Wrestler Arrested After Referee Dies From Piledriver, Charged With Manslaughter

El Hijo de Fishman was arrested Wednesday after a referee died following a piledriver during a lucha libre match in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Fishman, 36, is in the custody of the Hidalgo State Attorney General's Office and faces manslaughter charges. An initial hearing is expected within 48 hours.

The referee was Gerardo Germán Pineda, 75, who worked under the name El Búho — The Owl. Fishman delivered a double underhook piledriver to him during the main event against Máscara Sagrada at Deportivo 11 de Julio, a show put on by El Patrón Espectáculos.

Pineda never got up. At first, people in the building thought he was selling — part of the act. The match was stopped. Fishman took photos with fans before anyone realized how serious the situation was, and venue staff cleared the building.

Reports from the scene say no ambulance was on hand, even though medical personnel and an ambulance are required at wrestling events in Hidalgo. By the time paramedics arrived, Pineda had no vital signs.

One report said the piledriver was delivered without Pineda's consent. The promotion has not addressed that claim.

El Patrón Espectáculos issued a statement saying it has arranged legal assistance for Fishman and that its lawyer is in contact with Pineda's family and their representatives.

If convicted of manslaughter, Fishman could spend five to 15 years in prison. The initial hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to hold him or release him.