Indie Star Francisco Ciatso Passes Away at 48

The world of professional wrestling is truly a double-edged sword and wrestlers can pass away for a lot of reasons. Frankie “Francisco” Ciatso, a fixture in the Florida independent wrestling scene since the late 1990s, has sadly passed away this morning. He was only 48 years old.

Originally from NYC, Frankie “Francisco” Ciatso trained under Adrian Street and spent time at the WCW Power Plant. He had a prolific career, working for numerous promotions in Florida, including IPW, FIP, Ring Warriors, D1PW, ACW, World Wrestling Network, AIWF, NWA Florida, FUW, Vintage Wrestling, and Coastal Championship Wrestling. He also worked in Georgia for promotions like Lariato Pro Wrestling.

As Frankie Capone, he played a significant role in IPW, feuding with Jeff Peterson and working with notable names. Capone, along with Marcus Dillon as Double Deuce Inc., held the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship. He appeared on NWA TNA TV, wrestling Abyss, Chris Daniels, Jeff Jarrett, and others.

Transitioning to WWE developmental, he appeared on Deep South Wrestling’s TV program and occasionally on WWE TV for enhancement work. In recent years, he remained active in Florida and Georgia, shocking the local wrestling communities with his sudden passing. According to PWInsider, Ciatso was scheduled for a WWN Proving Ground show but called out due to not feeling well and is believed to have passed away in his sleep overnight.

Ciatso’s career was featured in the 2019 documentary “Journeyman,” which won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Film Awards that year. We here at Ringside News would like to offer our deepest condolences to Francisco Ciatso’s family and loved ones during this sad time.

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