“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,” a statement posted on Chyna’s Twitter account read after the wrestling icon’s unexpected death on April 20. So tragic!
Chyna was an American professional wrestler who worked for the WWF (now called the WWE), actress, glamour model, and bodybuilder. And although her life was cut way too short, Chyna certainly did a LOT during her time on Earth. The legend first started wrestling in 1997 and was nicknamed the “Ninth Wonder of the World,” pretty impressive, huh? Chyna was also a founding member of the stable D-Generation X and held the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice. Even better, she was the only female performer to do so.
#RipChyna 😢😢😢 all of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
She was also the first woman to participate in the Royal Rumble and the King of the Ring events, as well as to become the number one contender to the WWF Championship. Wow! Talk about paving the way of feminism. Chyna was a true inspiration and always will be. There’s no question Chyna left behind “a lasting legacy as the most dominant female competitor of all time,” according to the WWE website.
After retiring from the WWE in 2001, Chyna did not slow down one bit. The star appeared in Playboy magazine twice as well as various television shows and even films. Chyna was cast as a member of VH1’s The Surreal Life in 2005, which led to several other celebrity reality appearances on the network. For example, in 2008, she appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Unfortunately the wrestler suffered from extreme drug and alcohol addiction, which is what authorities are thinking led to her untimely death.
But despite Chyna’s troubles, she was much loved while she was alive, which has carried over into her death. Fans and celebs have taken to social media to express their sadness and remember the late star.
Our thoughts go out to Chyna’s friends and family during this difficult time.
