Reactions from around the wrestling world to Chyna’s death
The death of Chyna on April 20, 2016 may not have been a shock given her past struggles with substance abuse – but it certainly left the wrestling world mourning.
On a touching episode of his podcast, close friend of Chyna, Vince Russo, states that Chyna was never truly aware of just how loved she really was.
An emotional Russo states “There was one thing Joanie wanted – and it was to be loved. If only she could be sitting behind a computer and reading what these people thought about her… she had no idea.”
Whether Joanie was aware of it or not, the below tweets from around the professional wrestling world should speak to the impact Chyna left on sports entertainment.
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
I’m sure Eddie is welcoming u into God’s Kingdom #RIPChyna #RIPEddie RT @maxthephotog: @mexwarrior @ChynaJoanLaurer pic.twitter.com/H5TN0C2zyD
— Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna sad day for women’s wrestling. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) April 21, 2016
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
Rest in peace, Chyna. You will be missed. #RIPChyna
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) April 22, 2016
Sending strength and light to the family of Joanie Laurer (CHYNA). What a trailblazer in the world of the @WWE. #RIPChyna
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 21, 2016
She was SO sweet to Dakota, that is the way I will remember her! Being judgemental of others lives is hurtful. #BeGood2Others #RIPChyna
— Terri Runnels (@theterrirunnels) April 21, 2016
So sorry to hear about Chyna passing. I was honored to work w such a talented women!#RIPChyna pic.twitter.com/8rTFXEdcWs
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) April 21, 2016
Chyna was key in paving the way 4 women in WWE. She is greatly loved & will b greatly missed! Thx 4 inspiring us women wrestlers! #RIPChyna
— Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) April 21, 2016
#RIPChyna you made an everlasting impression on ALL of us. #LoveUJoanie
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 21, 2016
Today I pray that I cherish the time I have with family and friends. I pray that I let them know how much they mean to me. #OUDK #RIPChyna
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) 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
Just heard, so sad to learn of the passing of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer. Always was great to talk to & laugh with. #Legend #RIPChyna
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) April 21, 2016
I can’t believe @ChynaJoanLaurer is gone. I’m grateful I was able to tell her how amazing she was to me. #ToTheCelloPlayingAngel #RIPChyna ????
— Melina (@RealMelina) 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
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
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
Devastated over Chyna passing,she dated Brutus years before wrestling,such a beautiful soul and so kind to my children,rip Joanie love u. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear about Chyna. #RIPChyna
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) April 21, 2016
Still thinking of the sudden passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer Wednesday. A gentle albeit troubled soul. What are your favorite Chyna memories?
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
I wish I could hear Joanie laugh again. She had the most most beautiful, dorky, fully committed laugh. pic.twitter.com/fKKNo7Ybe2
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 21, 2016
So sad about this news. RIP, it’s a damn shame. @chynajoanlaurer https://t.co/jtT5YLYIZ3
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) April 21, 2016
So sad to hear the news of @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. #RIPChyna
— Carmella (@CarmellaWWE) April 21, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of Chyna. My condolences to her family. Celebrate her life & the footprint she left on the world #RIPChyna
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) April 21, 2016
Woke up to the Horrible news of the passing of @ChynaJoanLaurer A beautiful person & a kind soul. Sad day pic.twitter.com/FMki6QUNVS
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) 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
THE CHYNA LOVE THE LEGEND. SHE TAKE WHAT THE MOOLAH DID AND MAKE IT BEST FOR THE LADY IN THE WRESTLING #RIPChyna
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Joanie “Chyna” today. RIP Joanie.
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) April 21, 2016
“It will never be about what you did . . . but, about who you were.”
I am heartbroken . . . I Love You. pic.twitter.com/8TUdh5H3Ts
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) April 21, 2016
I am heart broken completely heart broken!!!
#RIPChyna
— D’Lo Brown (@dlobrown75) April 21, 2016
Happy to have met you, laugh with you and work with you. GOD BLESS. #RIPChyna @ChynaJoanLaurer
— Bubba Ray Dudley (@BubbaRayDudley) April 21, 2016
Hard to find the words sometimes. R.I.P. Chyna. You will be missed
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) April 21, 2016
There’s no question Chyna left a lasting legacy in the WWE.
She was a unique character who shattered the stereotype of what it meant to be a female during the late 90s in the WWE’s Attitude-era.
Chyna fought men. She won the Intercontinental title. She entered the Royal Rumble – things that were previously unfathomable for the male-dominated audience.
There’s no question – Chyna’s legacy will live on.
