Interview with: Francine
In February 2005 fans had the opportunity to send in questions for Francine to answer as part of her RHD Interview. We took the best questions from the fans and mixed them in with some of our own and gave Francine the opportunity to pick which she'd like to answer… here is the interview.
Firstly thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. We'd like to dedicate this interview to ILuvFrancine, whom was an active member of our message boards and a big fan of yours. He tragically died in a car accident last year and will be missed by everyone here at RHD.
Big T was not only a loyal fan, but he was a sweetheart and I'm still mourning his loss. He is surely missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. May he rest in peace. Thanks for mentioning him.
What made you want to enter the wrestling industry, knowing that it was and, to an extent, is a male-dominated sport?
I became a huge fan in 1993 and when I saw ECW for the first time, I was like "Man, I think I could do this." Living in Philadelphia, I was able to call them up and arrange a meeting. I had never met a wrestler at this point and had no idea what I was getting into. I started training in December of 1993 and was the only girl in my class. I did whatever the guys did. This helped me greatly because I didn't want to just be "eye candy". JT Smith taught me that I would get more work if I could bump, so when I went to my first show and met Paul, he asked me to take a chokeslam and I said "sure!". I think I impressed him and the boys by busting my ass at every show. I would just take all the boys finishers and not complain about it. So I gained their respect and because of that, became "one of the boys". I fell in love with wrestling after my first appearance and it's all I've been doing for 11 years now.
What did your friends and family think when you informed them of your desire to join the wrestling business?
My friends thought it was the coolest thing. My family thought I was crazy! My Mom hated it because I would come home with huge purple bruises on my right side from running the ropes. Some days I couldn't get out of bed because I was so stiff. Some days I couldn't move my neck. It was brutal! But I knew that this was what I wanted to do and even though I wasn't making much money, I kept working to better myself and eventually proved to my parents that this was the right choice. They were supportive, but hated seeing me hurt all the time. They are use to it now lol.
What advice would you give to any readers that might be thinking about becoming a professional wrestler and/or valet?
I always tell girls to train. So many girls get into the business because their boyfriend is a wrestler. I say train and make a name for yourself! It's hard now because if you don't have name value, you will never be able to make a living by it, unless you are lucky enough to get picked up by Vince. Because of my past work and experience, I am able to work regularly and get paid well for it, but the indys aren't a way to make a living these days. So my advice is train and work hard, but still keep your day job and be realistic. And don't sleep with the boys :)
Backyard wrestling. Good or bad?
Kids can get hurt. Bad.
It was your birthday recently, what did you do to celebrate the special occasion?
My birthday was great! I had a show on the day of in California, and Bart, the promoter, had a cake for me and the locker room sang "Happy Birthday". It was very sweet. The next day, we all went to Disney Land. I video taped it and got some great footage for the paysite. Very funny stuff! I'm a big kid so Disney was the best present!
You've managed countless stars over the years but which star(s) have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
You know, I've enjoyed working with everyone because each guy taught me something different. But Candido sticks out because him and I would always be goofy and laugh. He's so fun!
Q. If you could manage one wrestler, past or present, who would it be and why?
Hmmm, I would have liked to manage a heel Shawn Michaels. I loved him with Sherri. He's (his character) was so arrogant. We would have been great together :)
Fans have seen the likes of Trish Stratus, Terri and Mae Young being put through tables. You were being put through a table long before putting women through tables was a common thing to do. Were you up for the hardcore spots or did management have to talk you into doing the spots?
I was totally up for them because I wanted people to remember me for taking the crazy bumps. Everyone tells me "you were the first woman to ever be put through a table, that's so cool!" and that make's me feel like I left a mark, ya know? I just wanted to make a name for myself, so I was up for anything. I was scared to death, but I totally wanted to do the crazy stuff. And I'm glad I did!
What kind of workout do you do? And how many hours per week on average do you spend working out?
I don't workout at all. I used to work out 5 days a week but I could never put muscle on. I tried everything, except steroids. My metabolism was so high, I would eat and not gain an ounce. Now, my metabolism has slowed down and I have put a few pounds on, but I like it. I don't diet, but I don't really over eat either. I eat when I'm hungry. That's my secret lol! Girls shouldn't have to fit into a particular category. As long as your healthy and feel good about yourself, who really cares what you look like. Take pride in yourself. Don't try to live up to the normal standards of society. That's what I think anyway.
What would you call your best physical feature?
I don't know! I haven't a clue! I feel dumb answering that lol!
Do you prefer to play the adoring fan favourite or the woman everyone loves to hate?
I love to be hated! Being a babyface is alright, but playing the heel role is the greatest because if you can get the people to boo you, that is a major accomplishment. And I love being booed! So I would pick heel over babyface any day! But I'm nothing like my character. You can ask anyone, I swear!
Which Hollywood actress would you love to see play yourself in a bio-pic?
Angelina Jolie. She is awesome and can kick major ass!
In the late 90?s the Monday Night War between WWE and WCW was heating up and both companies were seeking new outside talent. ECW was treated like a supermarket; both companies were picking its stars. Were you ever approached to jump ship and if so, have you ever regretted turning down the given offer?
I was approached by the WWE my first year with ECW. They wanted to bring me in to work with Bruce Pritchard. I was going to be Sister Love to his Brother Love. I didn't feel it was the right move at the time, because I was still so green and I was just getting use to the ECW locker room and getting to know everyone. And I don't regret staying with ECW at all because I got to do some amazing things there that I am very proud of. I was called again when ECW went bankrupt, but I didn't want to go. It's a decision I stick by to this day.
Alongside reports of a WWE-led ECW Reunion Show, Shane Douglas is trying to produce his own show. Have you heard anything about this?
Yes, I have been contacted and will be appearing at this show and I am extremely excited about it! It's going to be great seeing all the guys again! I'm really looking forward to it. It's long overdue and will be very special and I'm glad that I will be a part of it.
Do you still keep in contact with many of the ECW guys?
I talk to some people more than others and see some of the guys on the occasional indy shot. I wish everyone the best of luck wherever they are.
The organisation is now defunct but what were your thoughts on XPW?s immature attempt at ruining an ECW PPV?
I thought it was very unprofessional and very disrespectful to the business.
What are your thoughts on the Jarrett's TNA?
I haven't seen anything since I appeared there two years ago. But it's another place for the boys to work so I support it 100%. I only wish there were more companies out there to work for because there are so many good and talented people out there who deserve a steady paycheck.
You probably get asked this question a lot, will we ever see you performing for the WWE?
I have no desire to work for the WWE. I am very happy with my life and my current schedule.
MissyHyattandFrancineTV.com is your latest project. What can fans expect to see if they become paid members?
The website is better than ever now! We offer brand new, never before seen pictures that are updated 2 to 3x's a week. We also have reality videos of us on the road, at shows and at play. You can also request what you would like to see on the videos and in the pics. There are weekly chat with myself and Missy and also webcam chats. I usually chat for like three hours a week because we all have such a good time! We also have an interactive messageboard where you can ask myself or Missy anything you want and we will answer all your questions. And we sell merchandise that is available to members only. Plus contest, giveaways and more! It's really a great site and we are very fan friendly. Please go and check it out!
Who came up with the concept of the website?
Missy came to me with the idea and we both worked on it from there. We have added so much and continue to add new ideas everyday. And we take fan ideas as well. It continues to grow and we are working to make it the best paysite on the web. We offer a lot for just $9.99 a month. It is a bargain :)
Can fans expect to see any other Wrestling Divas join the project, either in a starring or guest-starring role?
Always. We just had Malia Hosaka as our guest model and we are going to have more wrestling divas posing for us in the future.
Any message that you would like to send out to everyone reading this interview?
To everyone that has supported me, thank you all so much for your loyalty. It has been a pleasure performing for all of you. I look forward to seeing you all at a wrestling show really soon. I love you all :)
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