Wrestler who killed referee sparks outrage after targeting two other officials

Just days after being released from custody for slamming a referee to his death, wrestler El Hijo de Fishman has sparked outrage by threatening two other officials in Mexico.

According to El Financiero, El Hijo de Fishman returned to the ring at the Arena San Juan Pantitlán in Nezahualcóyotl this past weekend, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the tragic death of referee Gerardo German Pineda earlier this month.

During a chaotic tag-team match alongside Fresero Jr. against Rokambole Jr. and Macuarro, which featured chairs and car doors as props, Fishman seized referee Robert Chacón. The wrestler was preparing to execute a highly dangerous maneuver known as a package piledriver. This move is a variation of the martinete technique, which involves holding an opponent upside down and slamming their head onto the mat, carrying a high risk of serious head and neck injuries.

Upon witnessing the play, the audience immediately began to boo and demanded that the wrestler stop. Fishman ultimately released the official, signaling that he would not carry out the slam.

At a previous wrestling event in Tecámac, he was filmed threatening another referee with a similar slam, forcing the terrified ref to flee the ring.

This aggressive pattern has sparked intense backlash. Fans and fellow professional wrestlers have taken to social media to express disbelief that Fishman is still allowed to perform after what he has done.

Deadly slam, early release

His deadly act against a referee happened on Oct. 6 at the 11 de Julio Sports and Cultural Center in Hidalgo, Mexico. During a match against Mascara Sagrada NG, Fishman lifted referee Pineda, commonly known as "El Buho," and slammed him hard onto the mat. The official lay motionless and was unable to be revived by emergency medical personnel.

Police arrested Fishman on Oct. 7 for an investigation of involuntary manslaughter. An autopsy report released on Oct. 13 revealed that the victim died from a traumatic brain injury.

The wrestler was released just two days after his arrest. According to El Pais, his legal team confirmed that a financial compensation agreement had been reached with the victim's family, effectively terminating the criminal proceedings. It was reported that the settlement amount was to be around 585,000 pesos (US$31,500), though full financial details have not been disclosed by the parties involved.

During a press conference on Oct. 14, Fishman affirmed that he never intended to injure the referee. He asserted that the technique he employed was a package backdriver, a move he claims is distinct from the highly dangerous and widely banned martinete.

Despite his defense, Fishman's continued inclusion of referees in threatening situations has drawn criticism from his professional peers.

WWE star Angel Garza argued that the tragic death of a referee should never be exploited to create crowd reactions, garner applause or promote a wrestler's public image.

Fellow wrestler Arez publicly questioned whether Fishman is actively attempting to incorporate the fatal incident into his own performance persona. El Fantasma, head of the Mexico City Lucha Libre Commission, has reminded all performers to show utmost respect for referees and to refrain from involving them in any dangerous maneuvers.