Wrestler El Hijo de Fishman arrested after referee’s death
11 october 2026 в 17:37
Professional wrestler El Hijo de Fishman has been arrested and may face charges of involuntary manslaughter after his move during a match led to the death of a referee.
The incident occurred in Hidalgo, Mexico, on October 7, when Fishman, 36, executed a planned move known as a «piledriver» on referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as El Búho. A piledriver is a move where a person is turned upside down and dropped headfirst onto the mat. According to Cageside Seats, Pineda, 75, fell onto the mat and did not get back up. Witnesses reported that he did not receive immediate assistance, as spectators and event staff thought he was just pretending as part of the show.
When medical personnel arrived, the referee was pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the potential danger of this move, the piledriver is often banned in WWE and other wrestling promotions.
Fishman is currently in custody at the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Hidalgo, according to the Spanish-language wrestling publication Super Luchas. His arrest has initiated a 48-hour period during which he must be presented to a judge for a hearing to determine formal charges. If charged and convicted, he could face between five to 15 years in prison.
The Mexican wrestling promotion El Patron Lucha Libre released a statement confirming the «unfortunate events». It stated that the company is monitoring the situation and has arranged legal assistance for El Hijo de Fishman to ensure the process follows the law.
The statement also mentioned that the company’s lawyer is in contact with Pineda’s family and legal representatives to best resolve the matter and ensure respect for all parties involved. The promotion added that due to the ongoing legal process, no further information will be provided that could «affect the facts». In conclusion, they expressed condolences to Pineda’s family, friends, and colleagues.
The incident occurred in Hidalgo, Mexico, on October 7, when Fishman, 36, executed a planned move known as a «piledriver» on referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as El Búho. A piledriver is a move where a person is turned upside down and dropped headfirst onto the mat. According to Cageside Seats, Pineda, 75, fell onto the mat and did not get back up. Witnesses reported that he did not receive immediate assistance, as spectators and event staff thought he was just pretending as part of the show.
When medical personnel arrived, the referee was pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the potential danger of this move, the piledriver is often banned in WWE and other wrestling promotions.
Fishman is currently in custody at the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Hidalgo, according to the Spanish-language wrestling publication Super Luchas. His arrest has initiated a 48-hour period during which he must be presented to a judge for a hearing to determine formal charges. If charged and convicted, he could face between five to 15 years in prison.
The Mexican wrestling promotion El Patron Lucha Libre released a statement confirming the «unfortunate events». It stated that the company is monitoring the situation and has arranged legal assistance for El Hijo de Fishman to ensure the process follows the law.
The statement also mentioned that the company’s lawyer is in contact with Pineda’s family and legal representatives to best resolve the matter and ensure respect for all parties involved. The promotion added that due to the ongoing legal process, no further information will be provided that could «affect the facts». In conclusion, they expressed condolences to Pineda’s family, friends, and colleagues.
© Smirnova Olga
