Florida independent wrestler Frankie “Francisco” Ciatso passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 48.
Ciatso had been wrestling since the 1990s, appearing in Florida promotions IPW, FIP, Ring Warriors, D1PW, ACW, WWN, AIWF, NWA Florida, FW, Vintage Wrestling, CCW, and more.
Ciatso also wrestled for Georgia promotions like Lariato Pro Wrestling. He was trained by Adrian Street and the WCW Power Plant.
IPW promoter Ron Niemi said, “I can’t imagine wrestling without Francisco Ciatso. After over 20 years of running the road together we had been estranged brothers for the last couple years until wrestling thankfully brought us back together again in 2023. Thanks for the memories Frankie and I hope you know how much you will be missed.”
WWE writer Gabe Sapolsky tweeted, “RIP Francisco Ciatso. Thank you for everything. Condolences to his friends and family. An unsung hero of the WWN crew. Could always depend on Frankie and he loved the business. You will be missed.”
Ciatso also used the ring name Frankie Capone during the very early days of NWA: TNA on Impact and Xplosion. He also worked for Deep South Wrestling when it was used as WWE developmental, and did enhancement work for WWE and ROH.
Ciatso was scheduled to work Friday’s WWN Proving Ground event but pulled out because he wasn’t feeling well.
Pwinsider is reporting that it is believed Ciatso passed away in his sleep.
The wrestling world has started pouring in its tributes for Ciatso, and you can check out some of the reactions from the likes of Adam Pearce, Gabe Sapolsky, and more below: