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

Wrestler arrested after referee dies in ring after being hit with 'banned' move A veteran lucha libre wrestling referee has died after allegedly being hit with a banned piledriver move during a bout in Mexico, with a wrestler arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide A legendary wrestling referee has died in the ring after allegedly being struck with a 'banned move' during a match in Mexico. Gerardo Germán Pineda, known widely as "El Búho", fell unconscious on Tuesday (6 October). The 75-year-old was officiating when he was caught up in the bout between Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada NG. Video footage from the event shows how he received a "martinete" – commonly referred to as a piledriver – before lying motionless on the mat in Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico, reports the Daily Star. The move had previously been banned in many countries after it became known for causing serious injuries, but has returned with a new focus on safety in recent years. However, the wrestlers stopped the match upon realising El Búho did not get up and paramedics were called. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the venue, and Hijo de Fishman was arrested and handed over to prosecutors on charges of culpable homicide – essentially equivalent to manslaughter in England and Wales. Video evidence, witness accounts and forensic material are anticipated to comprise the investigation. One onlooker, Steph Heredia, alleged the wrestler had argued with the official following his defeat before executing the manoeuvre. She stated: "We all thought it was part of the show because it is something that happens very commonly." She continued that El Búho showed no response following the incident and that onlookers immediately called for medical assistance. The martinete is regarded as amongst lucha libre's most dangerous manoeuvres and is prohibited in Mexican wrestling due to the potential for severe neck and spinal damage. Pineda had dedicated decades to the sport, initially competing for approximately 15 years under the name El Búho Negro II. He then transitioned into refereeing almost by accident after filling in for a missing official – a position he would hold for nearly 30 years . Throughout his tenure, he worked alongside Mexican wrestling icons such as Mil Máscaras, Canek, Dos Caras, El Hijo del Santo, Último Guerrero and Blue Panther. His promoter, El Patrón Espectáculos, is reportedly offering him legal support while also maintaining contact with Pineda's relatives. The inquiry into the veteran referee's death continues.