In February 1997, WWE introduced the world to one of their most original characters ever, a female bodyguard with a physique more impressive than her male charge and a penchant for physically getting herself involved in his matches. Chyna would become one of the most endearing characters of the Attitude Era but early, she was the bodyguard for Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the Connecticut blueblood character whose heat only intensified with the amazonian woman by his side. The idea of this world class wrestler needing a bigger, buffer, nastier woman to watch his back and help him win infuriated the audience and helped him become more over than he ever had been. Dubbed the Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna would pummel Helmsleys opponents with forearms to the face, big bodyslams or kicks to the ribs that forced the wind from their lungs. She was essential to his King of the Ring victory in June 1997 and would become one of the founding members of D-Generation X. Chyna was one of the rare bodyguards who made the Superstars she supported better. She would go on to backup Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero, both of whom had their star enhanced significantly by association with the the raven-haired woman.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
