Legendary WWE Women’s Champion wrestler, Chyna, has been found dead in her home at the age of 45.
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A statement on Chyna’s official Twitter account was released, saying, “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero.”
Chyna, real name Joanie Laurer, was an icon in WWE back in the 90’s during its attitude era. She first showed up as the bodyguard for Hunter Hearst Hemsley, who would later be called Triple H and was one of the original members of D-Generation X. Chyna would later go on to be a staple of the faction, eventually turning heel and joining the villainous Corporation.
After branching off, Chyna would soon become the first female competitor to enter the Royal Rumble at entry number 30, as well as the number one contender for the WWF World Championship in the Summer of 1999. Though she would not capture the title, she would become the first woman to become the Intercontinental Champion, beating Jeff Jarrett at No Mercy in 1999.
As Chyna, Laurer earned the moniker “The 9th Wonder of the World”, which was quite fitting as there had never been any WWE performer like her ever. She managed to win the WWF Women’s Championship in 2001, and she’s the only WWE Superstar to win both the IC title and Women’s Title. In case you were wondering, the 8th Wonder claim was bestowed to the late Andre the Giant. After leaving the WWF in 2001 under claims of emotional turmoil that her real life boyfriend, Paul “Triple H” Levesque was having an affair with his on-screen wife Stephanie McMahon, she left for New Japan to only remain there for a year.
Laurer eventually started to participate in the world of adult films, even getting to portray She-Hulk in the Avengers porn parody. Her pornography past is what Triple H, currently the WWE’s COO, claims is preventing her from being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
There’s no doubt though that Chyna leaves a lasting legacy as the most dominant female competitor of all time.
Fans, do you have a favorite memory of Chyna in the WWF? Her feud with Chris Jericho, or maybe her courtship with Eddie Guerrero? Let us know in the comments below.
We at ComicBook.com send our condolences to her friends and family.
