Silver King, who starred in Jack Black's cult comedy Nacho Libre in 2006, was performing at the Roundhouse Theatre
AN ex-WCW wrestler who starred in a hit Hollywood film alongside Jack Black died during a show in front of hundreds of fans overnight.
Mexican wrestling star Silver King, 51, collapsed on to the canvas during a packed show at the Roundhouse theatre in Camden, North London.
The wrestler, real name Cesar Barron, died from a heart attack in the ring while facing Juventud Guerrera, or Youth Warrior, Mexican outlet Record reported.
Tributes, including those from his Nacho Libre co-star Jack Black, have today poured in from fellow wrestlers.
Authorities this morning confirmed the Mexican wrestler died at the scene, having collapsed during last night's Greatest Show of Lucha Libre.
Witnesses also claimed the ref turned the Silver King over and was counted out as his opponent celebrated - not knowing something had gone wrong.
But in just a few minutes, medics rushed into the ring to perform CPR as audience members were ushered out.
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."
Were you there? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502
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."
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.
The wrestler paid tribute to his brother online, changing his Twitter profile to an image of a black ribbon.
Barron then went on to find success in the ring himself, performing in World Championship Wrestling between 1997 and 2000.
He also starred as the villain opposite Jack Black in the 2006 hit Nacho Libre.
Last night's event, Lucha Libre, features masked fighters face each other in the ring.
The second-generation fighter had starred in Nacho Libre, a comedy about Mexican wrestling as Jack Black’s arch enemy Ramses.
The Hollywood comedian paid tribute to his former co-star, writing on Instagram: "César González ... go with God, brother".
Others in the wrestling world also flooded social media with tributes.
Pro-wrestler Ligero 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."
WWE Hall of Famer Sean Waltman added: "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"
Kassius Ohno tweeted: “Terrible news. Please keep Silver King’s friends & families in your thoughts. RIP.”
RoundHouse London later tweeted: "Last night Silver King sadly lost his life during an event at the Roundhouse.
"At this stage the details are still being investigated so we don't have more information we can share. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all of the Lucha Libre team."
A London Ambulance spokesperson confirmed they were called to the scene about 10.20 last night.
They said: "We sent a number of resources to the scene including two ambulances, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer, with the first of our medics arriving in five minutes.
"Sadly a person died at the scene."
Met Police said the death was being treated as "non-suspicious".
Other tributes included one from former WCW president 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”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
