A FORMER WWE superstar has been shot dead as police launch an urgent probe.
Kevin Nikel, 41, was best known to fans as NXT brawler Knuckles Madsen as well as Ivan Warsaw on the Indie scene.
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Nikel was reportedly shot and killed on Friday in Benton County, Arkansas.
Cops discovered the professional wrestler after midnight with a gunshot wound to his abdomen before rushing him to hospital.
Nikel tragically passed away before he could receive life-saving treatment.
Benton County officials are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No arrests have been made in the case yet.
Nikel leaves behind his young eight-year-old son Zac.
A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for his memorial service and to give some money to Zac.
Nikel had a brief spell with WWE between 2012 to 2013.
He started out working on the developmental territory of OVW before moving to NXT.
He mainly showcased his skills 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 and Southwest Wrestling Entertainment.
Tributes for the beloved and talented wrestler have poured in since his passing.
TNA X-Division Champion Moose said: “Wow, this hit hard just got the news on Kevin Nikel 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”
As Ozark Mountain Wrestling wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of Kevin Nikel.
“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.”
It comes just weeks after former WWE star Maxx Justice tragically died after being hit by a vehicle while he cycled home from work.
Mike Raybeck, 63 – known to wrestling fans as Maxx Justin and Mike Diamond – was a six-foot-five, 250lb star who became a prominent figure in the California wrestling scene before starring in the WWF.
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