It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of Joanie Laurer, best known to wrestling fans as “Chyna”. She was just 45 years old.
With brief runs in TNA and New Japan following, Chyna was undoubtedly famous for her time in the WWE between 1997 and 2001, where she debuted as a manager for Shawn Michaels and Triple H in D-Generation X, before making the transition to the ring and becoming the first female Intercontinental champion.
After wrestling, she had a career in the adult movie business, and had also been an English teacher in Japan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chyna’s friends, family and fans at this time.