A Mexican wrestler has been detained after a 75-year-old referee died during a wrestling event in the state of Hidalgo. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Gerardo Germán Pineda, known in the ring as “El Búho.”
The incident occurred during a wrestling show at the Centro Deportivo Cultural 11 de Julio in Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico, on October 6 or in the early hours of October 7, 2026, according to local reports.
The wrestler, known as El Hijo de Fishman, was detained on October 7 and handed over to prosecutors. Authorities are investigating the case as possible homicidio culposo, a form of culpable or negligent homicide under Mexican law. His detention does not establish guilt.
What Happened During the Wrestling Match?
Pineda was refereeing a match involving El Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada NG when the incident occurred. Reports say he remained on the mat after a physical move and did not get back up.
Initial accounts described the move as a martinete, a high-risk wrestling maneuver also associated with the piledriver. However, subsequent reporting raised questions about that description.
Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca reported on October 8 that videos circulating online did not show a martinete. Its account described the referee being lifted onto the wrestler’s shoulder and then slammed onto the mat. Pineda appeared to continue working briefly afterward, according to the report.
The precise circumstances of the incident and the cause of Pineda’s death have not been conclusively established in the reporting reviewed for this article. Authorities are investigating what happened.
Wrestler Detained as Investigation Continues
Local media reported that police detained El Hijo de Fishman and transferred him to the Hidalgo state prosecutor’s office. Prosecutors must determine whether the evidence supports further legal action.
The event took place during a show called Deslealtades, promoted by El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre. Local reports also said authorities closed the venue because it lacked the required authorization for the event.
Following Pineda’s death, the promoter said it would provide legal assistance to El Hijo de Fishman and maintain communication with the referee’s family and their legal representatives, according to Mexican media reports.
Pineda, 75, was a longtime figure in local wrestling. His death has drawn attention to the circumstances of the match, while investigators work to establish what happened and whether anyone bears legal responsibility.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
