged with Accomplice to Murder in the 1st Degree. Both are also facing weapons-related charges. The statement released by the Marshals reads:
Nikels mother, Susan Kinderman, spoke with CBS affiliate THV11 and confirmed that Amanda Penny was Nikels exwifeand their divorce had only been finalized days before his death. According to Kinderman, investigators believe her son may have been lured into meeting with Penny and Hogue shortly before the shooting.
Kinderman gave more background on the pairs relationship, explaining that Nikel and Penny first met in high school.
The Marshals say both suspects were arrested simultaneously:
Nikelwho once held a WWE developmental deal in 2012wrestled across Texas, Arkansas, and Memphis through 2024, even headlining TCW shows against Jerry Lawler. His wrestling career had continued long after his WWE exit, making him a familiar face on the Southern independent circuit. Kinderman said her priority now is finding out why her son was killed.
This case remains active, and with both suspects now in custody, more information is expected to surface as prosecutors move forward.
How do you feel about the shocking developments in this case? Do you think justice is finally on the way, or is there still more to uncover about what really happened that night? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
