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Legendary Professional Wrestler 'Chyna' Joanie Laurer Dies at 46

Laurer, known for her wrestling name Chyna, was a female pioneer in the male-dominated sport of professional wrestling.
Image: \"Chyna\" Joanie Laurer
"Chyna" Joanie Laurer holding a wrestling belt.Chyna / Facebook

Professional wrestling legend Chyna was found dead in her Southern California home Wednesday, her manager confirmed. She was 46.

The WWE icon billed as the "Ninth Wonder of the World," whose real name is Joanie Laurer, was "found lying peacefully" on her bed Wednesday afternoon, her manager, Anthony Anzaldo, said.

Redondo Beach Police said in a statement there were no indications of foul play. Sgt. Shawn Freeman said police received a 911 call from a friend who had checked on Laurer after not hearing from her for several days.

"The exact nature and cause of the death, as well as the general time of death is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s department," Freeman said in the statement.

Laurer was a female pioneer in the male-dominated sport of professional wrestling during the mid- to late-1990s, becoming the first woman to compete in the WWF Royal Rumble. She was also the first woman to become an Intercontinental Champion in the sports in 1999 and again in 2000.

The wrestler-turned-reality TV star and, later, adult film actress found fitness as an escape from a difficult childhood, according to the bio on her official website.