Joanie Laurer, better known as Chyna, was a fixture in the WWE’s Attitude Era. She was a founding member of D Generation X, and will always be a part of WWE history. She left the company on bad terms, and actually had to give up her name after leaving the WWE since Vince owned the trademark. This made it difficult for her to keep wrestling, because her whole career and persona was built on the Chyna name. In the year 2000, she posed for Playboy, and in 2006 she had the #1 selling adult video of the year. She even pioneered a new type of breast implant, after her initial pair were damaged in a wrestling match. They’re called the Chyna 2000’s, and they’re marketed towards female bodybuilders and ladies with larger frames.
Suffice to say, during her short time on this planet she lived a lot of different lives, and was never afraid to put herself out there, even if it meant opening herself up to ridicule from the public.
Here is the WWE’s initial statement:
A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed “The Ninth Wonder of the World” a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Here is a Tweet from Stephanie McMahon:
She was found deceased in her apartment.
“There are no indications or signs the death was a result of foul play…events leading up to the death of Joan Laurer is under investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department to assist in the determination if the death was natural or accidental,” per David Caplan, from ABC News.
She has battled with many demons over the years, but the cause of death is still unknown.
We’re sending our very best wishes to the family, friends, and fans of Chyna who are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.
Here’s ‘a picture of Chyna from just 3 days ago.
