The case surrounding the death of former WWE developmental talent Kevin Nikel has taken another major shift, as accused shooter Michael Hogue has now had his existing parole revokedensuring he stays behind bars regardless of bond status.
Authorities confirmed that Hogue, who was arrested in connection with Nikels July homicide, was already on parole from a previous criminal conviction. He had been released from prison just one month before the shooting took place. That parole has now been officially pulled.
Hogue had been serving parole stemming from an earlier case involving Aggravated Assault and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and he was expected to remain under supervision until April 2033. The parole board revoked that status yesterday, meaning that even if Hogue posts the $750,000 bond tied to the murder case, he will remain incarcerated.
Both Hogue and Amanda Marie PennyNikels exwifeare now scheduled for a court hearing on January 5, 2026. Hogue faces 1st Degree Murder, while Penny is charged as Accomplice to Murder in the 1st Degree, carrying identical penalties under Arkansas law.
If convicted, both defendants are facing between 10 and 40 years in prisonor life imprisonment. They have also been charged individually with Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons. Under Arkansas law, that charge can bring up to 20 years, and could escalate to a Class B Felony if the suspect has a prior violent felony or the firearm was possessed during a separate criminal offense. Hogue meets both qualifiers.
Authorities previously revealed that Nikel died after being found shot in the abdomen on July 11 in Rogers, Arkansas. He was transported for emergency treatment but later died at the hospital. He was 41 years old.
After their arrests earlier this year, Nikels mother, Susan Kinderman, spoke publicly about what authorities shared with her. She said detectives believe her son may have been led into a confrontation before the shooting.
Kinderman also explained that Nikel and Pennys relationship unraveled shortly before his death.
Working under the names Ivan Warsaw and later Knuckles Madsen, Nikel signed a developmental deal with WWE in 2012 and wrestled regularly across WWE NXT events before leaving in 2013. His career continued throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Memphis, including matches against legends such as Jerry Lawler. Kinderman says her focus now is simply finding out what truly happened.
Both Hogue and Penny remain incarcerated in Benton County Jail as they await their next hearing.
With parole revoked and the murder case now fully advancing, the coming months may finally reveal how and why Nikels life was cut short.
Do you believe revoking parole was the right decision based on the circumstances? What outcome do you expect when the case goes to court? Share your thoughts in the commentswed like to hear your perspective.
