Wrestler Silver King Collapses And Dies In Front Of Fans During Show In London
A former WCW wrestler who starred alongside Jack Black in the film Nacho Libre has collapsed and died during a show in London.
Silver King was performing at the Roundhouse in Camden when the incident took place on Saturday night.
The wrestler, real name Cesar Barron, is said to have died from a heart attack in the ring while facing Juventud Guerrera, or Youth Warrior, according to Mexican outlet Record.
Footage posted by the Lucha Azteca AAA shows Juventud Guerrera appearing to kick Silver King in the side before turning him over to “pin” him for the victory.
He paid tribute to his brother online, changing his Twitter profile to an image of a black ribbon, the Press Associaiton reports.
Lucha Libre wrestling sees competitors wear colourful masks and elaborate costumes.
Silver King competed in the World Championship Wrestling between 1997 and 2000, taking on Juventud Guerrera for the Cruiserweight Championship in 1998.
Fellow wrestlers paid tribute, calling him “one of the greats”.
Luchador El Hijo del Santo wrote Silver King “died as he wanted: fighting!”.
He added: “Deeply saddened at the death of my great rival and companion at so many battles.”
El Ligero, a British WWE wrestler, wrote: “Absolutely awful news emerging about the confirmation of Silver King passing away this evening. Such a horrible situation, my heart goes out to all involved as well as to his loved ones. Tragic.”
X-Pac wrote: “It was an honor to have been friends & shared the ring with the great Silver King. He & Tejano were an amazing team. He truly was one of the greats & I’m heartbroken to learn of his passing.”
Former WCW president Eric Bischoff said: “I am 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.”
At the Greatest Show of Lucha Libre at the north-west London venue, Silver King reprised his role as the “evil Ramses” from Nacho Libre.
The Roundhouse said there had been an “incident” at the show but the venue was unable to comment further.
WWE said on Twitter it was saddened to learn of the 51-year-old’s death.
“WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King’s family, friends and fans,” a statement added.