The professional wrestling community lost a legend in Chyna, who died Wednesday at age 45. Several WWE superstars and legends reacted to news Thursday via Twitter.
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
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
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
@ChynaJoanLaurer May the peace you were seeking put you at rest my friend. So sorry for not seeing the pain @Mania. We've shared so much
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) 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
https://twitter.com/AmyDumas/status/723074848738676736
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 had been in contact recently with @ChynaJoanLaurer to guest on The Ross Report.
Unfortunately now that will never happen.
RIP Joanie 🙏
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
Condolences to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer. Hopefully her troubled soul has found peace.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
Still thinking of the sudden passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer Wednesday. A gentle
albeit troubled soul. What are your favorite
Chyna memories?— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
So sorry to hear the news of the passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer She was always a great friend of me and Ron. RIP https://t.co/tbyqXma5Kh
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/723072116220932096
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/723027643407437825
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/723153919334060032
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
#RIPChyna #9thWonderOfTheWorld 🙌🏽❤️
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) April 21, 2016
Tragic to hear about the passing of Chyna. A true pioneer. #RIPChyna
— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) 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 Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) April 21, 2016
Chyna, whose real name is Joanie Laurer, rose to prominence with WWE during the late 1990s. Nicknamed “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” Laurer was a key member of the popular D-Generation X faction. She was the first female participant in Royal Rumble history and became the first woman ever to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Laurer’s post-wrestling days weren’t as illustrious, as she joined the adult film industry and battled drug problems. Redondo Beach, Calif., police released a statement early Thursday morning saying officers responded to a 911 call from a friend who discovered Laurer unresponsive after not answering her phone for a few days.
Laurer’s death still is under investigation.
Thumbnail photo via YouTube screen grab
