Early Life
Joan Marie Laurer was born on December 27, 1969, in Rochester, New York. She had a tumultuous childhood; her biological father struggled with alcoholism, while her first stepfather was suicidal. When she was 13, Joan suffered from an eating disorder. She was also a victim of sexual violence as a teenager, first from a male teacher and later during her years in college.
After graduation, Joan joined the Peace Corps and volunteered in Guatemala. Upon her return, she held several jobs, including as a cocktail waitress, a singer, a chat line worker, a pager salesperson, and a belly dancer. She also regularly entered fitness competitions but was often impeded by her large stature.
WWE Debut
In 1995, Joan began training at Killer Kowalski’s wrestling school in Massachusetts. She debuted that same year and wrestled across the independent circuit as Joanie Lee. It didn’t take long for Joan to catch the attention of WCW and WWE; she was pursued by both companies, but ultimately signed with WWE.
Joan made her WWE debut on February 16, 1997, at In Your House 13: Final Four. She served as a bodyguard for Triple H and Shawn Michaels of D-Generation X. WWE gave her the ring name Chyna, playing on the idea that china is delicate, but she is the polar opposite.
Championship Reigns
During her WWE career, Chyna shattered glass ceilings and achieved feats that were previously thought to be impossible. In June 1999, Chyna became the first woman to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament. At No Mercy 1999, Chyna defeated Jeff Jarrett to become the first and only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
After the conclusion of her Intercontinental Championship reign, Chyna entered an on-screen relationship with Eddie Guerrero. The two of them, despite initially being heels, became a fan-favorite duo. Their relationship lasted until November 2000 after a segment where Chyna discovered Eddie in the shower with two other women.
Chyna then entered a feud with Ivory and Right to Censor, a faction of morally conservative wrestlers who resented Chyna for her Playboy photoshoot. At WrestleMania X-Seven, Chyna defeated Ivory to win the WWE Women’s Championship. She defended her title the following month at Judgment Day against Lita.
WWE Departure
Chyna vacated the Women’s Championship shortly after her defense against Lita, which turned out to be her final match in WWE. She officially departed from the company in November 2001 after a months-long absence from television.
The circumstances surrounding her departure continue to be debated to this day; one predominant narrative is that Chyna asked for more money in her next WWE contract than the company was willing to give her, leading them to part ways.
After leaving WWE, Chyna pursued a career in acting. She starred in several films and television shows, including Fear Factor, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Losing Control. She also had brief tenures in NJPW and TNA.
Death & Legacy
Chyna passed away on April 17, 2016, as a result of an accidental overdose of alcohol, combined with anxiety medications, painkillers, and a sleeping aid. Her body was cremated and her ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean.
Today, Chyna is celebrated as one of the most influential athletes in the world of women’s wrestling. Her presence and work ethic helped pave the way for the next generation of athletes, and her courage proved that women are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone.
