Joan Marie Laurer, who rose up the wrestling ranks to become the 9th Wonder of the World champion in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as Chyna, was found dead Wednesday in her home at Redondo Beach, California apartment.
The Los Angeles Times reported local police received a call from Laurer’s manager Anthony Anzaldo and the apartment building manager. When police arrived, she was found in her bed with no life signs.
A cause of death is yet to be determined.
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Laurer was a graduate of the University of Tampa Bay (majoring in Spanish Literature) and was a model, bodybuilder and even co-authored a book If They Only Knew, which reached the New York Times best seller list.
“She showed in the WWE what a money maker it can be mixing it up having women wrestle men,” professional wrestler and Crossfire columnist Melissa Coates said. “Which it’s a shame they don’t do any of that nowadays, as it seemed to be a real favorite at the time.”
The WWE posted a quick statement about Laurer’s death on their website:
WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.
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 – WWE
TMZ Sports is reporting no suicide note was found nor were there any signs of of Chyna intending to die. The last known contact she had with anyone was Sunday evening.
Laurer’s death prompted a number of tributes from other wrestlers on social media.
R.I.P. CHYNA (1970-2016) https://t.co/jqIztRIMMg via @ChynaJoanLaurer #RIPChyna #TeamChyna #Chyna pic.twitter.com/Eyb9ZNMFiR
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
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
https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/723154009654063105
https://twitter.com/RealBrookeAdams/status/723153119115268098
#RipChyna Thanks @ChynaJoanLaurer for not being afraid and being you,you opened up a door for us women! Was an honor to have met you..
— Jessie ODB Kresa (@theodbbam) April 21, 2016
RIP Chyna Gone far 2 soon, it's just heartbreaking losing so many of the @wwe family-may her fam n friends have peace at this time😢#ripchyna
— ☆ Ashley Massaro ☆ (@ashleymassaro11) 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
Woke up to the Horrible news of the passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer A beautiful person & a kind soul. Sad day pic.twitter.com/FMki6QUNVS
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 21, 2016
Wheels up on @Delta … Headed to Germany… Nice to see all the kind words being said about Chyna this morning…
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/LouieVentura/status/723173440371314690
https://twitter.com/MizzHogan/status/723152687492149249
Rest in Peace, Chyna.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/RingsideNews/status/723131878098800640
Lauren’s Twitter page indicates she has recently visited some of her former coworkers.
So good to see my friend @BookerT5x last december. Now can you dig that!!! #Spinarooni Booker is awesome total class pic.twitter.com/DPgcP52WoM
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 17, 2016
Wasn't @JerryLawler on commentary in the Attitude era just the best he was so funny. Great to see you king =) pic.twitter.com/5jaoCAurFE
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 17, 2016
One of the Toughest tag teams out there @JCLayfield and #RonSimmons #Damn. Love these guys so great seeing them =) pic.twitter.com/I2G9dEwiEg
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 17, 2016
Me and my pal @RealBillyGunn sure do miss you. hope to see you soon =) pic.twitter.com/m3RlHXX808
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 17, 2016
After wrestling, Laurer branched off into adult films and had a well-documented number of splits with former wrestling boyfriends like Triple H and Sean Waltman.
The investigation continues.
