Chyna dead: Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus pay tribute to WWE 'icon'

Chyna was found dead on Wednesday night in a California apartment

'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.' (Getty)

The WWE Universe is in mourning following the news that former wrestler Chyna was found dead in a California apartment at the age of 45.

Police in Redondo Beach, California, were called to an apartment on Wednesday after a friend found Chyna – real name Joanie Laurer – not breathing, and she was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

A short statement released on her official Twitter account described Chyna as “a true icon” after she helped the women’s division in the WWE gain worldwide recognition due to her enforced style and bodybuilder frame that saw her rival her male colleagues.

It read: "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."

Current executive vice-president of talent, live events and creative of the WWE Triple H, who scouted Chyna and brought her to the WWE 16 years ago, took to Twitter to pay tribute to his former stablemate and girlfriend, with the pair embarking on a relationship off-screen before splitting up while still with the company.

“Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna,” wrote Triple H.

WWE chief brand officer and former wrestler Stephanie McMahon posted a tribute to Chyna on her Twitter account, writing: “I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna.”

Other messages paying tribute to Cyna appeared from past and present WWE Superstars, with the world of wrestling shocked that one of its fan favourites had died at such a young age.

Chyna made her WWE debut in 1997 as an enforcer for Triple H, and continued to work with the current executive vice-president of talent, live events and creative of the WWE when he formed the legendary stable D-Generation X with Shawn Michaels as well as The Corporation faction.

She went on to hold the Women’s Championship for 231 days in 2001, which came after her stints as Intercontinental champions in October 1999 and August 2000. She left the company following her final appearance at the Judgement Day pay-per-view in 2001.

Chyna also embarked on a career in pornography from 2004, and it’s known that her work in the adult industry is why she has not been added to the WWE’s Hall of Fame.