By Gloria Drealomalicha
A Mexican professional wrestler has been arrested after allegedly performing a banned wrestling move on a 75-year-old referee who died during a match in Hidalgo.
El Hijo de Fishman, 36, was detained by police following the death of referee Gerardo German Pineda, popularly known as El Buho, during the main event of a wrestling show organised by El Patron Espectacular on Wednesday, October 7.
The wrestler, whose father is the former professional wrestler Fishman, was facing Mascara Sagrada in the headline bout when the incident occurred.
Reports said El Hijo de Fishman performed a double-underhook piledriver on Pineda during the match. The referee reportedly remained motionless afterwards, prompting officials to stop the bout.
When paramedics arrived, Pineda was reportedly found without vital signs.
According to LuchaBlog, a social media account covering professional wrestling, the referee lay motionless in the ring for several minutes before anyone checked on him, as those present initially believed he was acting as part of the performance.
The report also raised concerns over the alleged absence of an ambulance and medical personnel at the event, which it said were required for wrestling shows in Hidalgo.
“When paramedics arrived, they could only confirm that Buho had passed away,” LuchaBlog reported, adding that police had taken El Hijo de Fishman into custody as investigations continued.
The incident has also drawn attention to the safety measures in place at wrestling events, particularly the availability of emergency medical assistance when performers or officials sustain injuries.
El Hijo de Fishman could face manslaughter charges, which reportedly carry a prison sentence of between five and 15 years if convicted.
However, the circumstances surrounding Pineda’s death remain under investigation, and the wrestler’s arrest does not establish criminal responsibility.
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