Another death has struck the wrestling world.
Joanie Laurer, better known to worldwide audiences as Chyna, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 45. Reports quickly circulated that Laurer, who was a prominent wrestler in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s as a part of World Wrestling Entertainment (then-known as World Wrestling Federation), had died in her home.
At first, no cause of death was officially given.
Her official Twitter and Instagram pages posted the following message:
“It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer, aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
Chyna made her debut with the WWE in 1997 just as the World Wrestling Federation was exiting the “next-generation” and entering the “Attitude Era”. She, along with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and the late Rick Rude, formed the first incarnation of the rebellious group known as “D-Generation X”.
She became the first female in professional wrestling history to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament, as well as the first female to receive a shot for the WWE Championship. Chyna became the first (and only) female wrestler to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Following various alliances and feuds, including a notable on-screen relationship with the late Eddie Guerrero, Laurer left the WWF in 2001. Her last notable professional wrestling match was in 2011 while a part of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Infamously outside of the ring, Laurer became a pornographic film actress, starring in the film “1 Night in Chyna” with fellow wrestler Sean Waltman in 2004.
At this time, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Joanie Laurer.
