75 year old referee dies after wrestler allegedly slams him into ring in Mexico
A 75 year old wrestling referee has reportedly died after being slammed into the ring during a wrestling event in Hidalgo, Mexico.
The incident occurred during the main event between El Hijo de Fishman and Mascara Sagrada for El Patron Espectaculous on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
According to reports, El Hijo de Fishman, 36, allegedly performed a double underhook piledriver on referee Gerardo German Pineda, popularly known as El Buho.
Pineda reportedly remained motionless after the move, prompting the match to be stopped. When paramedics eventually arrived, he was reportedly found without vital signs.
Local reports cited by LuchaBlog alleged that Pineda remained on the mat for several minutes because those present initially believed he was selling the impact as part of the performance. The reports also raised questions about the reported absence of medical personnel and an ambulance at the event.
El Hijo de Fishman, the son of former professional wrestler Fishman, was arrested at the scene as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding Pineda’s death.
He could reportedly face manslaughter charges if authorities determine that the move caused the referee’s death. Such charges could carry a prison sentence of between five and 15 years.
