Ex-WWE wrestler Joanie 'Chyna' Laurer dead at 46

Former World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Joanie Laurer, better known by her in-ring name of Chyna, was found dead at her Redondo Beach, Calif., home Wednesday afternoon at the age of 46, according to her manager. No cause of death has been announced.

Known for her bodybuilder physique, Chyna made her WWE debut in 1997 and joined Shawn Michaels and then boyfriend Triple H in the group, “D-Generation X.” Chyna wasn’t just eye candy for Michaels and Triple H — she was a bodyguard, an on-air role up until that point was primary reserved for men.

Chyna eventually made the transition from bodyguard to wrestler and became the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble in January 1999. She made more history as the first and only female WWE Intercontinental champion, defeating Jeff Jarrett for the title in October 1999. During the height of popularity in the WWE, Chyna graced the covers of "TV Guide," "Newsweek" and "Playboy" magazines.

Chyna and Triple H

She abruptly left the WWE in 2001, reportedly in part due to Triple H ending his relationship with her in favor of Stephanie McMahon, daughter of WWE chairman and owner Vince McMahon.

The two were having an on-camera relationship and hit it off.

“He was in love with her at one time. By the time I came around, things weren’t so good as I understand it,” Stephanie McMahon said on the “Howard Stern Show” in 2002. “They were still living together … but there’s a whole lot more detail that I’m not going to get into.”

After leaving the WWE, Chyna briefly wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2002 before returning back home.

Her wrestling career was placed on hold as Chyna jumped into the world of pornography in 2004 with the release of “1 Night in China” alongside ex-WWE wrestler Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. Chyna went on to appear in five more pornographic films over the next decade. Chyna’s non-porn acting credits included cameos on “3^rd Rock from the Sun,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" and “Mad TV.”

Remembering former WWE wrestler Joanie 'Chyna' Laurer

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Chyna was never able to return to WWE programming despite being such a trailblazer for women in the professional wrestling business.

The WWE released the following statement Wednesday evening:
"WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.

"A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed "The Ninth Wonder of the World" a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship."

Upon hearing the sad news, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following:"

Stephanie McMahon

✔ ‎@StephMcMahon

I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna

10:54 AM - 21 Apr 2016

Triple H also tweeted Thursday morning on Chyna's death.

Triple H

✔ ‎@TripleH

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

6:11 PM - 21 Apr 2016

Chyna, 1990s wrestling pioneer, dies aged 46

Chyna, the tall, dark-haired pro wrestler who rocketed to popularity in the 1990s and later made the rounds on reality TV, has died, authorities said.

Police in southern California said they were responding to a 911 call from a friend of the former World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler when they found her dead in her Redondo Beach apartment.
A friend had gone Wednesday to check on Chyna, whose real name is Joan Marie Laurer, after she had failed to answer her phone for a few days, Redondo Beach police said in a statement. The friend told the 911 operator that Laurer wasn’t breathing.

WWE Legend Chyna Dies ... 'Possible Overdose'

The 46-year-old Laurer was dead when officers arrived, police said.

Neither police nor coroner’s officials have released any cause of death. An autopsy was planned in the next few days.

Former WWE superstar Chyna dies at 45

Laurer billed herself as the “Ninth Wonder of the World” because her wrestling predecessor Andre the Giant had already called himself the eighth.

She was a member of the wrestling squad that dubbed itself “D-Generation X,” often wrestled against men and at one point was the WWE women’s champion. After leaving the WWE in 2001, Laurer posed for Playboy and appeared in adult films and on reality TV, including the shows The Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew.

A statement posted Wednesday night on her website reads, “Today we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th Wonder of the World has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”

WWE Superstars React to Chyna's Death on Twitter

Laurer was a native of Rochester, New York, and graduated from the University of Tampa in Florida before taking up wrestling.

She joins a long list of WWE professional wrestlers who have died relatively young, including Rick Rude, Curt “Mr Perfect” Hennig, the Ultimate Warrior and Owen Hart.