Chyna at Days of the Dead Chicago 2015

It's always sad to see anyone die at a young age.  Seeing pictures of Chyna and me are especially sad though.

Chyna (Joanie Laurer) died way too young.  She rose quickly in the world of wrestling.  Unfortunately, she also fell too quickly.  Once out of the wrestling spotlight, things occasionally got ugly, too.

It's a shame.  Importance is placed on the wrong things at times.  Politics and other such games too often get mixed in to produce damaging results.

Chyna wasn't clear of her rewsponsibility in the mess, but she deserved better than what she got.  At times, it seemed like Chyna was against the world.  Nobody was in her corner (except maybe Howard Stern, ionically).

Recently, Chyna started making more punlic appearances.  She seemed to be doing well.  She was totally friendly and we actually forged a bit of a "fan friendship" from seeing each other several tmes in a short time span.

I thanked her fopr helping me with a literacy program many years ago.  She remembered and thanked me for including her.  We had some nice moments.

When I heard of her deth, it didn't shock me, unfortunately.  Although she seemed to be in a better place, we have seen too many wrestling personalities ride the roller coaster with bad endings.

Her death did sadden me a bit more than usual.  She just seemed like a lost soul.  I'm sure she'll eventually get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame 9and rightly so), but I just wish it ocurred during her lifetime.  I don't fault the WWE for her passing, but a healing of sorts between the two parties might have gone a long way in helping Chyna to find peace.

Joanie Laurer and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2015.

Rest In Peace: Chyna (Joanie Laurer)

Joani "Chyna" Laurer burst onto the wrestling scene as "The Ninth Wonder of the World."  She competed against me.  She won titles.  She was a star in the WWE.

Unfortunately, a series of problems and issues derailed her career and life.  Her battles have been well-documented and she has received more than her share of criticism.  Even more unfortunate, Laurer passed away earlier this week.

A lot will be written and said about Laurer.  I don't claim to have been great friends with her, but she did help with a literacy project I ran years back at Lerner Newspapers and I have met her several times.

For the literacy program, Laurer sent us several signed 8x10's and cd's (she released some music at the time).  She also offered to give us more if needed or help us in any other way.  We had hundreds of celebrities and athletes contribute to the cause, but Laurer gave us more than most and especially among the young girl students, Laurer was very popular.

As part of the press, I also got to meet and talk to her more than the average fan at several conventions.  She was extremely sweet and I found her delightful.  At the first convention, I reminded her of the ad series and she remembered and gave me a huge hug.  From then on, at every convention, I received the same treatment.  At the last one (Blizzard Brawl last December), she stopped the regular fan line to do some pictures with me, even suggesting a few fun poses.

Chyna will go down as a bit of a controversial figure in wrestling history.  Hopefully the WWE will induct her into their Hall of Fame, not because she died, but because she deserves it.

I will always have my memories of Laurer and they are all good.  Rest in Peace Chyna and thanks for some great memories.

Joanie Laurer, Jason Fleigel and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2015.

At Legends of the Ring

As promised yesterday, Josh Watko is presenting his report from the Legends of the Ring event yesterday.  I am excited about this, especially because Johngy's Beat is getting the story even before Josh puts it on his world famous site, JW's Wrestling Memorabilia!
Now I turn it over to Josh...
Legends of the Ring 12 was yet another great success from promoters Terrence and James. Early on in our journey to Jersey on Friday afternoon we learned of cancellations from both Dusty Rhodes and Terry Taylor. Rhodes was due to a death in the family and Taylor due to back surgery. The two were replaced on the superticket lineup by MVP and Carlito. Cancellations are an unfortunate reality in events such as these. It's no secret that despite meeting my all-time favorite wrestler a half a dozen times before, I was very much looking forward to seeing Dusty again. Taylor was also someone I was looking forward to meeting. The situation was handled very well, as always, and both names are said to have been rescheduled for the October Legends of the Ring event.
The show seemed to go off without a hitch with nearly every talent being top notch. Joanie "Chyna" Laurer was a total class act to the many fans who came out to meet her in a rare appearance. The extra special treat of being able to meet several top stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling was quite the thrill as well. Being a fan of his since his initial WCW appearances in 1991, Jushin "Thunder" Liger's appearance was very significant to me. He seemed just as enthusiastic to meet his fans as we were to meet him. "Once in a lifetime opportunity" is thrown around a lot on all convention scenes, however this is one case where the phrase may ring true.
From Ken Shamrock to Jim Ross to rare appearances by Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow (Demolition Ax and Smash) in their Masked Superstar and Krusher Kruschev gimmicks, respectively, LOTR 12 had something for everyone...and everyone went home with a smile.
I am quite sure Josh went home with a smile.  This is one of the best wrestling conventions and I am so glad that Josh gave us this report and picture and I promise to have more stuff from Josh in the future, especially around the next Legends of the Ring event.  Until then, check out his site for even more great wrestling stuff.

Josh Watko and Joanie "Chyna" Laurer in Monroe, NJ-May 2011.

Autograph Tales:Joanie "Chyna" Laurer

Joanie Laurer is perhaps better known by the name Chyna, which she used during her time with the WWE. Laurer achieved a lot of success in wrestling and even some mainstream popularity. Unfortunately, she had some well-publicized troubles in her personal life.
I am happy to give Laurer some praise. Back when I ran an education program at Lerner Newspapers, I solicited memorabilia donations from many celebrities. Laurer responded quickly and generously.
Laurer sent a bunch of 8x10 autographed photos and a stack of various signed wrestling cards featuring her. It was one of the largest item donations we ever got for the program. The students loved getting "Chyna" stuff as awards.
I know Laurer has had her share of problems (some of which are self-inflicted), but I will always remember this gesture. Laurer really went above and beyond!

One of the signed cards Joanie Laurer donated in 2004.