Sad news has rocked the world of the WWE. The organization has lost one of its most colorful characters in Chyna. Her real name was Joanie Laurer, and it is being reported by CNN that the woman passed away at the age of 45. She was found dead in her Los Angeles home. No cause of death has been given by authorities.
Chyna is known worldwide by legions of professional wrestling fans. Redondo Beach police confirm that the former WWE Diva was found dead in her apartment. The authorities were notified after a friend went to check in on her, and got no response. The cause of death is currently under investigation. At this time, there are no signs of foul play. This was the passage left on her official Facebook page this morning.
"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."
Laurer graduated from the University of Tampa, and immediately started training to become a professional wrestler in 1996. At the time, she was named "Rookie of the Year for the Women's Championship. A native New Yorker, Joanie became world famous in 1997, when she joined the World Wrestling Federation, known as the WWF before it became the WWE. She took on the stage name Chyna and was billed as The 9th Wonder of the World. This was in tribute to WWE icon Andre the Giant.
Chyna was known for her willingness to fight both men and women in the ring. She often struggled with her sexual identity, having a larger than normal stature and a tomboy persona. She was not the usual diva personality. And because of that she, enjoyed widespread success. She wrestled in the Royal Rumble and King of Ring, and was the only undefeated Women's Champion in WWF history.
Chyna enjoyed a strong wrestling career for the next four years. But in 2001, she was forced out of the WWF following a personal disagreement with WWE wrestler and executive Stephanie McMahon. She would only return to wrestling sporadically in the years that followed. And for a long period of time, she was forced to stop using her Chyna title because it was trademarked by the WWF. She later changed her name to Chyna legally.
After her wrestling career came to a close, she became a star of reality TV. She went onto appear in a few porno movies, and even modeled for Playboy in 2000 and 2002. She would go onto pursue a career in acting, landing a guess starring role on the hit NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. She also became a reality TV star, appearing on Fear Factor and The Surreal Life. Other WWE Superstars have shared their love and condolences on twitter, which you can read below.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Chyna. My condolences to her family. Celebrate her life & the footprint she left on the world #RIPChyna
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna#9thWonderOfTheWorld 🙌🏽❤️
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) April 21, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Chyna's family. She was always cool with me. #Rip9thWonder
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) April 21, 2016
I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 21, 2016
Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016
So tragic. My heart is heavy today reflecting on this amazing woman. #RIPChynapic.twitter.com/atJK0XJwlS
— Amy Dumas (@AmyDumas) April 21, 2016
Devastated over Chyna passing,she dated Brutus years before wrestling,such a beautiful soul and so kind to my children,rip Joanie love u. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 21, 2016
A true pioneer for women's wrestling, we will never forget @ChynaJoanLaurer. Thank u for paving the way for us. God bless you 💖 #RIPChyna
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) April 21, 2016
@ChynaJoanLaurer May the peace you were seeking put you at rest my friend. So sorry for not seeing the pain @Mania. We've shared so much
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) April 21, 2016
My prayers go out to Joanie Laurer and her family. It's very sad to hear this news. Chyna was revolutionary for women in wrestling.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 21, 2016
Such sad news today #RIPChyna#9thWonderOfTheWorld 🙏
— Eva Marie (@natalieevamarie) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna I’ll never forget being glued to the tv on Monday nights waiting for your entrance. TY for paving the way 💜 @ChynaJoanLaurer
— Brooke Adams (@RealBrookeAdams) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna you made an everlasting impression on ALL of us. #LoveUJoanie
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 21, 2016
Tragic to hear about the passing of Chyna. A true pioneer. #RIPChyna
— Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE) April 21, 2016
Just woke up to the sad news about Chyna. Such a huge part of #womenswrestling and of my childhood. Very sad day. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna sad day for women's wrestling. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear about Chyna. #RIPChyna
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) April 21, 2016
We are losing too many too fast and too soon. Very sad news @ChynaJoanLaurer#RIP
— Bobby Roode (@REALBobbyRoode) April 21, 2016
Joanie, I'm so sorry. I will always treasure our friendship and will never forget your kindness to my children. RIP https://t.co/pVV0KjbkFt
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 21, 2016