Cesar Gonzalez Barron, a Mexican wrestler who fought under the Silver King moniker and best known for playing the villain in the film Nacho Libre, died after collapsing during a show in London on Saturday.
The masked wrestler, 51, was taking part in The Greatest Show of Lucha Libre event at the Roundhouse. The venue announced his passing hours later, reportedly from a heart attack.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all of the Lucha Libre team,” Roundhouse said in a tweet.
Last night Silver King sadly lost his life during an event at the Roundhouse. 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.
— Roundhouse (@RoundhouseLDN) May 12, 2019
Squaring off against Juventud Guerrera, Gonzalez collapsed in the middle of the evening match, according to a fan who attended the event, saying the referee and several other men came to his aid.
“All of us were really shocked — it wasn’t clear what was happening,”
Roberto Carrera Maldonado told the BBC
. “I had the impression they didn’t know what to do.”
Words of condolences and tributes poured in from around the world.
Former World Championship Wrestling president Eric Bischoff was saddened to hear about Gonzalez’s passing.
“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.”
The WWE sent out a statement mourning the wrestling world’s loss.
“A champion luchador in his native Mexico, Silver King, real name Cesar Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Barron, entertained audiences across the globe, and was a standout in WCW’s Cruiserweight division in the late ’90s. Outside the ring, he appeared under a mask as the villainous Ramses in the popular 2006 comedy ‘Nacho Libre.’
“WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King’s family, friends and fans.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Lucha Libre legend and former WCW star Silver King has passed away at age 51. https://t.co/mAge65OmeN
— WWE (@WWE) May 12, 2019
Actor Jack Black, who starred in Nacho Libre as a monk who moonlights as a Mexican wrestler, paid tribute to Gonzalez on Instagram.
“Cesar Gonzalez … vaya con dios, hermano (go with God, brother).”
Gonzalez began his wrestling career in 1986, and appeared in several wrestling federations including the Universal Wrestling Association, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Lucha Libre AAA World Wide, World Championship Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
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