Woke up yesterday to the news that the "9th Wonder of the World", Chyna, had passed away.
We've lost far too many of WWF/WWE's finest, far too often, and almost always, far too young.
She began her career as the bodyguard for Triple H and was an integral part when he teamed with Shawn Michaels to form DeGeneration X. They were one of the hottest groups at the start of WWE's Attitude Era, and Chyna was there, front and center.
Soon she moved out of her bodyguard role and actually into that of a competitor.
Except Chyna was different, and her running roughshod over the other ladies was rather boring, so she actually was able to wrestle the men.
And she won.
She even won championships.
Sure, there was a bit of novelty to it, but she really was that good in the ring, and was rewarded for her efforts.
She was also teamed with Eddie Guerrero towards the end of her stint in wrestling and "Latino Heat" and his "Mamacita" brought out the best in each other and propelled them both to heights neither had previously enjoyed alone.
Chyna left wrestling shortly after that and has been battling her personal demons ever since. Her relationship with Vince McMahon and Triple H has been contentious over the years, but it seemed like there was a thawing taking place that might someday lead to Chyna being rightfully inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Sadly, it seems like that will be easier now that she's not around to screw it up by doing or saying anything else to damage her relationship with the company.
But she was Hall of Fame material and all wrestling fans know it.
Rest easy now, Chyna.
Hopefully Latino Heat was there in his lowrider to pick you up at the pearly gates.
