Original D-Generation X member and former WWE Intercontinental and Women’s Champion Joanie “Chyna” Laurer — who, despite being mentioned on TNA television by Christy Hemme, says she is not coming back to wrestling — was on Larry King Live last night, talking about the sudden death of Anna Nicole Smith. The following was posted on her Web site, alivingwonder.com:
Joanie is devistated by the loss of her friend Anna Nicole. Joanie first worked with Anna in 2002 at the Layne Bryant Fashion Show. Later that year Joanie appeared on the Christmas episode of Anna Nicole’s E! TV series and years later Joanie co-starred with Anna in a comedy film “Illegal Aliens” which was originally scheduled to be released this April, but has been put on hold once again in lew of the death of Anna Nicole. All screenings and promotional appearances for the film have been canceled! Joanie expressed her sympathy and pain on the February 8th edition of Larry King Live. Anna will truly be missed by all.
You can view a video of her appearance at the above link, and read a transcript here. (Thanks to Dr. Keith Lipinski for sending along the link to the transcript.)
Speaking of Hemme, she recently appeared on the TNA monthly conference call, answering questions about her TNA in-ring debut this Sunday vs. an opponent “to be determined.” You can read a story on Hemme in Jason Clevett’s latest column on SLAM! Wrestling, which includes some interesting quotes from Hemme, including her take on a potential women’s division in TNA:
I don’t think TNA would ever let a women’s division happen if they weren’t confident that the girls were actually competing and were trained. Even though I came in through the Diva search and my first match I had almost zero training going into it and was such a novelty act. I can’t respect something like that, it’s not that I don’t respect the people who are in it or trying for it but it should be serious business. It’s wrestling. A woman’s division needs to be serious and not just a joke.
She goes on to talk about her training, the way women are treated backstage at WWE vs. TNA, the influence on TNA President Dixie Carter on this attitude and more.
Speaking of the way women are treated behind-the-scenes, WWE.com has posted the latest Diva Dish, including a tease on a hot Maria photo shoot, a story about 2006 Diva Search winner Layla El getting ribbed on the road, drinking a glass of vodka that she was told was soda, a link to Melina’s blog, a note that Candice and Torrie were featured on AskMen.com, and news on Sharmell, Kristal, Mickie and all the divas who bring their pet dogs on the road. Speaking of kanines, WWE.com will be showing a special Diva video on Monday while USA Network airs the dog show (and TNA airs its “best of” special on Spike).
