Wrestler arrested after referee dies in ring from being hit with banned move

A wrestler in Mexico has been arrested after allegedly using a banned move on a 75-year-old referee during the match.

El Hijo de Fishman, whose real name is a matter of secrecy as is tradition with masked wrestlers in Mexico, was in the main event against Mascara Sagrada for El Patron Espectaculous on Wednesday morning in Hidalgo.

The 36-year-old, who is the son of former professional wrestler Fishman, was detained by police after Gerardo German Pineda aka El Buho tragically died in the ring.

Inexplicably, it is being reported that Fishman Jr. performed a 'double underhook piledriver' on the elderly referee during the match, with Pineda left unmoving on the floor for several minutes before someone came to check on him.

The move is banned across all major promotions like WWE and restricted elsewhere because of the obvious risk of head, neck and spinal injuries.

It is suggested that there were no health care professionals in attendance and once an ambulance was finally called, the paramedics who arrived could do little but pronounce Pineda dead at the scene.

A hearing is now due to decide Fishman Jr's fate, and should he face a manslaughter charge, he could face a significant period behind bars.

El Patron Espectaculos later released a statement to express its regret about the shocking incident, addressing fans and the general public.

It read: "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.”

It is only the latest shocking incident to occur in a wrestling or MMA ring, with Raja Jackson attacking Syko Stu with multiple punches live on a Kick stream late last year.