A referee has died after a piledriver during a match in Mexico, leading to the arrest of wrestler El Hijo de Fishman on manslaughter charges.
During a professional wrestling match against Mascara Sagrada on Wednesday for the El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre promotion, 36-year-old El Hijo de Fishman reportedly performed a piledriver on 75-year-old Gerardo German Pineda, also known as El Buho.
Professional wrestler Hijo de Fishman was arrested at the scene
In a video that has been shared online, Hijo de Fishman, wearing green pants and a mask, is shown picking up the famed referee and body-slamming him to the mat. The ref then acts like he is in pain as he rolls around on the canvas.
Later, during the match in Mineral de la Reforma, Hijo de Fishman performed a “martinete,” commonly known as a piledriver, on Pineda, who was declared dead at the venue after going unconscious and lying motionless on the canvas. No footage of the piledriver has been released.
Hijo de Fishman was arrested and turned over to authorities on charges of culpable homicide, which is basically the equivalent of manslaughter in the United States.
“We all thought it was part of the show because it is something that happens very commonly,” witness Steph Heredia told The Daily Star.
The blurred line between reality and wrestling allegedly led to a slow response to the medical emergency
“The local reports are that Buho lay on the mat unmoving for minutes before anyone checked on him, thinking he was selling. There was reportedly no ambulance or medical personnel on hand; those are required for Hidalgo shows, and this card was running a bit under the radar,” Luchablog wrote on X.
“When paramedics arrived, they could only confirm that Buho had passed away. The police are holding Hijo de Fishman in custody while investigating. A photo of the piledriver is circulating. Can’t circulate a photo of a medic who isn’t there, but that’s going to be as big a deal.”
El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre issued a statement following the referee’s death
“Our company is attentive to the developing situation and has arranged accompaniment and legal assistance for Hijo de Fishman, so that the corresponding process is carried out in accordance with the law and before the competent authorities,” El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre said in a statement shared by Fightful.
“The lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo German Pineda, “El Buho,” and with his legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.
“The legal process is still ongoing, so, out of respect for the authorities and due process, this company will refrain from issuing additional information that could interfere with or prejudice the facts,” the statement continued. “We ask the fans, media and members of the guild to act with prudence, discretion and respect, and avoid the spread of rumors or unconfirmed information, so as not to hinder the investigations and out of respect for all parties involved and their families.
“We deeply regret the loss of a life and express our solidarity with his family, friends and colleagues in the wrestling business.”