Luchador El Hijo Del Fishman Arrested Following Death Of Referee

The professional wrestling world has been rocked by another death this week, this time from an incident that occurred in the ring during an independent show in Mexico. Multiple reports on Wednesday evening confirmed that Gerardo German Pineda, better known as the referee El Buho, passed away at the age of 75 earlier in the day after taking a piledriver from luchador El Hijo del Fishman during a match. According to luchablog, Fishman has since been arrested, and is being held in custody while an investigation is ongoing.

Further details about the incident reveal the event took place in the state of Hidalgo, with promotions Lucha Libre Vanguardia, Producciones IRC, and El Patron Espectaculos all involved in putting the show together, with the latter representing Fishman. Vanguardia has previously co-promoted shows with GCW in Mexico, most recently in 2025, while IRC has helped both AAA and CMLL promote shows in Hidalgo, including two shows for AAA this spring and two for CMLL this summer.

Pineda was refereeing a match between Fishman and Mascara Sagrada NG, two long-time rivals who's fathers, Fishman Sr. and Mascara Sagrada, had previously feuded, which culminated in Sagrada unmasking Fishman Sr. in 2000. Footage has since revealed that the match featured Pineda taking at least one other spot from Fishman, a body slam. There is some speculation that the piledriver was done without Pineda's consent, though that is not confirmed. 

After the piledriver, Pineda laid motionless in the ring for several minutes; he received no help in part because he was believed to be selling. In addition, there was reportedly no ambulance or medical personnel at the show, which would be in violation of rules set by Hidalgo's lucha libre commission. By the time help arrived, Pineda had passed away. In a statement since translated by multiple sites, El Patron Espectaculos confirmed Pineda's death, that they were in contact with Pineda's family, and were providing legal assistance to Fishman. 

Wrestling Inc. would like to offer its condolences to Pineda's family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.