Silver King death: Wrestler and star of film Nacho Libre dies after collapsing during show at Camden Roundhouse

A former WCW wrestler who starred in a film alongside Jack Black has died after collapsing during a show in London.

Silver King, who played the villain in the film Nacho Libre, was performing at the Roundhouse in Camden when the incident took place on Saturday night.

The 51-year-old, real name Cesar Barron, was facing Juventud Guerrera at the Greatest Show of Lucha Libre when he fell to the canvas.

He may have suffered a heart attack, according to reports in Mexican media.

Silver King at the premiere of Nacho Libre, which was released in 2006
Getty Images

Scotland Yard said police are treating his death as "non-suspicious".

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) said medics arrived five minutes after being called at 10.21pm, but the patient was pronounced dead at the scene.

Professional wrestler and actor Silver King has died after collapsing at an event in London
Getty Images

Fight attendee Roberto Carrera Maldonado said the wrestler's condition initially appeared "staged" as part of the event, before efforts were made to revive him.

"All of us were really shocked - it wasn't clear what was happening," Mr Carrera told the BBC. "I had the impression they didn't know what to do."

Footage posted on social media shows Juventud Guerrera appearing to kick Silver King in the side before turning him over to "pin" him for the victory.

After the victor celebrates, fellow wrestlers come to the aid of the stricken fighter.

The official Lucha Libre Twitter account posted a picture of the wrestler captioned "Rest in Peace".

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"."

Barron was the son of another Lucha wrestler, Dr Wagner.

His brother Dr Wagner Junior, who also competed as a wrestler, paid tribute online, posting an image of a black ribbon.

WWE said on Twitter it was saddened to learn of his death.

"WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King's family, friends and fans," a statement added.

Lucha Libre wrestling sees competitors wear colourful masks and elaborate costumes.

Barron competed as Silver King in the World Championship Wrestling between 1997 and 2000, taking on Juventud Guerrera for the Cruiserweight Championship in 1998.

Fellow wrestlers paid tribute, calling him "one of the greats".

Luchador El Hijo del Santo wrote Silver King "died as he wanted: fighting!".

He added: "Deeply saddened at the death of my great rival and companion at so many battles."

El Ligero, a British WWE wrestler, 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."

X-Pac wrote: "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."

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."

The Roundhouse said there had been an "incident" at the show but the venue was unable to comment further.

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