Former WWE Star Chyna Dead At 45
Former WWE and WWF wrestler Chyna — real name Joanie Laurer — has died aged 45.
Her management posted a statement on her Twitter and Facebook account confirming her death.
“It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero,” the message said.
“She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
Pro Wrestling Sheet reported Laurer’s manager found her at her home in Redondo Beach, California, but the exact cause of death is unknown at this stage. It has also been reported the 45-year-old had been taking medication to help with anxiety and sleep deprivation, and according to TMZ Sports, police officers at the scene were investigating the possibility of a drug overdose.
She became a wrestling star after debuting in 1995, and later was hired by Vince McMahon to be part of WWF. She choked out Marlena in her first involvement when the iconic Triple H was doing battle with Goldust.
She originally made a name for herself as Triple H’s bodyguard, using her trademark move — a swift blow to the groin — to help him win bouts.
Along with Triple H and others, including Shawn Michaels and Rick Rude, Chyna was one of the original members of D-Generation X — the famous tag team. Triple H and her then became part of The Corporation, and later, Shane McMahon’s Corporate Ministry.
She was one of the biggest drawcards for the wrestling promotion, even going on to fight in singles matches against the men. She won the WWF Intercontinental Championship when she defeated Jeff Jarrett in October 1999 at No Mercy, becoming the only woman to have claimed that belt.
Her last fight was a victory against Lita at Judgment Day in 2001.
Such was her success and popularity, she was promoted as the “Ninth Wonder of the World”.
Her fame on the wrestling stage helped her branch out into other areas once her career finished. She posed nude for Playboy in 2000 and appeared on reality TV program The Surreal Life more than a decade ago, then went into the porn industry, releasing six films between 2004-2013, per TMZ.
The entertainment website also reported she spent time in Japan teaching English.
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