Mexican Wrestler Kills 75-Year-Old Referee During Match, Arrested Then Released After Settlement
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A tragic incident unfolded during a professional wrestling event in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico, on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2026, resulting in the death of 75-year-old referee Gerardo German Pineda. The veteran official, known in the wrestling world as El Buho (The Owl), was killed when 36-year-old wrestler Jose Angel Najera performed a high-risk piledriver maneuver, locally called martinete, on him during the main event of the Deslealtades show. The attacker, who was portraying a villain role, initially sparked laughter from spectators who believed the assault was part of the theatrical performance . Najera was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide but was released on Friday, October 9, after reaching a settlement including compensation with the victim's family .
Key Points
- The incident occurred at the Centro Deportivo Cultural 11 de Julio venue during the Deslealtades wrestling show in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo state
- Referee Gerardo German Pineda, 75, was lifted upside down and slammed headfirst onto the canvas by wrestler Jose Angel Najera, 36, using the martinete (piledriver) technique
- Najera was arrested for negligent homicide but was released on October 9 after reaching a settlement including financial compensation with the victim's family
- The venue was sealed by authorities for investigation, and the event organizer El Patron Espectaculos published a statement expressing deep condolences
- A critical safety concern was raised: no ambulance or medical personnel were on standby despite local regulations requiring medical support at such events
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the genuine physical dangers inherent in professional wrestling, where performers execute moves capable of causing serious injury or death if contact angles deviate even slightly. The case also underscores the importance of enforcing mandatory medical safety protocols at live wrestling events, as the delayed response time may have contributed to the tragic outcome .
This incident highlights the genuine physical dangers inherent in professional wrestling, where performers execute moves capable of causing serious injury or death if contact angles deviate even slightly. The case also underscores the importance of enforcing mandatory medical safety protocols at live wrestling events, as the delayed response time may have contributed to the tragic outcome .