Who is Hijo de Fishman? Mexican wrestler arrested on manslaughter charges after his in-ring move kills 75-year-old referee

A professional wrestler in Mexico has been arrested after the death of a referee, on whom he performed a move. El Hijo de Fishman, aged 36, was charged with manslaughter on Wednesday (October 7) in Hidalgo state of Mexico over the death of wrestling veteran Gerardo German Pineda, also known as "El Búho." The incident had occurred during a El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre match on Tuesday (October 6) in the city of Mineral de la Reforma.

What happened during the fight?

Fishman faced Mascara Sagrada and during the fight, he attacked the 75-year-old Pineda. Local reports said that Fishman performed a double underhook piledriver on Pineda, a move that gives the illusion that an opponent's head has been pinned onto the mat.


After that, Pineda reportedly did not move and medical staff rushed to the ring. Pineda was later declared dead. Fishman was arrested a day after the incident, and local authorities are investigating the incident.

'We thought it was part of show'

In a video that is being circulated online, Fishman, wearing green pants and a mask, can be seen picking up Pineda and body-slamming him to the mat. "We all thought it was part of the show because it is something that happens very commonly," Steph Heredia, a witness, told The Daily Star.

Wrestling company issues statement

El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre released a statement, confirming Pineda's death. The company said it was providing legal aid to Fishman and was in contact with Pineda's family and legal representatives to "handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved."

The company added: "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."

What is known about Hijo de Fishman

Hijo de Fishman is an independent wrestler and fights for various wrestling promotions. He is the son of Lucha Libre legend Fishman, who was also known as "El Veneno Verde" and died in 2017. In an interview with Latin Heat, Hijo de Fishman said he has two brothers who are also pro wrestlers. It remains unclear if Hijo de Fishman bears legal responsibility for Pineda's death.

A number of wrestlers over the years have suffered real injuries from piledrivers, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The move was banned in the WWE for many years.