Wrestler Arrested After Referee Dies From Alleged Piledriver During Match in Mexico
The 36-year-old wrestler, El Hijo de Fishman, faces a manslaughter charge after the death of 75-year-old referee Gerardo German Pineda.
A professional wrestler in Mexico has been arrested and faces a manslaughter charge following the death of a referee during a match on Wednesday. El Hijo de Fishman, 36, was reportedly performing a piledriver on 75-year-old Gerardo German Pineda, known as El Buho, during a bout in Hidalgo for the El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre promotion. Pineda was pronounced dead at the scene.
Video circulating online shows Fishman performing a bodyslam on Pineda earlier in the match, which appeared to be executed safely. A photograph of the alleged piledriver has also surfaced, but its authenticity is unconfirmed. Footage of the piledriver itself has not yet emerged.
A piledriver is a wrestling move where a performer lifts an opponent vertically before simulating a drop onto their head. For safety, the wrestler performing the move typically absorbs the impact with their own body, ensuring the opponent's head does not make direct contact with the mat. The move has been banned in WWE for extended periods due to the risk of serious injury.
Reports indicate that Pineda remained on the mat for several minutes, with onlookers initially believing he was selling the performance. Emergency medical services were reportedly not present at the event, which is a requirement for wrestling shows in Hidalgo. Paramedics arrived and confirmed Pineda's death.
El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre issued a statement calling the incident "regrettable." The company stated it is cooperating with the investigation and providing legal assistance to Hijo de Fishman. The promotion also confirmed it is in contact with Pineda's family and their legal representatives to ensure the situation is handled appropriately and respectfully for all parties involved.