Former WWE creative team writer Joe Franciosi, also known as Joe Schmo, passed away on Friday morning as a result of a heart attack according to PWInsider.com. Franciosi was 44. He had since been working as a producer for Championship Wrestling with Hollywood and had spent a considerable amount of time in wrestling in the California area.
Various wrestling personalities have issued tweets regarding his death.
Samoa Joe: “Rest in Peace Joe Franciosi. I love you brother, see you on the other side…
Taz: “Very sad to hear of passing of WWE Creative team member JOE FRANCIOSI. Was a straight forward no nonsense talented guy. RIP.”
Frankie Kazarian: “Man. Ugh… Lost another good brother WAY to early. RIP Joe Franciosi. Thanks for the more than 15 years of friendship.”
David Lagana: “Horribly sad news on the passing of Joe Franciosi. Thoughts are with his wife and kids.”
Joey Ryan: “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.”
On behalf of the Wrestleview.com staff, we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Franciosi during this very hard time.
Wrestleview.com interviewed Joe back in November of 2010 regarding his time with WWE including his experience as a creative writer. You can hear that full interview below.