Wrestler El Hijo de Fishman arrested after referee El Buho dies during match

Mexican wrestler El Hijo de Fishman has been arrested after referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as "El Búho", died in the ring during a show in Hidalgo.

Pineda, a veteran of the local wrestling scene, failed to regain consciousness after receiving a high-risk "martinete", or piledriver, during the main event.

Municipal police in Mineral de la Reforma detained the wrestler—identified by authorities by his initials J. Á. N. L.—and handed him over to the public prosecutor's office. Authorities are investigating the case as a potential manslaughter.

What happened during the match

The incident took place during a show called "Deslealtades" at the Centro Deportivo Cultural 11 de Julio, in the municipality of Mineral de la Reforma, on the night of Tuesday, 6 October.

During the main event between El Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada NG, the referee took several physical hits, culminating in the piledriver. This is a dangerous move where a wrestler holds an opponent upside down and drops them headfirst onto the canvas.

Pineda remained motionless on the mat after the move. Spectators and commentators initially assumed his silence was part of the scripted drama. Content creator Steph Heredia, who was at the arena, said in a social media video that El Hijo de Fishman went down to take photos with fans immediately after the move.

It was only when the ring announcer shouted that Pineda was not reacting that the wrestler and other staff rushed back to help.

The emergency response

Those in the ring desperately called for alcohol or hand sanitiser to try and revive the unconscious official. Emergency services were called, but by the time paramedics arrived at the venue, they confirmed that Pineda had no vital signs.

The show's promoter, El Patrón Espectáculos, issued a statement confirming that they are providing legal representation for El Hijo de Fishman to ensure a fair process. The company added that its legal representatives are in contact with Pineda's family.

Who was El Búho?

Pineda was a highly respected figure in Hidalgo wrestling. He spent 15 years competing as a wrestler under the name "El Búho Negro II" before transitioning into officiating, a career that lasted nearly 30 years.

During his three decades as a referee, he shared the ring with some of Lucha Libre’s most famous names, including Mil Máscaras, El Hijo del Santo, and Blue Panther.