Wrestling legend Chyna has died at the age of 45.
The WWE star-turned-porn star – whose real name was Joan Marie Laurer – tragically passed away in her apartment in Redondo Beach, California.
A statement made on social media reads: "It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her."
Chyna was found unresponsive in her bedroom on Wednesday afternoon. She was discovered by a friend who called the police, TMZ reports.
Since news of her tragic death broke, stars of the wrestling world have rushed to pay tribute to Chyna.
Stephanie McMahon – the wife of Triple H – wrote: "I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna (sic)"
Whilst former wrestling commentator Jim Ross shared: "Shocked to hear this. We were in contact recently. I had been in contact recently with @ChynaJoanLaurer to guest on The Ross Report. Unfortunately now that will never happen. RIP Joanie … Condolences to the family & friends of @ChynaJoanLaurer. Hopefully her troubled soul has found peace. (sic)"
Brooke Hogan, the daughter of Hulk Hogan, also expressed her sadness at the world’s loss, writing: "Not even believing @ChynaJoanLaurer is gone. She’s graduating early…God must have needed an angel. (sic)"
And Kendra Wilkinson sweetly recalled their first meeting: "The 1st time I met Chyna I was so drunk that I slipped n grabbed her slammin her to the dance floor. We both laughed thank god. #ripchyna (sic)"
During her long-standing career, Chyna – who was dubbed the "Ninth Wonder of the World" – dominated the women’s division of the WWE and even held titles that were usually only held by men.
She departed the company in 2001 on bad terms following her split from then-wrestler and now WWE Executive Vice President Triple H and his subsequent romance with Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWE’s Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
And following the success of a sex tape she released with wrestler Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman in 2004, Chyna then turned her attention to porn, starring in several X-rated movies. Alongside her career in the adult entertainment industry, she made a brief return to wrestling with TNA and up until her death, she was teaching English in Japan.
Wrestling star Chyna dies aged 45
