1st Degree Murder Charge Dropped Against Wife In Ex-WWE Wrestler’s Death

In July 2025, WWE development wrestler Ivan Warsaw was found fatally shot.

After the police arrived at the scene, he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. He was 41 years old at the time.

He was also renowned for his stint with Ozark Mountain Wrestling, whose account posted a tribute for him on Facebook, speaking about his friendliness and his love for his family, especially his son.

After investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Amanda Penny and Michael Hogue. Nikel’s mother revealed that Penny was her son’s ex-wife. They had been married for 10 years, and their divorce was finalized just days before the WWE star’s fatal shooting.

She also revealed that Hogue was Penny’s partner at the time. Hogue also had a previous criminal history, due to which his bond was set at $750,000, whereas Penny received a 500,000 bond.

Murder Charge Dropped Against Former WWE Star’s Ex-Wife

The latest update in Amanda Penny’s trial revealed that she was no longer facing first degree murder charge after the prosecutors dropped it, leading to her release from prison.

However, this does not mean that she is now a free woman.

The ex-wife of former WWE star Ivan Warsaw is still looking at serious charges, including possession of a firearm and hindering apprehension. The firearm charge could see her serve 20 years in jail if convicted.

Her sentence could even get bumped up to a Class B felony owing to her earlier crimes.

Penny has also been ordered to serve 8-10 months with the Victory Mission Bible Training Center in Arkansas. Additionally, she has a no-contact order assigned against her, meaning she cannot contact Nikel’s family or even her own son.

Elsewhere, Michael Hogue continues to serve his prison time, as he was the one who pulled the trigger on the former WWE star.

Penny’s next court update is scheduled via Zoom on July 28.

H/T: Ringside News