LOS ANGELES -- Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestler Chyna, born Joan Marie Laurer, has died at the age of 45, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.
Made famous as a wrestler and actress, Chyna's manager Anthony Anzaldo told Los Angeles Times she was found dead Wednesday in her Redondo Beach home.
Anzaldo said she was found in the afternoon and no cause of death had been determined.
A post to Chyna's Twitter account confirmed the news:
#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's popularity exploded as a member of the WWE faction D-Generation X -- back when it was still called the WWF -- alongside Triple H, Shawn Michaels, X-Pac, Billy Gunn, and The Road Dog Jesse James. The group highlighted WWE's real-life battle for ratings with Ted Turner's WCW. WWE eventually won that battle and bought out its competition.
As a solo performer, the former bodybuilder was seen as too dominant in the women's division. She became the first woman to compete in the King of the Ring competition and win the Intercontinental Championship.
After leaving wrestling, Laurer struggled with substance abuse. She appeared on the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. She was also known for an often trying relationship with Sean Waltman (WWE’s X-Pac). The couple released a sex tape. Laurer then went on to star in more pornographic films.
Celebrities and wrestlers shared their condolences on social media.
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
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
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@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
RIP 9th Wonder of the World. Here's hoping WWE inducts you into the HOF. pic.twitter.com/PoqssR7I0M
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) April 21, 2016
My heart goes out to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer Another one gone too soon. #RIPChyna
— Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) April 21, 2016
Oh man... I just saw Chyna not 6 months ago! I can't believe it. Prayers to her family. Wow... Great lady. #RIP https://t.co/tdwpEDszvr
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) April 21, 2016
Rest in Paradise to the 9th Wonder of the World. A former Champion who could have held the @WWE title herself. Chyna 🔔.....🔔.....🔔
— O'Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) April 21, 2016
I am heart broken completely heart broken!!!
— D'Lo Brown (@dlobrown75) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna
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
All I can say is that Chyna was always incredibly kind to me. I never forgot that. Life can be rough even to the strongest amongst us.
— Gregory Shane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) April 21, 2016
