Trent Acid - RIP

[nightrain]

TALENTED and popular independent wrestling star Trent Acid has passed away at the age of 29.
The grappler, real name Michael Verdi, was found by his mother at around 9am yesterday in his Philadelphia home.

Although he never made the big stage, Trent found huge success in Ring Of Honor, CZW and PWU.

He will be best remembered as one half of the Backseat Boyz tag team with Johnny Kashmere, winning a number of tag and singles titles throughout America's indy circuit.

The Backseat Boyz made history by becoming the first duo to hold the tag straps in both CZW and ROH, while Verdi also had a memorable singles feud with TNA star Homicide.

However, his promising career was derailed by personal demons, including a serious drug addiction which led to time in jail.

Verdi had just completed a stint in rehab following an arrest for heroin possession earlier this year that violated his parole.

Kashmere paid tribute to his former partner on his Facebook page. He said: "I can't believe I'm typing this.

"Trent Acid, my best brother for life, has passed away. He was found at his home around 9am by this mother. I have no info now and i can barely stand up, will know more soon.

"Keep him and everyone in your prayers please, this is horrible. I love you Trent, RIP."

Mike Johnson, of PWInsider.com, added: "Trent was one of the 'can't miss' prospects of the Philadelphia independent scene during the early part of the decade, first as one half of the Backseat Boyz with long-time friend and partner Johnny Kashmere and then later as a singles competitor.

"He held just about every title there was in Combat Zone Wrestling, which was really his home promotion in many respects, before main eventing for Ring of Honor in a great feud against Homicide.

"In watching him at that point, there was no doubt he was going to go on to make a lot of money for a larger promotion, but personal problems bogged him down and he never seemed to overcome them.

"I am sure a lot of people are going to write about his drug issues and arrests in recent years and use that to paint a picture of who he was.

"But I'd prefer to remember the Trent Acid who made so many independent shows fun with his antics and in-ring work, the 'How is Gee' chants that no one but the old NYC bus trip crew got, the incredible series against Teddy Hart, his CZW feud with Ruckus, the Backseats' great turn in Phoenix Championship Wrestling and the Homicide feud.

"I'd like to remember that time period where Trent Acid was poised to take on the world.

"That's the Michael Verdi I want to remember and the Michael Verdi I'll personally miss like hell."

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/3021336/Wrestler-Trent-Acid-has-died-at-the-age-of-29.html#ixzz0rnSbVsP6

[AtariLegend]

-R.I.P.-

Best wishes to his family and friends.

[nightrain]

The late Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi was inducted into the **** Hall of Fame by the ECW Arena during the opening ceremonies of the "Acid-Fest" Memorial show in Philadelphia, PA.

Verdi was inducted by CZW owner DJ Hyde during a speech where Hyde spoke about Acid's love for the business and how much Acid appreciated all of the fans.

Verdi becomes the second CZW alumni inducted into the Hall, following CZW founder John Zandig.