Marcus “The Menace” back at you guys with yet another tragic update in wrestling entertainment news. On April 21, 2016 Joan Marie Lauder aka Chyna, former WWE star, was found dead early in the morning in her Redondo Beach, California apartment at the age of 45. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Joan was born on December 27th, 1970 in Rochester, New York. She had many roles throughout her life including professional wrestling, actor, model, body builder, and pornographic film actress. Her legacy began in 1997 in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) where she picked up the on stage name Chyna, and shortly after dubbed “The 9th Wonder of the World”. Chyna was also a founding member of the wrestling faction Degeneration X (DX). Chyna was the only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship twice, and the Women’s Championship once. She was also the first woman to participate in Royal Rumble and King of the Ring events, and last but not least she was the first woman to hold a number one contending spot for the World Heavyweight Title belt. After leaving the WWF in 2001 Joan bounced around to Japan Pro Wrestling in 2002 then to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2011.
Outside of the ring Joan has appeared in the famous Playboy Magazine not only once but twice, as well as numerous TV shows and movies. The most remember able being VH1’s hit the Surreal Life which lead to a reality TV show career. Joan has also been depicted in five videos games as a professional wrestler. Also the first female wrestler to grace the cover of her very own comic book.
As a personal fan of wrestling and Joan her loss is a true tragedy. She was a pioneer in women’s wrestling and set ser the standard for the sport. If you are not familiar with Joan’s work and career please search her name on YouTube and check her out her amazing physical strengths. In closing I hope all differences can be set aside with the WWE and Chyna can take her rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame. R.I.P Chyna
