WWE Attitude Era Star “Chyna” Dead At Age 45

Joanie Laurer, known to the public as former WWE wrester and reality television star Chyna, was found dead at her home in Redondo Beach, California. Laurer was just 45 years old.

Laurer rose to fame as the musclebound "enforcer" of the group called De-Generation X during WWE's attitude era. She quickly became one of the most recognizable female wrestlers in history and because of her popularity, was one of the first females given an opportunity to wrestle men within the company. She was the first female to win WWE's Intercontinental title and was considered to be WWE's best female role model in history.

But it was Laurer's private relationship with WWE superstar Triple H that contributed to her eventual firing from the company and substance-abuse filled downfall. Triple H had ended their romantic relationship and started one with Stephanie McMahon, leaving Laurer confused and furious. When she was released from the company, she began her substance abuse issues as well as a toxic relationship with one of Triple H's friends, Sean Waltman (X-Pac).

Laurer and Waltman's relationship led to a foray into the adult film industry, when the pair sold one of their homemade sex tapes. In 2011, Laurer once again appeared in an adult film, this time produced by Vivid productions, titled Backdoor To Chyna.

Laurer also appeared on VH-1's popular show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew where her on-again, off-again relationship with Waltman was a central focus of her time on the show. Throughout her appearance, she admitted to having problems with alcohol and prescription pill abuse.

No cause of death has been released yet for Laurer by the Redondo Beach Medical Examiner. She was found at her apartment by a friend who called 911 immediately.