Another tragedy has struck the professional wrestling community this week, when a referee in Mexico died during a match – leading to the luchador who performed a move on him to be arrested for manslaughter.
Footage from the event on Wednesday in Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico, shows Hijo De Fishman first performing a body slam on Gerardo German Pineda, then later executing a variation of a piledriver on the referee during a match.
According to reports, in a pre-planned exchange, the luchador performed a ‘package piledriver’ on Pineda as part of an angle during his match at the “Deslealtades” event.
However, the 75-year-old ref — known as El Buho — lay motionless on the floor outside the ring after taking the maneuver, with those in attendance believing he was “selling” an injury.
Once it was discovered that Pineda was in distress, paramedics were summoned and later pronounced him dead. His official cause of death has yet to be released by authorities.
Has the wrestler been charged?
El Patron Espectaculos, which put on the event, posted a video on its Instagram account on Friday morning, saying that Fishman had “obtained his freedom.”
“Esteemed media outlets, Today we have some news for you: Hijo De Fishman has obtained his freedom,” a company spokesman said, adding that the company’s law firm came to an agreement in which “Fishman is already free through this compensatory agreement and a reparation of the damage.”
The spokesman said that while the events were unfortunate, “there wasn’t a situation of going further in a (legal) process.”
A further press conference will be scheduled shortly.
“In due course, we will give a press conference along with his family and the lawyers who are representing us so that, please, you will no longer speculate about situations,” the company said.
Fishman was then arrested on suspicion of manslaughter or negligent homicide. If Fishman had been found guilty, the professional wrestler could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
What was the company’s initial statement?
The company initially issued a statement after the tragedy, saying it would provide “legal assistance” for Fishman.
“We are attentive to the developing situation and have 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,” the company said.
“The lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo Germán Pineda, ‘El Buho,’ and with his legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.”
The company also said that it would not be commented further on the incident due to legal concerns.
“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 company said.
“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.”
Another professional wrestling tragedy
According to wrestling historian Dave Meltzer, this is not the first time that a referee has died during a match, citing an incident involving El Gran Davis in a post on social media.
Pineda’s death comes after several tragic incidents in the world of professional wrestling over the past month.
On Sept. 27, Benjamin Satterley, also known as AEW star PAC and who also performed in WWE under the name Neville, reportedly was found dead in a vehicle in the parking lot of a restaurant in Des Plaines, Ill., a day after performing on AEW’s All Out pay-per-view event in Chicago. He was 40 years old.
On Sept. 4, professional wrestler Andy ‘The Butcher’ Williams died after suffering a medical episode while performing at an event in Millvale, Pa. He was 48.