Multiple sources reported on Wednesday evening that Joanie Laurer, better known as former professional wrestling star Chyna, had passed away at the age of 46. WWE later released a statement, confirming the reports and eulogizing the former Intercontinental Champion.
Laurer was not just a former professional wrestler; she was a legitimate pioneer in the industry. Billed at almost 6-foot tall and 200 pounds, Laurer literally towered over almost every female in the profession. Her frame earned her the nickname "The Ninth Wonder of the World", and her association with the stable D-Generation-X — with Triple H and Shawn Michaels — turned her into a very popular character for WWE.
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Where Laurer really became transcendent was in 1999, as she became the first woman to enter the WWE's Royal Rumble match. This was the start of a major push for her character, where the WWE presented her as a legitimate challenger to male competion. Later in the year, she was even named the No. 1 contender for the WWF Championship — the top title professional wrestling. Rumors have circulated that the WWE had planned to have her win the title, but those storylines apparently broke down by the annual SummerSlam event.
Those opportunities for Laurer were not completely lost, however. On October 17, 1999, Laurer made history, becoming the first — and only — woman to win the WWE's Intercontinental Championship, a title that is seen as the second most prestigious title in the entire company. She would later lose the title to Chris Jericho, but the championship reign is often recognized as a major stepping stone for female athletes, both in and out of professional wrestling.
Laurer would leave the WWE in 2001 over personal issues and disagreements with upper WWE management, namely the McMahon family. She would later pursue a career in adult films, and would eventually experience issues with substance abuse. While Laurer's current cause of death is unknown, police have ruled out foul play and it is believed that these substance issues may have played a role in her premature passing.
Several wrestlers mourned her death on Twitter, including Chavo Guerrero, Kevin Nash, and Dustin "Goldust" Rhodes.
Laurer is the latest of several star wrestlers to pass in the past 12 months. "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes died in June of 2015, and not long after, the iconic "Rowdy" Roddy Piper passed, too. In the past month, former wrestlers Blackjack Mulligan and Balls Mahoney have passed, as well.
As for Laurer, there will never be another character like her in professional wrestling. She broke down several barriers and has accomplished far more than any other woman has in the industry.
RIP Chyna.
