WWE Issues An Official Statement On Joanie “Chyna” Laurer’s Passing

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.

Upon hearing the sad news, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following:

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

TMZ Sports has learned she was in a home in Redondo Beach, CA … south of L.A. — and police got the call around 7:30 PM. Officers are on scene right now. We’re told they are investigating as a possible overdose … due mainly to her history with drugs.

Chyna was 45-years-old.

A statement was posted to Chyna’s official Twitter account confirming the death … saying, “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero.”

“She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”

Laurer was discovered Wednesday evening according to ProWrestlingSheet.com.

Chyna was a game changer during her stint with the WWE — famously teaming up with Triple H to become one of the original members of D-Generation X. She was also the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble.

Chyna went on to pose for Playboy before transitioning to reality TV. She appeared on “The Surreal Life” in 2005.

Later, Chyna got into porn … releasing 6 films from 2004 to 2013.

She later went to Japan to teach English.

Chyna struggled with addiction for years — and appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” back in 2008.

She posted a video to her YouTube page earlier this week — she looked like she was struggling.

Story developing …