We are saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar, Chyna, has passed away at the age of 45. Chyna, real name Joanie Laurer, rose to prominence in the Attitude Era of the WWE (back when it was still the World Wrestling Federation) as a member of D-Generation X alongside Triple H and Shawn Michaels. She later stayed with the group when it was reformed with her, Triple H, X-Pac, Billy Gunn, and “Road Dogg” Jesse James.
Chyna pioneered the women’s division and showed that women can compete in a man’s world. She even further cemented that truth when she became the first and only female to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship. She was also the first woman to compete in both the Royal Rumble and the King of the Ring events as well as become a number one contender to the WWF Championship. These feats earned her the moniker “The Ninth Wonder of the World.”
After leaving the WWE, Chyna wrestled sporadically for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2002 as well as TNA Impact Wrestling in 2011.
On April 20, 2016, Laurer was found dead at her home in Redondo Beach, California. She had been taking medication for anxiety and sleep deprivation. An official statement was posted to her Twitter account, saying “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero … She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
