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Former WWE writer Vince Russo recently recalled how Chyna was hurt by not being allowed to use her in-ring name after she left the company.
While she was born Joan Marie Laurer, the late star became popular as Chyna, thanks to her tenure with WWE from 1997-2001. Since the global juggernaut owns the rights to most of the character names, the performers aren't allowed to use them after they leave the promotion. For instance, Aleister Black became Malakai Black after leaving the company for AEW, while Rusev became Miro.
On the other hand, others like Chris Jericho, CM Punk, and more own the rights to their names, allowing them to use them freely no matter where they perform. On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing with Russo, Vince Russo pointed out how Chyna was unable to use the name by which fans knew her once she exited WWE.
Russo added that this cost the former Intercontinental Champion many other opportunities, as everyone wanted to hire Chyna and not Joan Laurer.
"Being very close to Chyna, what really hurt Chyna beyond wrestling was she was not allowed to use the name. So all of a sudden, she's going out there looking for work, the people she's having meetings with want to hire Chyna but unfortunately she's Joan Laurer. So what do these people say? 'Sorry, nobody knows who Joan Laurer is.' Bro, this is Chyna who was a huge star. If she tried to rebrand herself as Chyna Doll. Remember that? That was an absolute fiasco," said Vince Russo. (2:56 - 3:44)
Check out the full video below:
Vince Russo wants WWE stars to build their own brand
Furthermore, Vince Russo suggested how once WWE cut ties with a wrestler, their future could be uncertain as they can't use their in-ring names elsewhere. He believes the athletes must build an identity for themselves, which could help them thrive outside of the global juggernaut's umbrella.
"So the dilemma is, how do you play by their rules knowing, 'Okay bro, in three or four years they are gonna cut off with me and everybody knows I was Elias but now that I have to go buy my new name, nobody is gonna know who the heck am I,'" said Vince Russo. (3:45 - 4:09)
Though she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of DX, fans have been clamoring to see Chyna get a solo induction down the line.
What do you make of Vince Russo's take on wrestlers owning their in-ring names? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you take any quotes from this article, please embed the YouTube video and credit Sportskeeda Wrestling.
