A former wrestler and actor who appeared in the movie “Nacho Libre” died Saturday in the ring while competing in a Lucha Libre wrestling show Saturday night in London.
César González Barrón, a 51-year-old Mexican wrestler known as Silver King, was reprising the role of the villain he played in the 2006 film that starred Jack Black when he collapsed. His death, preliminarily believed to have been from a heart attack, was labeled non-suspicious by London police. Barrón, who often revived the role of Ramses from the movie, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We have truly lost one of Lucha Libre’s greatest wrestlers and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with César’s family and his fans across the world,” Lucha Libre World, the show’s organizer, said in a statement. “We will be able to make further announcements when more information becomes available.”
He was facing Juventud Guerrera, or Youth Warrior, when he collapsed and did not get up for about 30 seconds while the referee urged him to resume the choreographed competition. He tried to stand, but was kicked by Guerrera and fell again. His opponent tried to turn him over before pinning him and raising his leg as the referee began his count. Video (warning: it is disturbing) shows Guerrera being declared the winner and beginning his celebration in the ring as Barrón lies motionless. Eventually, the referee checks on the unresponsive wrestler and summons help.
The Roundhouse, the Camden venue in which the event was being held, confirmed the death on Twitter, saying, “At this stage the details are still being investigated so we don’t have more information we can share. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all of the Lucha Libre team.”
Lucha Libre is a form of wrestling in which competitors wear colorful costumes and masks that they must remove if they lose. It is highly theatrical, with freestyle aerial moves that are mostly choreographed.
World Wrestling Entertainment tweeted that it was “saddened” by the news of Barrón’s death. “WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King’s family, friends and fans.”
Barrón, who grew up in a wrestling family in northern Mexico, was the son of Dr. Wagner, a famous Luchador in the 1960s; his brother also competed in wrestling as Dr. Wagner Junior. Barrón worked for the WCW from 1997 and 2000 and was a regular on TV’s “WCW Monday Night Nitro.”
Eric Bischoff, the former president of the World Championship Wrestling, told CNN that he was “saddened to hear about the passing of Silver King. Like so many of the great Luchadores that helped Americans appreciate Lucha Libre and make Nitro the success it was, he will be missed. Thank you and RIP.”
Barrón fought for the WCW cruiserweight championship in 1998, losing to Juventud Guerrera.
