Former wrestling star Chyna dies
Former WWE star Joanie Laurer, best known by her ring name Chyna, has died at the age of 46.
No cause of death has been released.
Police say they were responding to a 911 call from a friend of Laurer when they discovered her body in her Redondo Beach, Calif., apartment, the Associated Press reports.
Known as "The Ninth Wonder of the World," Chyna was a pioneering presence in the WWE (then WWF) in the late 1990s. At a time when most of the women on the roster participated in highly sexualized sideshow matches, Chyna wrestled primarily with and against men. She remains the only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
After leaving the WWE in 2001, Laurer participated in multiple reality shows, posed for Playboy, and appeared in pornographic films.
Upon learning of Laurer's death, many current and former WWE stars paid their respects on Twitter:
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
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
Just woke up to the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. So sad to hear, she was an amazing lady & I will miss her greatly!!
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) 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
Condolences to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer. Hopefully her troubled soul has found peace.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
https://t.co/ULyqGvkxUK