Joan Laurer, the groundbreaking female wrestler known as Chyna, has died.
Police in Redondo Beach, California, confirm that Laurer, 45, was found dead in her apartment on Wednesday. Police say they were notified by a friend who went to check on her and found Laurer unresponsive. The cause of death is under investigation, but police say there are no signs of foul play.
“It is with deep sadness to inform you that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world, has passed away,” said a post on her website.
–CNN
Through her career, it was about her being the most powerful and over female wrestler. Honestly, the push was legit. She was good and in the right position at the right time. Multiple runs as Women’s Champion, Royal Rumble Participant, and the only female WWE Intercontinental Champion. She even had time in Japan, and a moment in TNA. Chyna truly blazed a way for the female wrestlers of this generation. Back in the Attitude Era, it was about crazy, wild story lines. Chyna thrived in that environment. The souring of her relationship with Triple H shouldn’t have caused a departure from the WWE though.
Now the same company that fired her over a fax, has plastered her all over their website. So, what happened to the concept of her being in porn? Didn’t Mickie James do an adult spread? Oh, she had a bout with drugs. Snoop is popularized by his ‘support’ for marijuana, yet he got a Hall of Fame induction. Didn’t the great Eddie Guerrero have a bout with alcohol and drugs? I guess it’s the aspect of death that brings thoughts of forgiveness. For me, it’s crazy that it will take this to put her in the Hall of Fame. I’m pretty sure Chyna would’ve loved an induction when she could take a breath and speak to the fans who adored her for her contributions.
Rest peacefully, Joanie ‘Chyna’ Laurer.