Chyna, American wrestler (b. 1969)

Known to the world as Chyna, the formidable Joan Marie Laurer (December 27, 1969 – April 20, 2016) was a truly multifaceted American personality. Her career spanned a remarkable array of fields, establishing her as a professional wrestler, glamour model, published author, adult film actress, dedicated bodybuilder, and engaging television personality. Chyna’s impact was particularly profound in the realm of professional wrestling, where she broke numerous barriers and redefined perceptions of female athletes.

A Groundbreaking Career in Professional Wrestling

Chyna’s meteoric rise to prominence began in 1997 within the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now globally recognized as WWE. Her unique combination of strength, athleticism, and charisma quickly set her apart, earning her the iconic billing as the "Ninth Wonder of the World." This epithet was a significant nod to the legendary André the Giant, who had long been revered as the eighth, cementing Chyna's larger-than-life presence in the industry.

She was a pivotal founding member of the influential wrestling stable D-Generation X, serving as the promotion's trailblazing first female enforcer. In this role, Chyna was not merely a valet or a manager; she was an active, dominant force, often physically intervening in matches and holding her own against male competitors, a truly unprecedented sight at the time. Her in-ring accomplishments were equally historic: she became the only female performer ever to hold the prestigious WWF Intercontinental Championship, a feat she achieved twice. Furthermore, she captured the WWF Women's Championship once, solidifying her status as a champion.

Chyna continued to shatter glass ceilings, making history as the first woman to compete in the male-dominated Royal Rumble match and the King of the Ring tournament. Her undeniable skill and dominance even led her to become the number one contender for the coveted WWF Championship, an accomplishment that underscored her unparalleled position in the company. Throughout her career, she secured singles victories over several highly decorated male wrestlers, including multiple-time world champions such as Triple H, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Jeff Jarrett. These victories cemented what WWE itself later described as "a lasting legacy as the most dominant female competitor of all time."

After her departure from the WWF in 2001, Chyna continued to wrestle sporadically, gracing the rings of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2002 and later making her final in-ring appearance with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2011, leaving an indelible mark on every promotion she joined.

Ventures Beyond the Ring

Chyna's charisma and striking presence extended far beyond the wrestling world. She graced the pages of Playboy magazine on two occasions, establishing herself as a prominent sex symbol and further broadening her appeal. Her public profile grew exponentially through numerous appearances on television shows and films, where she showcased her versatile personality.

In 2005, Chyna joined the cast of VH1's popular reality series, The Surreal Life, which opened doors to several other celebrity reality appearances on the network. These included The Surreal Life: Fame Games in 2007 and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2008, where she openly discussed her personal struggles, further connecting with audiences on a more intimate level.

Her life outside of wrestling was also marked by a tumultuous, high-profile relationship with fellow professional wrestler Sean Waltman (also known as X-Pac). Their relationship gained significant media attention when they made a sex tape together, which was commercially released in 2004 under the title 1 Night in China. This production went on to win a prestigious 2006 AVN Award for Best-Selling Title. Chyna later starred in five additional adult film titles, including Backdoor to Chyna, which earned the 2012 AVN Award for Best Celebrity Sex Tape, further highlighting her willingness to explore diverse avenues in her career.

A Lasting Legacy: WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In a powerful testament to her enduring impact and groundbreaking achievements, Chyna was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. This honor came as a member of D-Generation X, making her the first woman ever to be inducted into the esteemed Hall as part of a group or team, further cementing her pioneering status in the annals of professional wrestling history. Her career, marked by unparalleled strength, fearless innovation, and a refusal to conform, continues to inspire and resonate with fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chyna

What was Chyna's real name and when was she born and when did she pass away?

Chyna's real name was Joan Marie Laurer. She was born on December 27, 1969, and passed away on April 20, 2016.

What were Chyna's primary professions?

Chyna was an American professional wrestler, glamour model, author, pornographic actress, bodybuilder, and television personality.

Why was Chyna known as the "Ninth Wonder of the World"?

She was billed as the "Ninth Wonder of the World" during her time in the WWF, following André the Giant, who was known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This moniker highlighted her unique and imposing physical presence in the wrestling world.

What were Chyna's most significant wrestling achievements in the WWF/WWE?

Chyna was a founding member and the first female enforcer of D-Generation X. She was the only female to hold the WWF Intercontinental Championship (twice) and also held the WWF Women's Championship once. She was also the first woman to participate in the Royal Rumble match and the King of the Ring tournament, and became a number one contender to the WWF Championship.

Did Chyna ever defeat male wrestlers in singles competition?

Yes, Chyna achieved singles victories over several prominent male wrestlers, including multiple-time world champions like Triple H, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Jeff Jarrett.

When and how was Chyna inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?

Chyna was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 as a member of D-Generation X. This made her the first woman to be inducted as part of a group or team.

Did Chyna wrestle for any other promotions after leaving the WWF?

Yes, after leaving the WWF in 2001, she wrestled sporadically with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2002 and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2011, which marked her final in-ring appearance.

What were some of Chyna's notable appearances outside of wrestling?

She appeared in Playboy magazine twice, numerous television shows and films, and was a cast member on VH1's The Surreal Life, The Surreal Life: Fame Games, and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

What was Chyna's involvement in the adult film industry?

Chyna starred in a commercially released sex tape with Sean Waltman in 2004, titled 1 Night in China, which won a 2006 AVN Award. She went on to star in five more adult film titles, including Backdoor to Chyna, which won a 2012 AVN Award for Best Celebrity Sex Tape.