Google News Thunder Rosa Asserts Ex-WWE Icon Chyna Broke Gender Barriers and Was Treated Unfairly
by NOMAN RASOOL
Thunder Rosa recently shared her thoughts on the late WWE star Chyna, asserting that she was unfairly treated in the public eye and suggesting that Chyna's experiences might have differed in today's more accepting environment.
Speaking on the "Busted Open Radio" podcast, Rosa addressed Chyna's post-wrestling career in the adult entertainment industry. She compared it to current wrestlers who monetize adult content on platforms like OnlyFans. Rosa expressed her belief that Chyna, whose real name was Joan Laurer, was harshly criticized for her choices, whereas today, such actions are more widely accepted.
She said, "She was chastized for that. And now, a lot of people are utilizing platforms such as OnlyFans. It is not widely accepted but much more accepted than before."
Chyna Defied Norms, Challenged Gender Roles
The AEW star also praised Chyna for breaking gender barriers in professional wrestling.
According to Rosa, Chyna's strength and ability to take on male opponents defied gender norms and showed that women could excel in male-dominated sports. "She broke barriers in many things such as gender and what gender roles were, she was so strong and beat up guys," Rosa explained.
"Nobody ever said, 'Oh, she's a woman. She can't do that.' It was awesome that gender roles were challenged for the first time on national TV." Rosa, who was a teenager during Chyna's peak WWE run, admired Laurer's capacity to adapt to a sport that often prioritized superficial appearances.
As a bodybuilder, Chyna had to work harder to stand out due to her unconventional physical features. Despite this, Rosa emphasized that Chyna was "strong, beautiful, and beating up both guys and women too." Reflecting on Chyna's untimely death in 2016, Rosa acknowledged that the wrestling world learned valuable lessons from her passing, particularly the importance of mental health and supporting individuals even when their choices might be controversial.
Rosa stated, "We have learned that mental health is essential. Also, supporting people like her is important, even if you [find their decisions questionable]." Thunder Rosa's candid discussion about Chyna highlights the progress made in societal attitudes and mental health awareness, and her words serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting and understanding individuals despite the choices they make in their lives.