Ex-WWE Creative Team Writer Passes Away, Talent Reacts

Former WWE creative member Joe Franciosi passed away this morning. Franciosi, who worked on the creative team in 2010, died of a heart attack. He was best known for pitching the vignette where William Shatner performed WWE theme songs in Shatner’s famous vocal style.

Franciosi was involved with the indy scene in California for decades and was most recently producing for Championship Wrestling with Hollywood. He had also worked with Rick Bassman’s UPW, The Inoki Dojo and various NWA-branded projectss.

On behalf of everyone here on the website, we send our condolences to the friends, family and fans of Mr. Franciosi.

Several wrestling personalities who knew Franciosi reacted to the news on Twitter:

Rest in Peace Joe Franciosi. I love you brother, see you on the other side…

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) May 15, 2015

Very sad to hear of passing of WWE Creative team member JOE FRANCIOSI. Was a straight forward no nonsense talented guy. RIP.

— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) May 15, 2015

Man. Ugh… Lost another good brother WAY to early. RIP Joe Franciosi. Thanks for the more than 15 years of friendship.

— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) May 15, 2015

Horribly sad news on the passing of Joe Franciosi. Thoughts are with his wife and kids.

— David Lagana (@Lagana) May 15, 2015

SPEECHLESS! With all my love @SchmosEyeball I will never forget you #RIP

— David Marquez (@CWFHMarquez) May 15, 2015

He was brutally honest in a business full of liars and thieves. Some faulted him for it. I admired it. RIP to a good friend, @SchmosEyeball.

— Joey Ryan (@JoeyRyanOnline) May 15, 2015

@SchmosEyeball RIP. My heart aches. You were always one of the most fun people I've met in the crazy carnival of wrestling.

— Jay Bradley (@JayBradleyPW) May 15, 2015

Wow..RIP @SchmosEyeball…I can't say anything that hasn't already been said by others. 😞

— Thunderkitty (@Thunderkitty82) May 15, 2015