Popular Mexican wrestler dies after match with former WWE star

TIJUANA, Mexico, March 21 (UPI) -- A popular Licha Libre wrestler died after absorbing a blow from a former WWE star during a match in Mexico.

Pedro Aguayo Ramirez, 35, whose moniker was "Hijo del Perro Aguayo," died Saturday morning after ex-WWE star Oscar Gutierrez, 40, also known as "Rey Mysterio Jr.," kicked him in the neck during a match in Tijuana.

The kick sent Aguayo against the ropes before he collapsed, and the match reportedly went on for several minutes before anyone realized Aguayo was not moving. He later expired in the Hospital del Prado in Tijuana due to a spinal cord injury.

The Baja California state prosecutor's office said an investigation has been opened and it is looking into possible manslaughter charges.

"Licha Libre" is a form of high-flying pro-wrestling popular in Mexico. Wrestlers wear colorful masks and perform acrobatic moves against one another.

For over two decades Gutierrez has been known for the style in American wrestling organizations such as ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling), WCW (World Championship Wrestling) and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), where his contract ended in February. Aguayo was highly popular in Mexico over the same period.