Francine Reveals Why She Wasn’t More Involved in WWE NXT’s ECW Arena Show

Francine made a nostalgic return on the November 6th episode of WWE NXT, which took place at the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Joining fellow ECW Originals like Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Rob Van Dam, Dawn Marie, Rhyno, and Little Guido, Francine’s appearance in the crowd left many fans wondering why she wasn’t given a more active role.

During her “Eyes Up Here” podcast, Francine shed light on what went on behind the scenes. On October 17th, WWE Talent Relations’ John Cone reached out with an intriguing proposal.

“Hi Francine, this is John Cone from WWE Talent Relations. We crossed paths back in 2006 when I was a referee for the relaunch of ECW. I have something I want to run by you if you have a minute. NXT will be running a show at the ECW Arena. We’d like to know if you would be available to be the special guest referee for one of the matches? It would be with the NXT talent Jaida Parker and Lola Vice.”

Francine recalled discussing the offer with her husband, who raised concerns about her past health issues.

“I then talk to my husband and he said, ‘Did you not forget about the five surgeries you’ve had on your abdominal?’” Francine explained. She quickly realized the physical demands of being a referee might be too much. “For me, because my core is so weak, just lifting myself up getting into the ring is slow. I was like, ‘I guess I’m not going to be able to do it.’”

Francine informed Cone of her limitations, and he reassured her that creative would explore other roles for her. Ultimately, Dawn Marie stepped in as the guest referee for the match between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker. Francine pitched being a guest timekeeper and even thought of a potential spot she could do, but communication stalled.

“Then I get a text the following Tuesday, this is the night before, I hadn’t heard anything for two weeks and I’m thinking, ‘I’m booked, I think, but I have no idea what I’m doing.’”

The night before the show, Johnny Russo reached out with a script for a backstage interview, which Francine had to turn down due to losing her voice.

“I type back, ‘Johnny, I’m so embarrassed to say this. I have no voice. I don’t have a voice.’ It just wasn’t going to work. I literally say, ‘If you want to pull me off the show, I totally understand. No heat. This is on me.’”

Despite the setbacks, Francine offered to stay home, but the production team insisted she attend. “A couple of the boys were like, ‘You can sit front row. That’s what they do with a lot of the legends.’ He’s like, ‘We’ll figure something out tomorrow. Let’s see how you are in the morning and go from there.’”

Ultimately, Francine appeared in the crowd, acknowledging that the company had already included her in the show’s opening and pulling her out last minute wasn’t an option. Reflecting on the experience, Francine admitted she was surprised her name wasn’t announced.

“Looking back at socials and seeing some of the old school fans mad and saying, ‘They could have done something more with you than just stuck you in the crowd.’ Yes, they could have, but it was me who couldn’t do it. I just wanted to make that perfectly clear,” she said. “Would I have liked to have done more? Of course. I would have loved to have an entrance and walked to the ring and did something. It just wasn’t in the cards for me. Just being included was enough for me. I didn’t need anything more than that.”

Francine’s return served as a reminder of her impact on wrestling and the challenges she’s overcome. Her presence, even in a limited capacity, was a nod to her legacy and the spirit of ECW.

What are your thoughts on Francine’s return and her explanation of the behind-the-scenes situation? Do you wish she had a more prominent role, or was seeing her in the crowd enough? Share your opinions below!