Independent wrestler Ivan Warsaw killed in shooting

[Chris]

WWE News: Former NXT wrestler Knuckles Madsen killed in shooting

41-year-old Kevin Nikel, who wrestled under the name Knuckles Madsen in NXT and Ivan Warsaw elsewhere, has died.

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41-year-old Kevin Nikel, who wrestled under the name Knuckles Madsen in NXT and Ivan Warsaw elsewhere, has died.

The Arkansas Northwest Democrat-Gazette reports that police identified Nikel as the victim of a shooting in Benton County, Arkansas, on Friday. Deputies responded to calls about a possible gunshot victim shortly after midnight and found Nikel, who was transported to a hospital where he later died. Police have since revealed that he suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The shooting is considered an active investigation. No arrests have been made.

Nikel wrestled in WWE developmental territories OVW and NXT from 2012 to 2013, primarily performing on house shows and in dark matches. Following his WWE departure, he continued wrestling on independent shows around Texas, as well as for Championship Wrestling from Memphis and Southwest Wrestling Entertainment.

Numerous people from around the wrestling world are paying tribute to Nikel online in the wake of his passing.

“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,” wrote TNA X-Division Champion Moose.

“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,” wrote Ozark Mountain Wrestling.

“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,” wrote Memphis Wrestling.

“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,” wrote Enzo Amore.

Late last year, Madsen was interviewed by Developmentally Speaking: