Former women’s wrestling champ Chyna passes away at 45
WWE legend Chyna during her days as wrestling champion. SCREENGRAB FROM WWE’s TWITTER ACCOUNT
“The Ninth Wonder of the World” fell on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).
Chyna, whose real name was Joan Marie Laurer, was found dead at her home in Los Angeles. She was 45.
“It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real-life superhero,” a statement read on her official Twitter account. “Joanie Lauer (sic) 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.”
Her manager also confirmed her death to ABC.
In a report on ProWrestlingSheet.com, a source close to the situation said that Chyna was on medication for anxiety and sleep deprivation.
One of the most intimidating figures in wrestling during the Attitude Era, she was a former World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Women’s Champion and a two-time Intercontinental Champion.
She was a part of the racy D-Generation X faction which kept on pushing the boundaries with their vulgar acts both inside and out of the ring.
Chyna last wrestled for the company in 2001, and made sporadic appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Total Non-stop Action (TNA).
She also posed for Playboy for a number of times before wrapping up her wrestling career and venturing to the adult film industry.
Still, her contribution to the wrestling industry has not gone unnoticed.
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon tweeted her condolences, saying, “I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry and she will be missed. #RIPChyna.” IDL
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