How Chyna blazed a path for the modern WWE Divas Revolution

The nature and cause of her death are under investigation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s department. There were prescription pills found at the scene, though they were not out.

Authorities in Redondo Beach issued a statement on Thursday stating that police were dispatched to Chyna’s apartment on Wednesday after a friend reported that the resident there was not breathing.

“There are no indications or signs that the death was a result of foul play”, Freeman said in a statement.

“She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed”, tweeted Stephanie McMahon, an owner and executive with WWE who was once a romantic rival. She also appeared in several films and TV shows, such as X-Factor, Robot Wars: Grand Champions, The Surreal Life, and Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy.

Dubbed as the Ninth Wonder of the World, the former DX member was the only believable woman to battle and win over her male counterparts. “Joanie Laurer, aka Chyna, the 9th Wonder of the World, has passed away”, read a post on her website.

Her career in WWE was a short one with Chyna exiting the company in 2001 following an on-screen romance with the late Eddie Guerrero and reign as women’s champion. In 2008, she appeared on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr”.

Sadly, the aftermath of Laurer’s in-ring career mirrored the journey of many former pro wrestlers – depression, substance abuse and early death. Sadly for her and those who loved her news of her passing has been over shadowed by the death of another entertainer, Prince.

She would have a falling out with the WWF in 2001 never to return. She became infamous for several of her adult videos, of which she has six. Neighbors suspected Chyna, who made history as the first female wrestler to enter the World Wresting Entertainment’s Royal Rumble and King of the Ring events, had died of “overdose” as she appeared “under the influence” lately.

Laurer was a native of Rochester, New York, and graduated from the University of Tampa in Florida in 1992 with a degree in Spanish Literature.

Chyna joins a long list of WWE professional wrestlers who have died relatively young, including Rick Rude, Curt “Mr”.