Triple H comments on Chyna’s possible posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. photo: wwe.com
Triple H comments on Chyna’s possible induction into the WWE Hall of Fame
The passing of former-wrestler, Joanie “Chyna” Laurer, didn’t come as a shock to everyone. It’s been well documented that wrestlers often die young, and Laurer’s post-WWE career would largely be considered a trainwreck riddled with substance abuse.
But with another former wrestler gone, the wrestling world will largely ignore Chyna’s post-WWE struggles.
Instead, fans have been coming together to show their proper respects. Twitter was flooded with hashtags of #RIPChyna – trending worldwide on Thursday morning.
Notably, in an interview with the Mirror, WWE executive vice president of talent (and former boyfriend to Chyna) Triple H mentions:
Triple H and Chyna were not only partners in the ring, but outside of it as well. The couple’s relationship would ultimately end with Triple H marrying “the boss’ daughter” Stephanie McMahon. photo: wwe.com
“It is obviously tragic and clearly my well-wishes go out to her friends and family.”
Triple H continues:
“Man, [she was] just a great person, an amazing talent, a ground breaking pioneer, that was never afraid to go out on a limb and blaze her own trail through life.”
One looming question on many fans minds is about Chyna’s possible induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In wrestling circles, it’s practically considered a crime that Chyna hasn’t already been inducted. Many speculate that her previous relationship with Triple H (who is now married to “the boss’s daughter”) is the primary reason that she’s been snubbed.
Last year, Triple H mentioned on the Stone Cold Podcast that while he felt Chyna deserved the spot from a wrestling career standpoint, it was not that simple. Triple H references issues with young wrestling fans searching for Chyna on the internet for the first time and inevitably learning about her post-WWE career in the adult film industry.
Fair or not, WWE sees this as an issue. Especially as the company has moved from it’s once-edgy programing, to a more family-friendly product (complete with a TV PG rating).
Fans dubbed the current era of wrestling “The PG Era”. Whether this was a move on the part of the WWE to keep stock holders happy, or to simply get away from the negative stigma that was plaguing wrestling around the time of Chris Benoit’s death is still up for debate.
Not all WWE Hall of Famer’s have a squeaky clean past. photo: wwe.com
Given the company’s public image is at stake, can we blame the WWE for leaving Chyna off the ballot? WWE is a business after all, and a publicly traded one at that. Public scandals and controversy aren’t good for business. Then again, why are others with a checkered history given a free pass into the WWE Hall? Mike Tyson was inducted into the celebrity wing and his rap sheet is about as clean as the WWF locker room in the 80s.
Chyna participated in six adult films from 2004-2013. Notably, some of the adult films that Laurer participated in portrayed characters in the WWE – essentially mocking the company. Perhaps these storylines hit a bit too close to home.
But has Triple H changed his tune now that Chyna is gone? When the Mirror questioned him about Chyna’s posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, Triple H said:
“You know it’s not my decision, but I definitely think, as I have said before, that what she did in her life certainly warrants it.”
In the late 90s, Chyna and Triple H were part of the original incarnation of “D-Generation X” photo: wwe.com
“There was never anybody like her before her, and there will never be anybody like her after.”
“It’s certainly warranted and I’m sure at some point when the time is right, hopefully, that could happen.”
…Triple H is clearly not in a position to give a clear cut “yes” or “no” but from a fan’s perspective – it will likely happen, and it will likely happen at next years ceremony in Orlando.
There’s no question the company would be under heavy fire from its own “WWE Universe” should the 9th Wonder of the World not be on the 2017 ballot.
Chyna wouldn’t be the first wrestler to be inducted into the WWE posthumously. Other notables include the Big Boss Man, inducted earlier this year, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage who was inducted in 2015.
Do you think Chyna should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame? Sound off in the comments section below.
