Fans Celebrate Chyna With #ChynaTaughtMe

On Thursday, fans around the world were shocked to hear the news that wrestling icon Chyna had passed away at the age of 46. Chyna, real name Joan Marie Laurie, was found dead in her apartment in Redondo Beach, California, and the news was confirmed on her official website with a statement reading, "It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the ninth 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." In the wake of the news, fans have been using the hashtag #ChynaTaughtMe to celebrate the life of the empowering trailblazer as a woman in a male dominated sport.

Chyna made her television debut in 1997 as Triple H's bodyguard, but quickly broke stereotypes by stepping into the ring with some of the toughest men in wrestling. According to her official site, Chyna became the "only woman to qualify for the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring tournaments" and swiftly became "the only female Intercontinental Champion and the only undefeated Women’s Champion in WWF history." Along with being a wrestling and television star, Chyna was a devoted humanitarian, serving in the Peace Corps and supporting the National Animal Rescue Coalition.

Below are some tweets from the #ChynaTaughtMe hashtag that serve as a bittersweet reminder of the inspiration that Chyna served as to many women around the world.

To Demand Equality

To Believe Strong Was Beautiful

To Revel In Being Different

To Be A Woman That Makes History

To Never Give Up On Your Dream

To Never Apologize

To Celebrate Your Female Sexuality

To Be An Unapologetically Strong Woman

RIP to a true icon.