Given Joanie “Chyna” Laurer’s complicated relationship with World Wrestling Entertainment, and specifically Paul “Triple H” Levesque, many were looking out for the company’s response to the tragic news of Laurer’s passing earlier this morning.
The following statement was issued by Levesque’s wife, Stephanie McMahon, who allegedly began seeing ‘The Game’ while he was still in a relationship with Chyna.
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
McMahon took some heat from fans online as prior to the above, she tweeted out a “midnight workout” video as news of Laurer’s passing began to circulate. She later deleted the video from Instagram after the news was confirmed.
WWE also issued the following statement:
WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.
A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed “The Ninth Wonder of the World” a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship.
