Former wrestling star 2 Cold Scorpio arrested for brutal stabbing, claims self-defense

According to court documents obtained by TMZ SportsThe bloody incident occurred around 3:40 a.m. at a Love’s Travel Stop in Kansas City, Missouri.

According to authorities, 2 Cold Scorpio – aka Charles Scaggs – told them he was working as a security guard at the store … when he saw a man lighting a cigarette inside the store.

The victim tells TMZ Sports he did NOT light a cigarette in the store – he says he thought the arrow was extinguished before entering the building, but it may not have gone out completely.

Scaggs stated that he told the man he was not allowed to smoke inside, but then the man became angry and said, “What the hell are you going to do?”

Scaggs said the man then threatened him … and when the two finally left the store, the guy tried to wrestle with him, he claimed.

During the scuffle, Scaggs told authorities he pulled a knife out of his pocket and stabbed the man in self-defense. The wrestler said the altercation continued for a few moments – and during the altercation he stabbed the man a few more times.

Police said when they arrived at the scene, they found the stabbed man lying on the ground… bleeding from his head, chest, buttocks, legs and abdomen. They added he was taken to a local hospital… as he kept losing consciousness.

However, according to the documents, investigators were able to contact him later that day at the medical facility … and he reportedly told them that Scaggs was the aggressor in that situation.

Scaggs was eventually thrown behind bars… and hit with two charges – one count of first-degree assault and one count of armed criminal action.

According to court documents, he pleaded not guilty after being released on bail. He is due back in court next month to hear the case.

Scaggs made his breakthrough in the world of professional wrestling in 1985… and subsequently took part in several competitions, including the WWE.