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Wrestler Silver King dies after collapsing in the ring

Former WCW wrestler known as Silver King has died after collapsing in the ring during a show in L...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.59 12 May 2019


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Wrestler Silver King dies afte...

Wrestler Silver King dies after collapsing in the ring

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.59 12 May 2019


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Former WCW wrestler known as Silver King has died after collapsing in the ring during a show in London.

The 51-year-old, who starred opposite Hollywood star Jack Black in the 2006 comedy 'Nacho Libre', had been performing on Saturday evening.

Organisers of the Lucha Libre show confirmed his death as tributes poured in for the Mexican, whose real name was Cesar Barron.

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He is said to have suffered a heart attack in the ring, Mexican outlet Record has reported.

According to Camden New Journal, Silver King's co-performers did not initially realise there was a problem after he collapsed following a kick to the side of his body while facing former WWE star Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera.

He was turned over and counted out but when he failed to recover, a team of medics rushed on stage, the newspaper said.

Fans chanted "Silver, Silver" before the audience was told there would be a short break, and the venue was cleared out shortly afterwards, it was reported.

A member of the audience told the Camden New Journal: "It seemed to be part of the show at first but then he didn't get up - and then the medical team was on the stage.

"Everybody was cleared out and lots of police and ambulances were there."

According to a description of the show on the Roundhouse's website, Silver King was due to portray his villainous character Ramses from the film Nacho Libre.

The official Lucha Libre Twitter account posted a picture of the wrestler captioned "Descanse en paz".

The tweet read: "Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide joins the grief that the Luchistica family has for the death of Cesar Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Barron "SILVER KING"."

Former WWE stars Chris Jericho, X-Pac and Tommy Dreamer and ex-WCW president Eric Bischoff were among those to pay tribute to Silver King following his death.

X-Pac, whose real name is Sean Waltman, said he was "truly one of the greats", while Jericho thanked him "for taking care of me and teaching me to become a better worker".

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."

Silver King joined World Championship Wrestling in 1997 and regularly appeared on its showpiece TV programme WCW Monday Nitro.

His highest profile match was an unsuccessful challenge for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Guerrera at Fall Brawl 1998.

He was released by the WCW in late 2000.

Lucha Libre wrestling was first introduced in the early 20th century and is known for its colourful masks, elaborate costumes, acrobatic techniques and high-flying manoeuvres.


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Cesar Barron Chris Jericho Eric Bischoff Jack Black Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera Lucha Libre Nacho Libre Silver King WCW Wrestler X-Pac

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