How I Want To Remember WWE's Chyna

By Troy Hughes | @TommySledge

WWE has drastically changed its presentation of women's wrestling.

For many years, a ladies match was something to fill time and for adolescent boys to watch with sheepish grins. Today, the Divas Championship is no more and the WWE Women's Championship is a prized title held by Charlotte Flair.

Flair's matches featuring other WWE superstars like Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Natalya and others are must-watch and at times FAR SUPERIOR over those with men. This invigoration of the women's division can be credited to talent, but should also be mentioned with another word … Chyna.

During WWE's Attitude Era, Chyna (Joanie Laurer) stood out among the Stone Colds, Hitmans, Rocks and Undertakers not only for her muscular build, but because she was a performer who didn't have to rely on a "bra and panties" match every week to get airtime.

In 1999, Chyna's menacing and quiet stature with D-Generation X crumbled once she entered the Royal Rumble, the first female to enter the annual event. Later that year, she defeated Jeff Jarrett at No Mercy and became the first and only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.

Two years later, Chyna was no longer in the WWE.

Although she ventured into other wrestling promotions, reality TV and adult films, it's what Chyna did during her WWE career that should be celebrated and remembered.

Is Chyna a WWE Hall of Famer? Without question. Should she be elected into the 2017 Hall of Fame? No.

Chyna's death is not the definitive qualification for her to become a Hall of Fame member. A decision like that would take away her accomplishments and influence to the business all because "it seems right" now that she's gone.

Chyna has not been seen, mentioned or discussed by the company since she left, but she continued to connect with fans all over the world through appearances, videos and social media. She may have lost sight of certain aspects of her life, but she never lost sight of where she came from. It's that kind of connection and incredible moments in wresting history that I will remember about Chyna.

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