'Truly A Pioneer': Former WWE Star Chyna Dies At The Age Of 45
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The wrestling world is in mourning after former WWE star Chyna passed away at the age of 45.
The management team for Chyna, whose real name was Joanie Laurer, posted a statement on Twitter about her death.
"It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer 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," the statement read.
The Los Angeles Times reported Chyna was found dead inside her Redondo Beach, California, home.
"The Redondo Beach Police received a 911 call from a friend of the apartment unit resident that the female inside was not breathing," the department told the Times in a statement. "The friend told Redondo Beach Police that the female had not answered her phone in a few days, and went to the location to check on her welfare. Officers arrived on scene and discovered a deceased female inside the location."
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Stephanie McMahon, the WWE's chief brand officer, called Chyna a "pioneer."
Stephanie McMahon tweeted, "I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed."
Chyna was an intricate part of the WWE's "Attitude Era," teaming with Shawn Michaels and Triple H to form the legendary D-Generation X.
Chyna became a well-respected wrestler during her WWE run, accomplishing feats women before her never did. She became the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship, defeating Jeff Jarrett in 1999.
"A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship," the WWE said in a statement.
Chyna, who also held the Women's Championship, left the WWE in 2001 after having a reported fall-out with management over Triple H's and Stephanie McMahon's real-life relationship. Chyna and Triple H were previously dating.
Chyna went to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2002 and then resurfaced in Total Nonstop Wrestling Action in 2011.
Chyna turned to porn in 2004, starring in her first adult film. She would film five others. In 2000, she posed for the cover of Playboy.
Chyna also had a well-known battle with drug addiction.
Wrestlers and fans took to social media to pay their respects for the wrestling legend.
