The Empire Wrestling Federation broke the news on Tuesday, October 22, that veteran wrestler turned Twitch streamer Liger Rivera has died. He was 37, just days short of his 38th birthday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of the true legends of the Empire, former EWF American Champion, Liger Rivera. Early this morning, Liger left this world, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of fans and wrestlers alike,” the EWF posted to its YouTube page, along with a tribute video.
“Liger was a trailblazer, an icon, and a champion, both in and out of the ring. His passion for wrestling was undeniable, and his ability to connect with the fans made him a hero to many. Liger’s resilience, strength, and charisma carried him to the top of EWF, earning the respect of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Today, we remember Liger not just as a champion, but as a friend, a mentor, and a beloved member of our wrestling family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Liger Rivera. You will never be forgotten.”
Current WWE Monday Night Raw general manager Adam Pearce posted his condolences: “Godspeed, Liger Rivera. Always pleasure to share a locker room with. Rest well, sir.”
Born on October 30, 1986, in San Bernardino, California, the 5-foot-4, 158-pounder was trained under Jesse Hernandez, debuting in 2001 and retiring in 2018.
The high flyer spent most of his time in California, and held the EWF American title in 2010, and was also the EWF Cruiserweight champion and the EWF tag team champion in the Famous For Fearless team with TJ Perkins — later known at various times as TJP, Puma, Suicide, Manik and more.
Liger Rivera. Photo by RP Strickland
Rivera also worked a little bit in Mexico and was used often on the NWA television tapings that were held in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2012. Under a mask, he was known as Bat Manuel.
In more recent years, Rivera was known for his Twitch gaming stream, as HC Liger, and as #HcLigerPlays #LigersDen.
Details of his death are not known at this time, though on Monday, news began to circulate through the Southern California wrestling community that he was hospitalized and in a medically-induced coma. RJ Santos kept colleagues abreast of the situation: “I know it’s a very emotional and difficult time so I get it,” he wrote, asking for patience and prayers. “I love you all.”
Saul Cerealman was one of many who paid tribute to Rivera: “Extremely saddened by the passing of Liger Rivera/Bat Manuel. We were paired up a lot when I first got up to Hoodslam. He was one of the funniest and most creative people I’ve had the opportunity to work with along with just being a cool dude. I will miss him very much. RIP, Bats”
Johnny Starr tagged Jesse Hernandez in a Facebook post: “Liger Rivera, was great wrestler and a fantastic friend! I can remember your first day in training. Your mom brought you down and was your biggest cheerleader but also your biggest critic. The excitement you had on your face when you were able to get in the ring was priceless. It was truly an honor to travel with you, wrestle with you, and share a locker room with you. Rest In Peace my brother”
Otto Von Clutch: “What a sad day for the SoCal, NorCal, Hoodslam Fam, independent wrestling scene & community. This one suck! Was a honor to have shared many locker rooms with you & work with u. Grateful for my time with ya cuz. deepest condolences to the family & loved ones. til next time. RIP Liger Rivera”
RJ Santos had a long post: “It is with the heaviest fucking heart we can now say goodbye. Liger we tied up my very first night at Ewf school of hard knocks and instantly knew I was apart of this brotherhood of pro wrestling. We got to travel the world together. Becoming true A-list material together and I even made sure to play your dj sets while you were in kayfabe “college” lol. You were and forever will be fearless, kind, and my older brother. You chose me. We had 6 flags passed and would go like every weekend. I took you to your first hockey games. And you were in my family as I was yours. You’re mom even called me her baby boy cuz she knew we were brother as my family knew. God we spent easily 10k+ hours playing video games together. Flexing on each other in @reddead_redemption2 riot shielding in @callofduty and twitch streaming together. I never imagined having an older brother and I can say standing for you yesterday for your commitment ceremony with your wifey @post_it_child took every ounce of love I had for you. May you rest now brother. I wanted us to tie up forever and have one last go but I’m so happy I got to be your forever and now I’ll wait for you in my sleep so we can travel the universe and lock up in parts unknown. Until I see you again. I’m coming straight for you when I get there. Love you liger.”
