‘Nacho Libre’ star and pro wrestler Silver King has died after collapsing during a bout at London’s Roundhouse in Camden.
Silver King (real name Cesar Barron), who was a star in his native Mexico and also appeared as the villain Ramses in the 2005 movie Nacho Libre alongside actor Jack Black, was performing at the Roundhouse in Camden when he reportedly fell to the canvas. Some reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack.
The wrestler was in the middle of a match at the Greatest Show of Lucha Libre event on Saturday (May 11) when the tragedy struck. Footage online shows the referee and several other men rushing to his aid after he collapsed.
The 51-year-old grew up in a Mexican wrestling family, his father was a popular Lucha Libre fighter. Aside from his role in Nacho Libre, Silver King would go on to find worldwide success, appearing in the USA’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1997 to 2000.
Tributes have begun to pour in, with Jack Black sharing a photograph of the wrestler on the set of Nacho Libre, accompanied with the caption: “César González…vaya con dios, hermano,” which translated reads: “Go with God, brother.”
Lamento profundamente la muerte de mi gran rival y compañero de tantas batallas. Se fue como él quería: luchando! @SILVERKING hasta siempre querido amigo #SilverKing
— El Hijo del Santo (@ElHijodelSanto) May 12, 2019
The WWE tweeted that they were “saddened to learn that Lucha Libre legend and former WCW star Silver King has passed away at age 51.”
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
Read more tributes below:
https://twitter.com/sonne_mp3/status/1127431311050903553
R.I.P. Silver King
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) May 12, 2019
Very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend, the great Mexican Luchadore Silver King. He was always a pleasure to spend time with and wrestle when we were both in WCW in the 90’s.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) May 12, 2019
I met Silver King once on some random Lucha Libre London Show.
Was such a sweet guy to me, thoughts to his family, friends & co workers.
RIP Silver King— ᵂⁱˡˡ ᴼˢᵖʳᵉᵃʸ • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) May 12, 2019
Godspeed, Silver King. Rest well, sir.
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) May 12, 2019
RIP Silver King pic.twitter.com/XgGPDsIc36
— Cory Machado (@RealCoryMachado) May 12, 2019
Just read about Silver King’s untimely heart attack, in the ring tonight.
I didn’t know him, but, heard so much about him over the years.
Prayers, condolences to family, friends and fans.— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) May 12, 2019
Heart-breaking news coming out of London last night,the legendary Silver King passing away in the ring at the age of 51. A star for #cmll #aaa #njpw #ajpw #iwrg #uwa #wcw our world is made poorer without him,todo nuestro cariño y apoyo a familiares,amigos y compañeros #silverking pic.twitter.com/D2Z2pyN0Kn
— ShiningWizardDesigns (@ShiningWizardDs) May 12, 2019
Tragic news breaking tonight that legendary luchador Silver King has passed away in the ring during a match with Juventud Guerrera. He was 51-years-old.
Rest In Power ❤️ pic.twitter.com/haCJ2iG0Cu
— Wrestling Travel (@WrestlingTravel) May 11, 2019
Our thoughts are with the friends, family, fans & colleagues of Silver King who tragically passed away earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/UXrdhnE3Sa
— #Starrcast (@StarrcastEvents) May 12, 2019
If you saw a lot of 123 Kid matches, you saw some Silver King moves I appropriated. #RIPSilverKing
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) May 12, 2019
R.I.P #SilverKing
A true legend of a wrestler ❤ pic.twitter.com/W3udT8zRKx
— Mark (@WrestlingJebus) May 12, 2019