TO HER LEGIONS of fans, she's Chyna, the World Wrestling Federation's "Ninth Wonder of the World," the only woman on the professional circuit strong enough to take her male opponents to the mat. But outside the ring, she's just Joanie Laurer, college-educated former ROTC enlistee and Peace Corps volunteer.
Costa Rica RPCV Joanie Laurer is World Wrestling Federation's "Ninth Wonder of the World"
Chyna: The Susan B. Anthony of the WWF
TO HER LEGIONS of fans, she's Chyna, the World Wrestling Federation's "Ninth Wonder of the World," the only woman on the professional circuit strong enough to take her male opponents to the mat. But outside the ring, she's just Joanie Laurer, college-educated former ROTC enlistee and Peace Corps volunteer. In her just-out memoir, Chyna: If They Only Knew (Regan Books, $26), the 29-year-old, mega-muscled Laurer tells how she turned years of knockdowns and rejection into a lucrative career. She recently spoke with us:
Wouldn't it be easier for you in the ring if your hair weren't so long?
Yes. [Laughs] But if I cut my hair, they wouldn't have anything to hold on to.
Have you ever won a competition that wasn't fixed?
No. What we do is fixed.
Wait ... you're telling us professional wrestling isn't real? Horrors!
You can fix a storyline, but you can't [fool] millions of people who recognize you for who you are and what you do.
Your character is less ferocious now, but it still looks as if you could handle a real fight.
When what they see is this mean horrible, huge, intimidating woman who kicks guys in the [groin] for a living [laughs], they really think you're like that in real life.
Are you as tough in real life as in the ring?
I've never been in a physical fight in my life. I'd probably cry and walk away before I would belt you one.
Oh my. Has anyone gotten fresh with you on a date?
No. They wouldn't dare.
Who are your role models?
I consider myself the Susan B. Anthony of wrestling.
The 19th century women's rights crusader? Anyone else?
Amelia Earhart. When I think of the struggles we experience in our world as women, I wonder what they must have gone through way back then, trying to do this outlandish stuff. They probably had no support. Those women are the real pioneers.
Did you have a favorite doll when you were a kid?
Yes. I loved Winnie the Pooh. I still love him.
If you could be anything, what would it be?
An angel. Or a chocolate milkshake, because they look so good, taste so good, and everybody loves and wants them.
Who's cuter -- Stone Cold or the Rock?
The Rock. He's definitely more beefcake material.
Who would win a wrestling match -- Tipper Gore or new first lady Laura Bush?
Laura Bush. Tipper Gore blew it for me when her husband kissed her. And besides, if she lost, probably Tipper would complain and try and get the decision turned around.
What is your most impressive muscle?
Probably my arms. To me, it's an overall symmetrical package.
