Mexican wrestler arrested after 75-year-old referee dies in main-event ring incident

A professional wrestler in Mexico has been arrested after allegedly performing a prohibited move on a 75-year-old referee during a match. El Hijo de Fishman, 36, appeared in the main event against Mascara Sagrada for El Patron Espectaculous on Wednesday morning, October 7, in Hidalgo. He is the son of former professional wrestler Fishman. Police took him into custody after referee Gerardo German Pineda, also known as El Buho, died in the ring. During the bout, Hijo de Fishman delivered a double underhook piledriver to Pineda. The referee did not move afterward, and the match was stopped. When paramedics arrived, Pineda reportedly showed no vital signs. LuchaBlog wrote on social media that local reports said Buho lay motionless on the mat for several minutes before anyone checked on him, because people thought he was selling the move. The post said there was reportedly no ambulance or medical staff on hand. Such services are required for Hidalgo shows, and the card was running somewhat under the radar, according to the post. When paramedics arrived, they could only confirm that Buho had passed away, LuchaBlog wrote. Police are holding Hijo de Fishman in custody while investigating. A photo of the piledriver is circulating, LuchaBlog added, and the absence of a medic who was not there will likely become a major issue. Fishman Jr. was arrested at the scene and may face manslaughter charges, which carry a possible sentence of five to 15 years. The Mexican wrestling promotion El Patron Lucha Libre issued a statement about the incident. It said that given the events early on Wednesday, October 7, in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, during an event involving independent wrestler Hijo de Fishman and referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as El Búho, who lost his life, El Patrón Espectáculos was monitoring the situation. The company said it had arranged support and legal help for Hijo de Fishman so the process could proceed under the law and before the appropriate authorities. It also said its lawyer and legal representative were in contact with Pineda's family and his legal representatives to handle the case properly and ensure respect for everyone involved. Because the legal process is ongoing, the company said it would refrain from releasing additional information that could interfere with or prejudice the facts, citing respect for authorities and due process. It urged fans, media, and members of the industry to be prudent, discreet, and respectful, and to avoid spreading rumors or unconfirmed information so as not to hinder the investigation. The promotion expressed deep regret over the loss of life and solidarity with Pineda's family, friends, and colleagues in wrestling. A video of the incident has also circulated online.