Independent professional wrestler Anthony Gaines has sadly passed away at the age of 30.
Games, real name Anthony Nicometi Jr., rose to viral prominence in 2018 at an ESW event when he was on the receiving end of a Pounce from Ace Romero and flew out of the ring.
Gaines made his professional wrestling debut in 2014 with Upstate Pro Wrestling and went on to work for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Rampage, Revenge Pro Wrestling, and Toronto's Smash Wrestling,
ESW announced his passing.
We are devastated to hear of the passing of Anthony Gaines. He was a remarkable performer in the ring who also touched the hearts of many lives outside of it.
— Empire State Wrestling (@ESWWrestling) February 24, 2024
You will always be loved and never be forgotten. Without a doubt, you were authentically "None of a Kind". pic.twitter.com/RDjY1v6LFX
In the wake of this news, many in the industry took to social media to reflect on Gaines' life and career.
Waking up to really sad news today. Rip Anthony Gaines!!! You were truly “none of a kind” but we all know you were one of a kind!!! Sorry to all my Buffalo friends that were close to him.
— JJ RUMHAM (@JJRumham) February 24, 2024
---- -- -- we love you man @Anthony__Gaines pic.twitter.com/SsYk8NPMlp
— ROC Solid Wrestling Talk Podcast (@ROCSolidTalk) February 24, 2024
Independent professional wrestler “None Of A Kind,” Anthony Gaines (real name Anthony Nicometi Jr) has passed away.
— Lee Walker (@Its_Just_Walker) February 24, 2024
A few years ago he made headlines for taking the this pounce that sent him into the crowd. May he Rest In Peace. #RIP pic.twitter.com/MrnUJHvrdt
All of us at the Northern Federation of Wrestling are shocked and devastated to hear of the passing of Anthony Nicometi Jr. AKA Anthony Gaines.
— Northern Federation of Wrestling (@NFW2021) February 24, 2024
Anthony... You truly were "None of a Kind" pic.twitter.com/4BuiDqGnVH
The more I think about it, the more I'd love to see a promotion in WNY run an all-LGBT show in honor of Anthony Gaines. At least openly, he was one of very few queer performers in the area. I think it would be an amazing tribute to him and hopefully can become an annual tradition
— Jose Gonzalez (@JoseOnTheAir) February 24, 2024
We are absolutely heart broken to have to inform you of this news. Anthony Nicometi Jr, professionally known as Anthony Gaines, has passed away. In the ring he was an incredible performer. Outside of the ring he was an even more incredible human being.#RIP @Anthony__Gaines pic.twitter.com/IYeVmq6T7K
— Revenge Pro (@RevengePro_Erie) February 24, 2024
My fucking brother. I’ll love you forever @Anthony__Gaines #RIP pic.twitter.com/mKseZySP0S
— -- His Royal Freshness -- (@FrankFeathers_) February 24, 2024
I met Anthony back at @ESWWrestling in North Tonawanda, NY in 2013-2014 as a camera man! I was lucky enough to share the ring with him at ESW & @smashwrestling, where he was always respectful and willing to learn. Terrible, terrible news.
— Jake Clemons (@refjakeclemons) February 24, 2024
RIP Anthony Gaines -- https://t.co/MiJBQWCpln
Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and fans of Anthony Gaines.
— Smash Wrestling (@smashwrestling) February 24, 2024
He was a much loved member of our roster in the past and he will be greatly missed by our team.
The news this morning was heart-breaking. pic.twitter.com/UfCTgrP0Wz
Fightful sends its condolences to Anthony's family, friends, and fans,
