Homicide investigation underway after local wrestler fatally shot near Rogers

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A homicide investigation is underway in Benton County after longtime local wrestler Kevin Nikel was shot and killed on July 11 near Rogers.

Deputies responded to the area of East Highway 12, where they found a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Nikel, 41, was taken to a nearby hospital and later died from his injuries.

Nikel was known in the regional wrestling community for running Ozark Mountain Wrestling for more than a decade. A wrestler himself, he performed under the name Ivan Warsaw.

Ozark Mountain Wrestling released a tribute on Facebook on July 12, calling the loss “deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved him.”

Friends and fellow wrestlers described Nikel as someone who created a welcoming and inclusive space for all, especially young people and those with disabilities.

“He found ways to celebrate who people were and then helped move that into things that could help them grow,” friend Devin Lyles said. “My kid with autism would come in wearing a mask and wrestling tights, wanted an entrance song, and not only was he okay with it—he celebrated it.”

Logan Pendergraft, head trainer for Ozark Mountain Wrestling, said he remembered Nikel as someone who “lowered himself… below everybody else and made sure that they knew that they were valued and that they were loved.”

Nikel’s brother, Randy Nikel, called the wrestling events “incredible,” recalling the performances as filled with “pageantry and pomp and circumstance.”

Nikel leaves behind his son Zach, who Ozark Mountain said was “who was the center of his world.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.

Ozark Mountain Wrestling also announced a public memorial service on Friday, July 18 from 2–3 p.m. at New Hope Assembly of God, located at 2626 W New Hope Rd, Rogers, AR.

The investigation continues

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 50-year-old Michael Hogue was arrested following the shooting. His listed address matches the scene of the incident.

However, Hogue has not been charged in connection with Nikel’s death. He is currently being held on a probation and parole violation as authorities further the investigation.