Chyna, one third of the D-Generation X stable with Shawn Michaels and Triple H, was found dead in her home just south of Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Joan Marie Laurer was 45.
https://twitter.com/ChynaJoanLaurer/status/723002666834497536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Cause of death isn’t immediately clear, but according to a Redondo Beach Police Department statement there were no signs of foul play and an investigation is open to determine if her death was accidental or natural.
“On April 20, 2016, Redondo Beach Police Officers were dispatched to an apartment unit in the 900 block of Esplanade. The Redondo Beach Police received a 9-1-1 call from a friend of the apartment unit resident that the female inside was not breathing. 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.”
Wrestlers and executives from the WWE will also clearly miss Chyna, who may have paved the widest path for women in the WWE. As the only woman to hold the Intercontinental title, she regularly beat the ever living shit out the male Superstars. In addition to that, she was also the only women to ever compete in the annual Royal Rumble.
Chyna struggled with addiction for years and it was well documented on her appearances on “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab.” Her posing in Playboy helped her step from her WWE persona and into another on screen life of porn. She will definitely be remembered as one of the cornerstones of the WWE Attitude Era.
Just woke up to the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. So sad to hear, she was an amazing lady & I will miss her greatly!!
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna sad day for women's wrestling. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) April 21, 2016
I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 21, 2016
Today I pray that I cherish the time I have with family and friends. I pray that I let them know how much they mean to me. #OUDK #RIPChyna
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) April 21, 2016
Another influential figure gone far, far too soon. Went through ups and downs but indelibly changed our business forever. #RIPChyna
— Matt Rehwoldt (@DramaKingMatt) April 21, 2016
Tragic to hear about the passing of Chyna. A true pioneer. #RIPChyna
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) April 21, 2016
You broke a mold, paved your own path and left a lasting impression on our industry. Thank You @ChynaJoanLaurer #RIPChyna
— Byron Saxton (@ByronSaxton) April 21, 2016
Never met @ChynaJoanLaurer but she was always Positive&Respectful 2Me. She definitely was a Force in @WWE #RIPChyna https://t.co/Q6eXYodLnT
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear about Chyna. #RIPChyna
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. #RIPChyna
— Leah Van Dale (@CarmellaWWE) April 21, 2016
Wow waking up to the sad news @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. A big role she played in womens wrestling & growing up watching her.So sad #RIPChyna
— Summer Rae (@DanielleMoinet) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/AmyDumas/status/723074848738676736
Shattered glass ceilings, kicked down doors, broke gender barriers, she was an anomaly & untouchable. Rest now-ur legacy lives on #RIPChyna
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) April 21, 2016
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joanie "Chyna" Laurer. https://t.co/EgNstScdcD #RIPChyna pic.twitter.com/oLSB509p7p
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2016
I am heart broken completely heart broken!!!
#RIPChyna— D'Lo Brown (@dlobrown75) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear about Chyna. #RIPChyna
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) April 21, 2016
I’m sure there will be many more tributes tweeted and instagrammed throughout the day. It will be interesting to see if the WWE does a tribute tonight on Smackdown or if they wait until Monday Night Raw.
