Joanie ‘Chyna’ Laurer’s Brain To Be Donated For CTE Research

Former WWE superstar Joanie “Chyna” Laurer was found dead at her Southern California home earlier this week, and now some of her organs will be examined to “know what made Chyna tick.”

Laurer’s manager Anthony Anzaldo told the New York Daily News on Friday that prior to her death, lawyers reached out to she if she had an interest in joining a brain injury lawsuit against the WWE. There was zero interest in being a part of the lawsuit, but Laurer was “intrigued by the science.”

“When she died, they called me again and asked, ‘Can we have her brain,’ ” Anzaldo told the Daily News. “ My hope is that we can do it. I’m in the process of getting the permission to speak on behalf of family to tell the coroner it’s okay to release it.”

“I’ve been told (Dr. Omalu) is calling the medical examiner to let them know the plan, so they’ll be cautious with her brain. We’re not interested in the lawsuit at all. We’re just looking for (the researchers) to give us everything they can get.”

Omalu is a famous forensic pathologist who was portrayed by actor Will Smith in the movie Concussionlast year. His work to study chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players has brought the NFL under heavy scrutiny. Now, he wants to see if Laurer’s wrestling career played a role in her early demise.

As the Daily News mentions, Laurer never discussed suffering any major concussions during his wrestling career, but did endure various other ailments. Anzaldo added that Laurer’s “history with domestic violence” also makes her an interesting person to study.

“I’ve been told (Dr. Omalu) is calling the medical examiner to let them know the plan, so they’ll be cautious with her brain. We’re not interested in the lawsuit at all. We’re just looking for (the researchers) to give us everything they can get.”

When Laurer’s deceased body was found on Wednesday, the 45-year-old and her cause of death were widely speculated. With a decorated history of drug abuse, Laurer was found with medication for anxiety (Xanax) and sleep deprivation (Ambien) in her home. However, beyond those two things, Anzaldo said he found her in a peaceful state.

“There was nothing illegal. No alcohol. It was just those two prescriptions she was legally taking. I saw no indication of foul play, no vomit, no blood. She was just lying there peacefully. Of course she’s had issues and posted things [online], but I just don’t think it was intentional.”

Anzaldo entered Laurer’s home with a camera crew as they have been working on a documentary about her life. The cameras were rolling when Anzaldo entered the house, but not when he walked into her room and found her lifeless body. He adds that it’s possible fans will be able to hear the audio of him finding her, but not much else.

“She would not have had it any other way. Now we’ll hopefully show the brain getting examined and what the doctor has to say about that. It will be done in a respectful way. She gave us the content she gave us … It’s all for her fans.”

The film is scheduled for release next year.

In regards to Laurer’s remains, Anzaldo told the Daily News that she previously asked to be cremated. Some of her ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean, and some will be “interred at a place fans can visit.” It’s possible that place ends up being somewhere in her hometown of Rochester, New York.