Chyna And Triple H in front of the WWF Smackdown sign in 1999. (Getty Images)
Once billed as “The Ninth Wonder of the World” in World Wrestling Entertainment, pro wrestler Chyna died on Wednesday. She was 46.
Chyna, whose real name is Joanie Laurer, was , her manager told the Los Angeles Times. The cause of death is still under investigation, but police initially reported it as a possible overdose, .
“We lost a true icon, a real life superhero,” read an official statement on her Twitter account.
all of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer)
Born in Rochester, N.Y., Laurer rose to prominence in the WWE during the late 1990s as a founding member of the stable Degeneration X during the company’s Attitude Era. A pioneer among female pro wrestlers, she is the first and only woman to hold the intercontinental championship and was the first woman to participate in the annual Royal Rumble, .
She also had roles in mainstream movies, reality television and adult films.
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Members of the world of pro wrestling took to social media to react to her passing:
Someone who wasn’t afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright.
— Triple H (@TripleH)
I just heard the tragic news that has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed.
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon)
THE CHYNA LOVE THE LEGEND. SHE TAKE WHAT THE MOOLAH DID AND MAKE IT BEST FOR THE LADY IN THE WRESTLING
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik)
RIP Chyna. You were the first woman I saw wrestle men and inspired me to get in the ring with men and women. Thank you.
— JadeTNA (@JadeTNA)
I had been in contact recently with to guest on The Ross Report.
Unfortunately now that will never happen.
RIP Joanie
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ)
Shattered glass ceilings, kicked down doors, broke gender barriers, she was an anomaly & untouchable. Rest now-ur legacy lives on
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom)
Joanie, I’m so sorry. I will always treasure our friendship and will never forget your kindness to my children. RIP
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley)
I got this news a few hours ago and have been simply GUTTED since! Hate these 3 letters, RIP ‘Ms. Big Joanie’
— Terri Runnels (@theterrirunnels)
â¤ï¸
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE)
Glad I got to see Joanie recently and tell her in person how much I cared for her. She was a wonderful person. R.I.P
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler)
Just woke up to the sad news about Chyna. Such a huge part of and of my childhood. Very sad day.
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE)
Chyna was fearless to no man & a huge part of her impact will never be forgotten. thoughts & prayers are with her family
— Charlotte (@MsCharlotteWWE)
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)
‘It will never be about what you did . . . but, about who you were.’
I am heartbroken . . . I Love You.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso)
Rest easy baby girl!
— GOLDUST (@Goldust)
May the peace you were seeking put you at rest my friend. So sorry for not seeing the pain . We’ve shared so much
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash)
