Mexican Wrestler Arrested for Manslaughter After Referee Dies
Professional wrestler El Hijo de Fishman arrested for manslaughter after referee dies during match.
2 min read
Tragedy struck Mexico this week when professional wrestler El Hijo de Fishman, 36, was arrested on manslaughter charges after a veteran referee, Gerardo German Pineda, 75, died during a wrestling match. The incident occurred during a matchup against Mascara Sagrada in Hidalgo for the El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre promotion.
Referee Dies After Piledriver Move
According to police reports, Fishman performed a piledriver on Pineda, a move that involves the wrestler appearing to drop the target vertically onto their head while their body absorbs the shock to prevent the head from hitting the mat. After the move, Pineda reportedly became immobile and was later pronounced dead. The move, often discussed in professional wrestling tutorials, has sparked debates over its safety.
Controversy Over Safety and Response
Several wrestlers have previously criticized the move for its potential to cause serious injuries, with some, like Stone Cold Steve Austin, claiming the WWE banned it for years. Luchablog reported on X that the referee was lying on the mat for minutes before anyone checked on him, and there were no paramedics or medical personnel present at the event, which is required for Hidalgo shows.
When paramedics arrived, they confirmed that Pineda had passed away. Police are holding Fishman in custody as they investigate the incident. A photo of the piledriver is circulating, but no image of a medic was available, as none were present at the event.
Company Response and Legal Proceedings
El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre described the incident as “regrettable” and stated that the company is providing legal assistance to Fishman to ensure the legal process is handled appropriately. The company emphasized its commitment to following legal procedures and working with the authorities.
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols in professional wrestling, especially regarding the use of high-risk moves and the presence of medical personnel at events. As investigations continue, the wrestling community and fans await further details on the circumstances surrounding the referee’s death.
Source: Breitbart
