Chyna, The 9th Wonder of The World, has died.The below tweet was posted to her official twitter account last night by her management, which reads: ""It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her."
#RipChyna 😢😢😢 all of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix pic.twitter.com/jOfbHUAI2j
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
Chyna - who was teamed with Triple H - was groundbreaking in her field, being the first female wrestler to "qualify for the King of the Ring tournament, the first female #1 contender for the WWF Championship, and the first female Intercontinental Champion."
After her wrestling career ended in 2001, she appeared in reality TV shows such as VH1's The Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. She also developed a fraught relationship with WWE and the McMahon's thanks to allegations of abuse and her appearance in an adult film parody including WWE and McMahon family members in the form of lookalikes. According to Uproxx: "Laurer was was seeking to mend this relationship with WWE before her death, and crowdfunded a documentary to capture her journey."
ProWrestlingSheet.com reports that Chyna was discovered yesterday afternoon at her home in Southern California. Since then, members of the McMahon family, WWE and celebrities have been paying their respects via twitter.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joanie "Chyna" Laurer. https://t.co/EgNstScdcD #RIPChyna pic.twitter.com/oLSB509p7p
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2016
Chyna has died at the age of 45: Our hearts are with the entire WWE family. https://t.co/iMfCFVluB9 #RIPChyna pic.twitter.com/WaYm7Bcirj
— Total Divas (@TotalDivas) 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
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
Jesus. Chyna. 46 is too young. Rest in Peace.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) April 21, 2016
Not even believing @ChynaJoanLaurer is gone. She's graduating early...God must have needed an angel.
— Brooke Hogan (@MizzHogan) April 21, 2016