• Former WWE NXT Wrestler Shot Dead
The wrestling community is mourning the unexpected loss of former WWE NXT wrestler Kevin Nikel, who wrestled under the names Knuckles Madsen and Ivan Warsaw. Nikel tragically passed away after being shot in Rogers, Arkansas, early Friday morning. He was 41. According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call just after midnight on East Highway 12 near Rogers, where they discovered Nikel suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Lieutenant Shannon Jenkins, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, confirmed the fatal shooting but noted that authorities are withholding additional details as the investigation remains active.
Nikel’s career in wrestling spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2006. He wrestled across multiple promotions and earned a spot in WWE’s NXT system, where he competed from 2012 to 2013. During his time in the ring, he faced off against notable names like Mojo Rawley and Kassius Ohno, building a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated performer.
Beyond WWE, Nikel worked with regional promotions including NWA Texas and Ozark Mountain Wrestling, both of which released heartfelt statements honoring his memory.
NWA Texas wrote, “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.”
Ozark Mountain Wrestling echoed the sentiment, stating, “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.”
Fans and fellow wrestlers alike have taken to social media to share condolences and memories of Nikel, remembering him as both a talented performer and a loyal friend. His final recorded match occurred in July 2024, capping off an 18-year career that left a mark on those who knew him in and out of the ring.
Details regarding the circumstances of the shooting remain scarce, as investigators continue to piece together what led to the tragic incident.
• WWE Star Promises Fans Will Be Shocked By His New Physique At Saturday Night’s Main Event
Drew McIntyre is warning fans to brace themselves for a dramatic physical transformation when he returns to the ring. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, McIntyre revealed that he’s used his recent time off to push his body to new limits and insists he’s coming back in the best shape of his life. “I’ve never followed a diet in my life. I’ve never had a personal trainer on my a$$ my entire life. I brought them in the past five weeks,” McIntyre said. He explained that stepping away for several weeks gave him perspective on his own performance, and he realized he’d been holding back. “The good thing about this time off: no rehab, actual planned time off. Took a step back, watched the product, seen what I didn’t like, and I watched myself and I went, ‘Wow, I wasn’t giving it my all.’”
McIntyre vowed that fans will see the difference the moment he takes off his shirt in the ring. “When you see Drew McIntyre with his shirt off for the first time at Saturday Night’s Main Event, you’re going to go, ‘Oh my God, how did this guy evolve even more than where he was at already?’” he said.
He added that he’s now driven to compete not just with other WWE stars but with himself. “I’m bringing an evolved Drew McIntyre, because I’m not competing with Cody or Cena or Roman or anyone else. From now on, I’m competing with Drew McIntyre, and nobody’s going to be able to keep up with me.”
McIntyre is set to face Randy Orton at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta.
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