The wrestling world is in mourning after the death of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer was released late last night and several of her former co-workers expressed their sadness on Twitter.
Her former boyfriend and one of the men who lobbied to get her hired, Triple H, called Chyna a pioneer. “Someone who wasn’t afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright,” wrote HHH. Last year Triple H had to publicly denounce Chyna’s claims that he beat her up when the two were in a relationship.
Fellow D-Generation X member Shawn Michaels, the other person who helped get her hired said that he woke up to the news of her passing. “So sad to hear, she was an amazing lady & I will miss her greatly!!” Along with Triple H, the three pushed the envelope to the limits during the Attitude Era.
Shane McMahon, the second member of the McMahon family to comment about Chyna wrote, “Very sad and tragic news about the passing of Chyna. A kind and funny lady. Her legacy will live forever. RIP Joanie.”
Stone Cold Steve Austin, someone who also had a lot of interactions with Chyna during the much-missed Attitude Era added, “Crushed to hear that Chyna has passed away. In WWE she was over at the highest level. Very funny, sweet, and bad ass. She was awesome.”
Mick Foley, who remained big friends with Chyna wrote, “Joanie, I’m so sorry. I will always treasure our friendship and will never forget your kindness to my children.”
Former WWE Women’s champion Trish Stratus wrote, “Shattered glass ceilings, kicked down doors, broke gender barriers, she was an anomaly & untouchable. Rest now-ur legacy lives on.”
Another female who shared the ring with Chyna during the Attitude Era was Lita. “So tragic. My heart is heavy today reflecting on this amazing woman.”
Several others including those currently in the WWE women’s division as well as those who worked with her expressed their condolences, all using the hash tag #RIPChyna, which has been trending ever since the announcement was made.
