Today in history, On April 17, 2016 – Chyna, American wrestler was last seen Alive.

Chyna (1969–2016)

Real Name: Joan Marie Laurer

Born: December 27, 1969 – Rochester, New York

Died: April 20, 2016 – Redondo Beach, California (Chyna was last seen alive on April 17, 2016.

Her body was discovered on April 20, 2016, in her home in Redondo Beach, California.)

Profession: Professional wrestler, bodybuilder, actress, reality TV personality

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Early Life & Background

Chyna grew up in a troubled household. Her parents divorced when she was about four, and she had a strained relationship with her mother. She moved frequently and struggled with eating disorders and emotional trauma during her youth.

She graduated from the University of Tampa in 1992 with a degree in Spanish Literature. Before wrestling, she worked a variety of jobs, including as a cocktail waitress and a singer in a band. She also trained in judo and bodybuilding, which would later influence her wrestling persona.

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Wrestling Career & Achievements

Chyna entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1997 and made an instant impact. She was initially introduced as the bodyguard for Triple H and later became a founding member of D-Generation X, one of the most iconic wrestling factions of the '90s.

Her groundbreaking accomplishments include:

*First woman to enter the Royal Rumble match (1999)

*First and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship (twice)

*First woman to qualify for King of the Ring

*WWF Women’s Champion (2001)

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She broke barriers by competing against male wrestlers, something almost unheard of at the time, and earned the nickname “The Ninth Wonder of the World” (a play on Andre the Giant being the eighth).

Her physique, strength, and persona challenged gender norms in wrestling, and she became a powerful symbol for women in a male-dominated industry.

Post-Wrestling Life

After leaving WWE in 2001, her life took a complicated turn:

*Appeared in Playboy twice (gaining mainstream fame)

*Competed on reality shows like The Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew

*Starred in adult films, which garnered both controversy and criticism

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She expressed interest in returning to WWE and being inducted into the Hall of Fame, but her adult film career complicated that path for many years.

Cause of Death

Chyna was found dead on April 20, 2016, at her home in Redondo Beach, California. She had not been heard from for a few days, prompting friends to check on her.

Cause of death:

Accidental overdose of alcohol, anxiety medication (Valium), sleeping pills (Ambien), and painkillers. It was ruled a prescription drug overdose with no foul play involved.

Legacy

Chyna is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in wrestling. Though her career was controversial at times, her impact was undeniable. In 2019, she was finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of D-Generation X.

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Fans and wrestlers alike remember her for changing the game and proving that women could go toe-to-toe with men in the ring not just as eye candy or valets, but as legitimate competitors.