Chyna, a former WWE Superstar and reality TV star, was found dead in her Redondo Beach, California home. She was 45.
While there is no official cause of death out there, TMZ reports that the authorities are investigating a possible overdose. They go on to say that Chyna had not been heard from in days, and a friend went to check on her at her home and found her unresponsive. Chyna did have issues with drugs, going back to when she was a teenager, through her years as on reality TV, where her drug and alcohol use and abuse was documented on shows like Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew. She also overdosed on sleeping medication in 2010, although she'd since recovered and at one time was teaching English to students in Japan.
While Chyna had been unsuccessful in her attempts to get into the WWE Hall of Fame (primarily due to her past as a porn actress), and even had an awkward confrontation with Triple H at Roddy Piper's funeral in 2015, the WWE did acknowledge Chyna's passing. The federation mentioned her being dubbed the "Ninth Wonder of the World" and her role in the D-Generation X faction, as well as her historic WWE feats: being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble, as well as being the first and only woman to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship, which she did in 1999. She also held the WWE Women's Championship on one occasion.
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon (who is also Triple H's wife) was among the WWE superstars who sent their condolences:
I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna
Just woke up to the sad news about Chyna. Such a huge part of #womenswrestling and of my childhood. Very sad day. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
So sad to hear the news about Chyna. My heart goes out to her family and friends. May you rest in peace.
Rest easy baby girl! @ChynaJoanLaurer
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.
@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
While some fans, including comedian Ron Funches, are asking for the WWE to put her into the Hall of Fame:
I didn't realize how impactful Chyna was. She has one on one matches with people like Angle, Guerrero, Jericho. Put her in Hall of Fame @WWE
We will update this when more information becomes available.
