Thu Nov 20 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Amanda Penny and her boyfriend, Michael Hogue, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the July shooting death of Penny’s ex-husband, Kevin Nikel, a former WWE wrestler. Nikel was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and died at a local hospital. The couple’s divorce was finalized just days before the shooting. Penny is currently pregnant. Hogue is being held on a $750,000 bond, while Penny’s bond is set at $500,000.
News Article:
Ex-Wife and Boyfriend Arrested in Murder of Former WWE Wrestler
Rogers, AR – Amanda Penny, 40, and her boyfriend, Michael Hogue, 51, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Kevin Nikel, 41, a former WWE wrestler. Nikel was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen on July 11th in the Rogers, Arkansas area and later died at a local hospital.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests on Monday, November 17th. Both Penny and Hogue also face charges of possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Nikel, who wrestled in WWE’s NXT brand as Knuckles Madsen from 2012 to 2013, had finalized his divorce with Penny just days before his death. The divorce was officially granted on July 8th. Court documents reveal that Penny and Hogue are romantically involved.
At a bond hearing on Wednesday, Penny’s public defender disclosed that she is seven months pregnant. Hogue is being held on a $750,000 bond, while Penny is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Nikel’s mother, Susan Kinderman, told news outlets that the family is still seeking answers regarding the details surrounding her son’s death. Nikel was the founder of the Ozark Wrestling Academy and the Ozark Mountain Wrestling promotion.
First Piper 