El Hijo de Fishman is in custody in Mexico after a veteran referee lost his life following a piledriver delivered during a match earlier this week, according to multiple reports circulating on social media and wrestling news outlets.
The incident took place on Wednesday in Mineral de la Reforma, during a card promoted by El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre. El Hijo de Fishman, 36, was wrestling Mascara Sagrada when the bout turned into a sad showcase involving longtime referee Gerardo German Pineda, known to fans as El Buho, who was 75.
Video footage that spread online shows Hijo de Fishman, dressed in green trunks and his signature mask, hoisting Pineda up and slamming him to the canvas. The referee reacted as though he had taken a hard landing, writhing on the mat in apparent discomfort, a moment many in attendance assumed was simply part of the performance. Later in the same match, Hijo de Fishman executed a maneuver known in lucha libre as a martinete, the Spanish term for a piledriver, this time with Pineda as his target. The referee went unconscious and remained still on the canvas. He had passed at the venue.
Authorities took Hijo de Fishman into custody and charged him, a charge comparable to manslaughter under United States law. He remains in police custody while the investigation continues.
Spectators who were there initially had no reason to suspect anything had gone wrong. Witness Steph Heredia told media as much.
“We all thought it was part of the show because it is something that happens very commonly.”
Questions have since emerged about how the situation was handled in the immediate aftermath. According to an account posted to X by the wrestling news outlet Luchablog, the following was reported.
“The local reports are that Buho lay on the mat unmoving for minutes before anyone checked on him, thinking he was selling. There was reportedly no ambulance or medical personnel on hand; those are required for Hidalgo shows, and this card was running a bit under the radar.”
The outlet added more.
“When paramedics arrived, they could only confirm that Buho had passed away. The police are holding Hijo de Fishman in custody while investigating. A photo of the piledriver is circulating. You can’t circulate a photo of a medic who isn’t there, but that’s going to be as big a deal.”
El Patron Espectaculos Lucha Libre addressed the situation in a statement, confirming it has stepped in to support its wrestler through the legal proceedings.
“Our company is attentive to the developing situation and has arranged accompaniment and legal assistance for Hijo de Fishman, so that the corresponding process is carried out in accordance with the law and before the competent authorities.”
The company also noted it is in touch with Pineda‘s family as the case moves forward.
“The lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo German Pineda, ‘El Buho,’ and with his legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.”
Citing the sensitivity of an active legal matter, the promotion said it would hold back further comment for now.
“The legal process is still ongoing, so, out of respect for the authorities and due process, this company will refrain from issuing additional information that could interfere with or prejudice the facts. 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.”
