Mexican wrestling star and former WWE star Alberto Del Rio has addressed the incident that led to his six-month suspension from competing in Tijuana.
The former WWE Champion claims the altercation was a result of negligence by event organisers and the local wrestling commission. The controversy unfolded on 14 March after Del Rio defeated El Hijo del Dr. Wagner at an AAA event in Tijuana. While delivering a heel promo, an allegedly intoxicated fan threw an ice cube at him, striking him in the eye. Initially, Del Rio ignored it, but moments later, the same fan hurled coins at him, with one hitting him on the forehead.
Angered by the assault, the 47-year-old Alberto Del Rio confronted the fan, warning that he could face arrest and in social media footage was seen throwing a chair at him. However, event security failed to intervene, allowing the offender to leave without consequence. Despite being the victim of the attack, Del Rio was subsequently suspended by the Tijuana Wrestling Commission.
In a statement to Sportskeeda Wrestling, Del Rio condemned the commission, particularly its head, Julio César Casillas, accusing them of avoiding responsibility. He drew parallels to the 2015 in-ring death of Hijo del Perro Aguayo, claiming the same authorities failed in their duties back then.
“As it happened when we lost my dear friend Pedro [Hijo del Perro Aguayo], the Tijuana [Wrestling] Commission washed their hands, blaming someone else to divert attention. They failed due to not having an ambulance, physician, stretcher, among other things. Today, they do the same thing, but with me,” Del Rio stated.
Despite the suspension in Tijuana, Del Rio remains free to compete elsewhere in Mexico.
Which Former AEW Star Did Alberto Del Rio Face In Their First Match After Leaving The Company?
Alberto Del Rio was the first opponent of recently released former AEW star Miro since he departed the company on February 10. Miro wrestled Del Rio at the Qatar Pro Wrestling SuperSlam III event on February 21, 2025, and was defeated via disqualification in the match that was aired live on TrillerTV.