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Entertainment • Wrestling

Chyna

Chyna was an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and television personality best known for her time in WWE/WWF from 1997 to 2001.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chyna was an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and television personality best known for her time in WWE/WWF from 1997 to 2001. Nicknamed “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” she was a trailblazing performer who broke several gender barriers in wrestling, including becoming the first woman to qualify for the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring tournaments. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019.

Early life and background

Chyna was born Joan Marie Laurer in Rochester, New York, and later became known professionally under the ring name Chyna. Before wrestling, she was associated with bodybuilding and later became a television personality.

WWE career

Chyna debuted in WWE in 1997 and became known for her imposing presence and association with D-Generation X. WWE describes her as a performer who helped redefine women's roles in the company.

Championships and milestones

Her career included major firsts for a woman in WWE, including qualifying for the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring. She is also recognized as the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship, which she won twice.

Legacy

Chyna is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in professional wrestling for breaking gender barriers in male-dominated storylines and matches. WWE later honoured her with induction into the Hall of Fame.

Key facts

  • Chyna wrestled in WWE/WWF from 1997 to 2001 and became one of the most recognized figures of the Attitude Era.
  • She was the first woman to qualify for both the King of the Ring tournament and the Royal Rumble Match.
  • She was the first woman to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship and won it twice.
  • She also held the WWE Women's Championship during her career.
  • She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Canadian context

Chyna was widely known to Canadian wrestling fans through WWE’s international television reach and remains a notable figure in the history of women’s professional wrestling in North American sports entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Chyna?
Chyna was the ring name of Joan Marie Laurer, an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, and television personality best known for her WWE career.
Why was Chyna famous in wrestling?
She was known for breaking gender barriers in WWE, including competing against men and becoming the first woman to qualify for major tournaments like the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring.
What championships did Chyna win?
WWE recognizes her as a former Intercontinental Champion, winning that title twice, and a former Women's Champion.
What was Chyna’s nickname?
She was nicknamed “The Ninth Wonder of the World.”
Was Chyna in the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes. WWE lists her as a 2019 Hall of Fame inductee.

References

  1. WWE — https://www.wwe.com/superstars/chyna
    Supports: Biography, nickname, WWE career highlights, first woman milestones, championships, Hall of Fame induction
  2. WWE — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7fCBn-DPGA
    Supports: Debut timing and early WWE career context