Francine Meeks, better known as simply Francine, is a name that resonates with fans of professional wrestling, particularly from her time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Her legacy as a wrestling valet and performer continues to inspire fans, but many are now left wondering, where is Francine now? This article will explore her early life, her impactful career in the wrestling world, and where she is today.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on February 19, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Francine grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of the wrestling scene. As a teenager, she became a fan of professional wrestling, attending local events at the Spectrum, a popular sports venue in Philadelphia.
While she worked a conventional job at a life insurance company in 1993, her life took a drastic turn when she saw a television ad for the House of Hardcore, ECW’s wrestling school. Deciding she didn’t want to spend her life behind a desk, she took the plunge and enrolled in the wrestling program.
Breaking into Professional Wrestling
Francine began her wrestling journey training under J.T. Smith at the House of Hardcore. After just seven months of training, she made her first appearances at ECW house shows in 1994, debuting under the name “Miss Montgomeryville.” Her early appearances as a guest timekeeper led to her in-ring debut, where she was famously chokeslammed by 911.
In 1995, Francine adopted a new role as the valet of Stevie Richards, one of ECW’s top stars. This move ignited a feud between Richards and Raven, as well as their respective valets, Francine and Beulah McGillicutty. This storyline involved numerous physical altercations between the women and showcased Francine’s ability to generate intense drama in the ring.
Dominating ECW
Francine’s real rise to prominence came when she aligned with The Pitbulls in mid-1995. Her new persona as a leather-clad dominatrix manager perfectly matched the intense energy of the team. Under her guidance, The Pitbulls won the ECW Tag Team Championships, marking a significant milestone in her career. She continued to be involved in iconic matches, including a notable victory in a triple dog collar match against The Eliminators and Stevie Richards in 1996.
In July 1996, Francine made a career-defining move by turning on The Pitbulls to become the valet for Shane Douglas. Her partnership with Douglas led to him becoming a two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, with Francine playing a crucial role in his victories. She managed Douglas until his departure from ECW in 1999, forming one of the most memorable manager-wrestler alliances in wrestling history.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Other Ventures
Francine’s success in ECW earned her appearances in other promotions. In 2002, she joined NWA Total Nonstop Action (TNA), where she participated in a lingerie battle royal for the Miss TNA Crown. Her time in TNA was short but memorable, involving feuds with other women wrestlers such as Taylor Vaughn and Jasmine St. Claire.
In 2005, Francine made a return to her ECW roots by appearing at ECW reunion shows such as Hardcore Homecoming. A year later, she signed with WWE’s revamped ECW brand, where she participated in bikini contests and acted as a valet for Balls Mahoney in his feud with Kevin Thorn.
Despite her return to WWE, Francine grew dissatisfied with her role in bikini contests and requested her release in October 2006. Her time in WWE was brief, but it allowed her to reconnect with her old ECW fans.
Semi-Retirement and Post-Wrestling Career
After leaving WWE, Francine announced her retirement from professional wrestling in November 2006. She remained connected to the wrestling world through occasional appearances at autograph signings and wrestling conventions. In 2009, she organized an ECW reunion show titled Legends of the Arena, with proceeds going to charity.
In recent years, Francine has led a more private life, staying out of the wrestling spotlight while continuing to engage with her fans through social media. She has embraced her role as a mother and has expressed gratitude for the years she spent in professional wrestling. While she no longer participates in wrestling events, her legacy remains strong among her devoted fanbase.
Conclusion
Francine’s career in professional wrestling is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and passion for the sport. From her early days as a fan in Philadelphia to her meteoric rise in ECW, she left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Although she has stepped away from the spotlight,
Francine’s legacy lives on in the hearts of wrestling fans who fondly remember her contributions to the world of professional wrestling. While her current life is far removed from the intense world of wrestling, fans can rest assured that Francine is content and living a peaceful life surrounded by her loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Francine
1. Where is Francine now?
Francine is currently enjoying her semi-retirement from professional wrestling. She remains active on social media, where she engages with her fans and occasionally shares stories from her wrestling career. She leads a private life and focuses on her family.
2. What is Francine’s role in ECW history?
Francine was one of the most prominent valets in ECW, managing top wrestlers such as Shane Douglas, The Pitbulls, and Tommy Dreamer. Her alliances with these wrestlers helped shape several of ECW’s iconic storylines.
3. Why did Francine leave WWE?
Francine left WWE in 2006 after becoming dissatisfied with her role in bikini contests. She requested her release to pursue other opportunities and focus on her personal life.
4. Did Francine ever wrestle in the ring?
Although primarily known as a valet, Francine occasionally stepped into the ring. She participated in several catfights and intergender matches throughout her career, particularly during her time in ECW.
5. Is Francine still involved in wrestling today?
While Francine has largely stepped away from the wrestling world, she occasionally makes appearances at wrestling-related events, particularly ECW reunion shows and autograph signings.
