The wrestling world is mourning yet another loss as Joanie "Chyna" Laurer was pronounced dead Wednesday night. She was 46.
Nicknamed "The Ninth Wonder of the World," Laurer was a trailblazer for women in the WWE.
Laurer is the only woman to ever win the Intercontinental Championship and she had two reigns with that title along with one run as WWE Women's Champion. She was also the first woman to ever enter the 30-man Royal Rumble Match and an original member of the legendary D-Generation X faction, along with her ex-boyfriend Triple H and Shawn Michaels.
In her post-wrestling career, Chyna dealt with many issues, including bouts with depression and drug use, while she also had a brief career as an adult film star. Still, she will always be remembered as a pioneer for women in wrestling.
Officials are investigating a possible overdose as a cause of death for Laurer, according to TMZ Sports. One of Laurer's friends went to check on her in her Los Angeles apartment when she wasn't seen or heard from for a few days. Her body was discovered in her bed Wednesday and police arrived on the scene around 7:30 p.m.
According to TMZ Sports, police are investigating her death as an overdose only due to her past problems with drugs. There were prescription drug bottles found in her home, but no illegal drugs.
Though the WWE distanced itself from Laurer over the past few years due to her struggles and her adult film star past not meshing with its PG image, she pushed for a Hall of Fame induction while she was still alive.
Chyna's death was revealed in a tweet by her official Twitter account Thursday morning:
#RipChynaall of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix pic.twitter.com/jOfbHUAI2j— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
Since her passing, many past and present WWE stars have taken to social media to remember her:
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
My prayers go out to Joanie Laurer and her family. It's very sad to hear this news. Chyna was revolutionary for women in wrestling.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) April 21, 2016
Just woke here in Europe to the saddening news about "Chyna" She was one of a kind and will b remembered 4 ever. — Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) April 21, 2016
Joanie, I'm so sorry. I will always treasure our friendship and will never forget your kindness to my children. RIP https://t.co/pVV0KjbkFt
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) 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
The struggle is real. Each and every day is a struggle but at least her struggle is over, may she rest now. She was my friend!
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) April 21, 2016
Just woke up to the sad news about Chyna. Such a huge part of #womenswrestling and of my childhood. Very sad day. #9thWonderOfTheWorld — Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) April 21, 2016
So tragic. My heart is heavy today reflecting on this amazing woman. #RIPChyna pic.twitter.com/atJK0XJwlS
— Amy Dumas (@AmyDumas) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna #9thWonderOfTheWorld — $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) April 21, 2016
Chyna was fearless to no man & a huge part of #womenswrestling her impact will never be forgotten. thoughts & prayers are with her family Charlotte (@MsCharlotteWWE) April 21, 2016
Rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/nOFqNWJs8K — TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) April 21, 2016
R I P Chyna...
— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel) April 21, 2016
Tragic to hear about the passing of Chyna. A true pioneer. #RIPChyna — Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE) April 21, 2016
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
I'm sure Eddie is welcoming u into God's Kingdom #RIPChyna #RIPEddie RT @maxthephotog: @mexwarrior @ChynaJoanLaurer pic.twitter.com/H5TN0C2zyD — Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) April 21, 2016
Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016
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