What’s the story?
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Bill Apter has released never before seen video footage of a promo that Chyna cut alongside him back in the day.
Expounding upon which, Apter recalled that he’d in fact invited Chyna to cut a promo with him as part of a pro-wrestling style rivalry between the boxing and professional wrestling departments of the magazine he worked for.
In case you didn’t know…
Chyna sadly passed away on April 20th last year. According to a report of her autopsy released in December 2016, she died of an overdose of alcohol, combined with the anxiety drugs diazepam and nordazepam, painkillers oxycodone and oxymorphone, and sleeping aid temazepam.
The late-great was revered as one of the most influential women in the sport’s history.
The heart of the matter
Bill Apter—a highly respected journalist in the business—often puts forth certain forgotten remembrances, with his latest offering being the aforementioned video that sees him and Chyna weave a rather stupendous promo. Here are a few excerpts of the same:
“Back in the magazine days the wrestling department had a rivalry with the boxing magazine editors. Yes — it was all for fun a total “work.” The boxing faction was lead by Eric “Roundhouse” Raskin while Wonderful Willie (my wrestling character) ruled our side of the office. Many times I would take the gold belt (I was the COW — CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICE WRESTLING title holder) out to the world of Pro Wrestling.”
“Here is one of those memorable times when I needed a corner person for my next title defense — and that was my dear friend (I miss her very much) Joanie “Chyna” Laurer. It was back in her days with DX” … Bill Apter…10/16/2017”
What’s next?
The trailer of a posthumous documentary depicting Chyna’s life titled ‘Wrestling With Chyna’ was released on the day of her passing. However, said film has since been the recipient of considerable criticism coming from the late-WWE legend’s mother.
Author’s take
Chyna’s life represents the highest of highs and lowest of lows that a human could possibly experience over his/her time on this planet.
She will always have a special place in the hearts of professional wrestling fans the world over and shall be forever regarded as a symbol of the WWE’s resilience during the Attitude Era. Rest in peace, Joanie ‘Chyna’ Laurer.
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