Charles Scaggs, known to wrestling fans as 2 Cold Scorpio and Flash Funk, is scheduled to stand trial on November 3rd in Kansas City. The 59-year-old former WWF, WCW, and ECW star faces one count of first-degree assault and one count of armed criminal action stemming from an incident in June 2024.
At a pre-trial hearing held yesterday, Scaggs’ attorney filed paperwork indicating that he will claim self-defense at the trial. Scaggs has plead not guilty to the charges.
The June 2024 Incident
Scaggs was arrested on June 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri, following a confrontation at a Love’s Travel Stop, where he was employed as a security guard. The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 AM when Scaggs confronted a man about a lit cigarette.
According to a TMZ.com report at the time, Scaggs told authorities that when he informed the man he could not smoke inside, the man responded with, “What are you going to do?” A physical incident reportedly ensued once the two went outside. The man told authorities he believed his cigarette was out before entering the building but admitted it might not have been fully extinguished.
Details from the TMZ.com report shed more light on the violent encounter. “During the scuffle, Scaggs told authorities he pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed the guy in self-defense,” the report stated. “The wrestler said the altercation went on for several more moments — and in the squabble, he got in a few more stabs too.”
The report continued, “Cops say when they arrived on the scene, they found the guy who was stabbed lying on the ground … bleeding from his head, chest, buttocks, legs and abdomen. They added that he was transported to a local hospital … as he was going in and out of consciousness.” Investigators later spoke with the man at the medical facility, where “they say he told them Scaggs was the aggressor in the situation.”
Sergeant Phil DiMartino of The Kansas City Police Department provided a statement to PWInsider.com at the time, confirming the events. “On 6-15-24 at 0340 AM, officers were dispatched to 3201 Ameristar Dr on a reported cutting,” DiMartino wrote. “Officers contacted the victim and suspect. The victim had numerous cut and stab wounds and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested at the scene.”
A number of former ECW stars, including Tod Gordon, The Sandman, and Bill Alfonso, have rallied to help fundraise for his defense.
