Hulk Hogan, others react to the death of Chyna
News of the death of Chyna, the pioneering female wrestler and "9th Wonder of the World," caught the wrestling world completely by surprise. Many of her friends, fellow wrestlers former colleagues quickly took to social media to express their shock and disbelief about her passing at the age of 45.
"Devastated over Chyna passing," Hulk Hogan tweeted. "Such a beautiful soul and so kind to my children."
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
@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
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
Such sad news today #RIPChyna #9thWonderOfTheWorld 🙏
— Eva Marie (@natalieevamarie) 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
So sad to hear the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. #RIPChyna
— Carmella (@CarmellaWWE) April 21, 2016
Just heard, so sad to learn of the passing of Joanie "Chyna" Laurer. Always was great to talk to & laugh with. #Legend #RIPChyna
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) April 21, 2016
Tragic to hear about the passing of Chyna. A true pioneer. #RIPChyna
— Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE) April 21, 2016
In the months leading up to her death, Chyna was focused on the work on "The Reconstruction of Chyna," a documentary about her career and attempt at a comeback.
"The film is well into production," director Erik Angra said in a March 6 update on the project's Kickstarter page. "We are going to continue to film for the next year and not miss a beat. Then editing, composing music, sound mix and the many aspects of post production will follow. I hope to have a final film for you in Spring of 2017."
Chyna's death clearly disrupted those plans, but Angra was quick to assure her fans that the film would be completed.
The #documentary will continue! #forchyna @ChynaJoanLaurer wanted her #true story told! It's my honor to tell it. pic.twitter.com/RaGH4DN6WV
— Erik Angra (@AngraFilm) April 21, 2016
The Kickstarter campaign for the film set out to raise $10,000 and ended up bringing in more than $12,000.