Laurer, born in New York, was a prominent female figure in the pre-2000 WWF and was the first woman to participate in many major events, including the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring.
Chyna also faced many prominent male fighters in the ring, including Chris Jericho and Triple H. She left the WWF in 2001 and joined TNA in 2011.
She was admired by many and the shock of her passing at just 45-years-old has many around the world stunned.
#RipChyna ??? all of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
Felix pic.twitter.com/jOfbHUAI2j
A life can not be summed up in 140 characters. Chyna broke barriers and made people look at women in wrestling a whole new way.#RIPChyna
— David Lagana (@Lagana) April 21, 2016
First woman to enter Royal Rumble, King of the Ring and win #ICTitle. Will never be another Chyna. #RIPChyna #WWE pic.twitter.com/jxH9h7FbMf
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) April 21, 2016
Sad to report the passing of Joanie "Chyna" Laurer, one of the most recognizable stars during the WWF Attitude Era, at the age of 45.
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) April 21, 2016
Pro Wrestling Insider - FORMER WWE STAR CHYNA PASSES AWAY.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
Shocked to hear this. We were in contact recently. RIP https://t.co/ILtGiQNrt0
Chyna broke barriers in wrestling that I never knew could be broken. #RIP
— Leva Bates (@wrestlingleva) April 21, 2016
The epitome of the word pioneer. Godspeed my fellow Kowalski alum Chyna. You reinvented what a female wrestler is. May you be at peace.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) April 21, 2016
Someone who didn't get enough credit for what she did for women in wrestling. Sadly she will get that recognition now. RIP Chyna.
— The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear about @ChynaJoanLaurer. Tragic for this to happen to a person with that kind of potential. RIP Chyna pic.twitter.com/monj5V9lTK
— Sam Roberts (@notsam) April 21, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Chyna's family. She was always cool with me. #Rip9thWonder
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) April 21, 2016
RIP Chyna aka Joannie Lauer. Condolences to her family and friends.
— Dirty Dutch Mantell (@dirtydutchman1) 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
Very sad to hear that Joanie "Chyna" Laurer has passed away. Gone way too young. Thoughts are with her family and friends. #RIPChyna
— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) April 21, 2016
An integral part of the DX and the Attitude Era.
— jim varsallone (@jimmyv3) April 21, 2016
RIP Chyna... https://t.co/drCcjQUjMw
Tell people what you should while you can...You NEVER KNOW if you will have the chance again! :(
— Terri Runnels (@theterrirunnels) April 21, 2016
Chyna. Rest in peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 21, 2016
RIP Joannie "Chyna" Laurer. #WWE
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) April 21, 2016
R.I.P. CHYNA pic.twitter.com/FJ6PuW2zsr
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) April 21, 2016
