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El Hijo de Fishman arrested after referee dies during match

Posted: Oct 8th 2026 By: Josh Nason

36-year-old El Hijo de Fishman is under arrest in Hidalgo, Mexico, after delivering a piledriver to a referee during a Wednesday match that killed him.

According to reports, Fishman Jr. was in the main event against Mascara Sagrada for El Patron Espectaculous on early Wednesday morning in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, when he delivered a double underhook piledriver to referee Gerardo German Pineda (aka El Buho). Pineda didn’t get up and the match was stopped. When paramedics arrived, Pineda reportedly had no vital signs.

From Luchablog on X:

“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.”

Fishman Jr. was arrested at the venue and is being potentially being charged with manslaughter that comes with a sentence of five-to-15 years. He has to have a hearing within the next 48 hours to determine whether he will be charged or released.

The promotion released a statement Wednesday:

“TO THE FANS, MEDIA, MEMBERS OF THE GUILD, AND GENERAL PUBLIC:

Given the regrettable events that occurred during the early hours of this Wednesday, October 7, in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, during a Lucha Libre event in which independent wrestler Hijo de Fishman and referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, “El Búho,” participated, who unfortunately lost his life, El Patrón Espectáculos informs:

Our company is attentive to the development of the 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 lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo Germán Pineda, “El Búho,” and with their legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.

The legal process continues, so, in respect for the authorities and due process, this company will refrain from issuing additional information that could interfere with or prejudge the facts.

We ask the fans, media, and members of the guild to act with prudence, discretion, and respect, and to avoid the dissemination 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 to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Lucha Libre guild.”