The pro wrestling world was shocked late Wednesday night at the announcement of the death of former WWE star Joanie Laurer, a.k.a. Chyna.
Despite her strained relationship with WWE, Laurer made major contributions to the sport as both a former Women’s and 2-time Intercontinental Champion. She was the first woman to compete in a Royal Rumble, the first woman to compete in the King of the Ring, the first woman to become number one contender for the WWF Championship (even if she eventually lost the opportunity) and the first and only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
Many of her friends, fans and former co-workers, from Jim Ross to Mick Foley to Trish Stratus, shared their prayers and condolences for the ‘9th Wonder of the World.’ Collected below are a few of what are sure to be many.
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
— Triple H (@TripleH) 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
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
Shattered glass ceilings, kicked down doors, broke gender barriers, she was an anomaly & untouchable. Rest now-ur legacy lives on #RIPChyna
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) April 21, 2016
Condolences to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer. Hopefully her troubled soul has found peace.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
RIP Chyna Joanie Laurer. You were a pioneer for women in this industry. You were always so nice to me when we would cross paths. God bless.
— Abyss (@TherealAbyss) 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.
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/723027643407437825
https://twitter.com/newjapaneng/status/723028937991958528
Wow waking up to the sad news @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. A big role she played in womens wrestling & growing up watching her.So sad #RIPChyna
— Summer Rae (@DanielleMoinet) April 21, 2016
Just woke up to the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. So sad to hear, she was an amazing lady & I will miss her greatly!!
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) April 21, 2016
Chyna was fearless to no man & a huge part of #womenswrestling her impact will never be forgotten. thoughts & prayers are with her family 💜
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) April 21, 2016
Just woke up to the sad news about Chyna. Such a huge part of #womenswrestling and of my childhood. Very sad day. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) April 21, 2016
Wow I just heard @ChynaJoanLaurer passed. Sad… My Prayers go out to you and your family Joanie. RIP my friend.
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) 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
https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/723039614261428224
My heart goes out to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer Another one gone too soon. #RIPChyna
— Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) April 21, 2016
Surreal Life co-star Verne Troyer also weighed in.
Sad to hear about the passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer. #RipChyna you will be missed
— Verne Troyer (@VerneTroyer) April 21, 2016
As did former WWE star Ken Shamrock
RIP chyna great memories good times you will always be a great part of my life during a great time of my life you will be missed
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) April 21, 2016
And Ron Funches
https://twitter.com/RonFunches/status/723046754590031872
