Jack Black pays tribute to Nacho Libre wrestler ‘brother’ who died in ring in London
JACK Black has today paid tribute to his “brother” Silver King after his Nacho Libre co-star died in the ring last night.
The ex-WCW wrestler collapsed on to the canvas during a packed show at the Roundhouse theatre in Camden, North London.
The fighter, whose real name is César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón, had starred in Nacho Libre, a 2005 comedy about Mexican wrestling as Jack Black’s arch enemy Ramses.
Posting a photograph of the wrestler posing in his costume, the Hollywood star wrote in Spanish: “vaya con dios, hermano” – which means “go with God, brother”.
The comedy star’s tribute was one of many to come flooding in last night after news of the 51-year-old’s sudden death.
Silver King had been performing at the Roundhouse against Eduardo Hernandez, better known as Juventud ‘Juvi’ Guerrera, at The Greatest Show of Lucha Libre last night.
But medics had to rush into the ring when he collapsed shortly after he was kicked in the side.
Witnesses claimed his opponent had started to celebrate as the ref counted down – unaware something had gone wrong.
A witness told The Sun: “They were wrestling and then something just seemed to go wrong.
“As they were wrestling it stopped and they seemed like they weren’t in sync at all, and the other wrestler started performing CPR.
“Other wrestlers jumped into the ring to help, and they got a defibrillator out.
“It was scary, they evacuated everyone but there didn’t seem to be an ambulance arrive for at least 20 minutes.”
AUDIENCE IN SHOCK
Another witness said a lot of children were at the event last night, adding: “It took a people a couple of minutes to realise it was no longer a performance, that it was quite a serious thing.”
Others in the wrestling world also flooded social media with tributes.
World Wrestling Entertainment last night posted a tribute to the entertainer, saying: “WWE is saddened to learn that Lucha Libre legend and former WCW star Silver King has passed away at age 51.”
The Silver King had grown up with Mexican wrestling, with his dad a popular fighter known as Dr Wagner. His brother is also a wrestler, known as Dr Wagner Jr.
Barron then went on to find success in the ring himself, performing in World Championship Wrestling between 1997 and 2000.
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Among those to pay tribute to the wrestler was Eric Bischoff, who 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.”
Joseph Conners wrote: “Thoughts & condolences are with the loved ones of Silver King. Tragic news. RIP”
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