Rey Mysterio could face manslaughter charges after the death of Pedro Aguayo Jr. during a tag team match in Mexico.
Rappler reported that Aguayo died on March 21 after receiving a dropkick to the side of his neck. He teamed up with Manik against Mysterio and Xtreme Tiger at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, Mexico. Mysterio executed the dropkick to set up Aguayo for his signature "619" move. Mysterio apparently noticed that his opponent was already out and avoided Aguayo on the maneuver. Aguayo was seen on the fight video landing with his neck on the second rope and stayed in the same position until the match ended.
Konnan noticed that Aguayo was unconscious and checked on him. The match proceeded in the next two minutes before Aguayo was taken out in a stretcher.
Mysterio, whose real name is Oscar Gutierrez, forwarded his condolences through Twitter.
He wrote in Spanish, "We formed our brotherhood only a few years back and we should not question God's plan."
He continued, "But on this occasion, I'm asking why and I don't understand. I miss you and will take you with me for the rest of my life, rest in peace Hijo del Perro."
Several other wrestlers and fans sent their condolences and sentiments to Aguayo's family through social media.
Independent reported that the cause of death was trauma to the neck and a cervical fracture. An investigation has also commenced, in which Mysterio may face manslaughter charges.
Based on the same report by Independent, local media outlets in Mexico also reported that Mysterio has been receiving a number of death threats after the incident. Some of Aguayo's fans blame him for the untimely death of the AAA star. Aguayo, 35, has been a lucha libre wrestler in Mexico for 20 years, winning titles along the way. His father is legendary wrestler Pedro "Perro" Aguayo.
Ringsidenews reported that a number of fans have posted their threats on social media, displaying guns in photos and saying that Mysterio should be careful in the following days.
Uproxx reported that there are no updates yet as to how the authorities intend to offer protection to Mysterio and if Aguayo's family will be filing a case against him for manslaughter. Fans may blame the former WWE for the death of Aguayo but it was clear that it was an accident and that Mysterio had no intention to cause serious harm to the lucha libre star.