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Francine could have had a larger role at NXT’s 2300 Arena show on November 6.
WWE brought in several ECW legends for the show, which was held at the former ECW Arena. Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Nunzio, Dawn Marie, Rhyno, and Rob Van Dam all got involved. Francine briefly appeared in the crowd as well.
Speaking on her Eyes Up Here podcast, Francine said she was asked about appearing on the show weeks ahead of time. (H/t Jeremy Lambert of Fightful)
“‘Hi Francine, this is John Cone from WWE Talent Relations,” she said. “We crossed paths back in2006 when I was a referee for the relaunch of ECW. I have something I want to run by you if you have a minute.'”
Francine noted that she asked what he was referring to, and he told her about NXT’s 2300 Arena show. She stated that Cone asked her if she would be a special referee for one of the matches.
“‘NXT will be running a show at the ECW Arena. We’d like to know if you would be available to be the special guest referee for one of the matches?” Francine said. “It would be with the NXT talent Jaida Parker and Lola Vice.'”
Francine On Sitting In The Crowd
Francine went on to explain that she wanted to talk to her husband about the situation, and he brought up her past surgeries. She noted that she was unable to do the referee role, which was why she only sat in the crowd.
“I then talk to my husband and he said, ‘Did you not forget about the five surgeries you’ve had on your abdominal?’ ‘Well, yeah.’ ‘Do you really think you can be quick enough with the way these girls work.’ These girls are good and they can work,” she said. “‘Do you think you can get down and get the false finishes and run around?’ I was like, for me, because my core is so weak, just lifting myself up getting into the ring is slow. I was like, ‘I guess I’m not going to be able to do it.’ I contacted John the next day and I explained what happened to my stomach.
Francine said that Cone told her they could do something different. She then appeared in the crowd at the show. Dawn Marie served as the referee for the match between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker.
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