Two people have been arrested in the July shooting death of former WWE NXT wrestler Kevin Nikel. Amanda Penny and her boyfriend Michael Hogue were charged on Nov. 17 with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by certain persons. Nikel was shot on July 11, three days after his divorce from Penny was finalized; he later died at a hospital. Penny is reported to be seven months pregnant; bond was set at $500,000 for her and $750,000 for Hogue.
Former WWE NXT Star Shot Dead Days After Divorce; Ex-Wife and Her Boyfriend Arrested
Two people have been arrested in the July shooting death of former WWE NXT wrestler Kevin Nikel. Amanda Penny and her boyfriend Michael Hogue were charged on Nov. 17 with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by certain persons. Nikel was shot on July 11, three days after his divorce from Penny was finalized; he later died at a hospital. Penny is reported to be seven months pregnant; bond was set at $500,000 for her and $750,000 for Hogue.
02:28 AM, 11/20/2025Society
Authorities have arrested a woman and her boyfriend in connection with the July shooting death of former WWE NXT performer Kevin Nikel. Officials say 51-year-old Michael Hogue and 40-year-old Amanda Penny were taken into custody on Nov. 17 and face charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Nikel, 41, was found on July 11 suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen near Arkansas Highway 12 east of Rogers, Ark. He was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
Court records show Penny and Nikel finalized their divorce on July 8, just three days before the shooting. Documents filed in the case indicate Penny and Hogue were romantically involved at the time of the arrest.
Nikel performed in WWE NXT under the ring name Knuckles Madsen from 2012 to 2013. After his in-ring career he founded the Ozark Wrestling Academy and operated the Ozark Mountain Wrestling promotion.
At a bond hearing on Nov. 19, Penny's public defender told the court she is seven months pregnant and receiving medical care. Authorities set Hogue's bond at $750,000 and Penny's at $500,000; both remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Family members say they are frustrated by the limited public details about the case. Nikel's mother, Susan Kinderman, said relatives 'still don't know exactly what happened' and described investigators as 'pretty closed-lipped,' while emphasizing the family's desire for answers as the investigation continues.
Investigators have not released a full timeline or a detailed account of the shooting. The case remains under active investigation and further legal proceedings are expected as prosecutors review the evidence.