aka Bella Maria / Bella Marie / Bella Marie Wolf / Bella-Marie Wolf / Christina Mercedes / Francesca Zappitelli / Ms. Zappitelli / Tina Francesca Zappitelli
Francesca Zappitelli, born on December 6, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, is a multifaceted personality known for her versatility in both the entertainment and sporting arenas. Initially making a name for herself performing as Bella Marie Wolfe in the adult film industry between 2002 and 2005, she would go on to explore several other avenues that would redefine her career. With her strong Spanish and Italian roots, Zappitelli's inextinguishable zeal led her to travel the world, gathering experiences and honing skills in a myriad of disciplines. Her inherent athleticism and passion for performance arts drove her to join the University of Professional Wrestling, catalyzing her stint in the wrestling and fighting arena. Despite her profound training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, drama, public speaking, and even piano, it was acting that captivated her heart. Francesca’s collaboration with industry icons like Jason Price further underscores her dedication and contribution to the entertainment sector.
One of Francesca Zappitelli's most notable contributions to the world of cinema is her 2017 documentary, 'Ballerina I'm Not.' Written and directed by Zappitelli herself, the film offers a firsthand account of women’s passion for professional wrestling. Featuring interviews with wrestling luminaries like Stacy Keibler, Gail Kim, and Maria Kanellis, alongside MMA personalities such as Michelle Ould, Herb Dean, and Ken Yasuda, the documentary is an illuminating exploration into the challenges women face in predominantly male-dominated sports. The provocative narrative style of the documentary, coupled with its raw portrayal of “catfight” wrestling, has stirred conversations and left audiences pondering the blurred lines between reality and scripted drama. Beyond the world of wrestling, Francesca's commendable filmography includes titles like 'After the Pandemic' (2022), 'Savage Creatures' (2020), and 'After She Wakes' (2019). Currently, she remains fervently dedicated to her roles as a writer and producer, continually pushing the boundaries of storytelling and creative expression.