World Wresting Entertainment (WWE) Icon and Entertainer Joan Laurer, popularly known as Chyna, was found dead in her apartment. She is 45. Redondo Police ruled out foul play but has yet to announce if death is of natural or accidental causes. Chyna started her career back in 1994 as a supporting act or "enforcer" for Triple H.
CNN reports that Laurer was found unresponsive by a friend who went to check on her. Aggrieved by the death of the "Ninth Wonder of the World", fans are remembering Chyna as a "feminist" and a trailblazer for women in the world of wrestling.
WWE colleagues also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late wrestler. Chyna was lauded for her many accomplishments and contributions in the wrestling world. WWE even posted a throwback featuring her biggest moments in the arena.
Farewell to Chyna, a gender equality icon in sports. #RIPChyna https://t.co/sL5jZOGmIk pic.twitter.com/Xc0LdMoFiT
— VICE Sports (@VICESports) April 22, 2016
All of the tributes seem to provoke a call to have Chyna placed in the Hall of Fame as questions on why she is not a hall-of-Famer despite her contributions rose. According to Independent, Laurer's involvement in adult films after her wrestling stint. WWE wanted to protect their Parental Guidance rating (PG) and the appearance of being family friendly.
Paul Levesque or "Triple H" also played a part in her slim bid for the Hall of Fame as they were allegedly romantically involved and broke up when he chose to marry his wife, Stephanie McMahon. McMahon is a permanent board fixture with her husband and the apparent heir to WWE as soon as Vince McMahon steps down.
However, Triple H spoke in support of Chyna's recognition by new WWE fans and being placed into the Hall Of Fame. In "The Steve Austin Show" podcast, Levesque said "From a career stand point, should she be in the Hall of Fame? Absolutely."
