WWE Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix, has spoken out about the influence and inspiration of Chyna on her professional wrestling career.
Taking to Twitter, ‘The Glamazon’ posted a message of thanks to wrestling’s ‘Ninth Wonder of the World’ for inspiring her to follow her dreams.
Along with a fantasy warfare poster which pits both women against each other, Phoenix wrote:
“Joanie redefined the role and image of a woman for me. I can’t tell you how much I wanted the chance to make this moment happen. Chyna’s influence on me and the evolution of the female role model cannot be forgotten or understated. #ThankYouJoanie”
Joanie redefined the role and image of a woman for me. I can’t tell you how much I wanted the chance to make this moment happen. Chyna’s influence on me and the evolution of the female role model cannot be forgotten or understated. #ThankYouJoaniepic.twitter.com/x9DTfyQ9VX
— THE GLAMAZON (@TheBethPhoenix) December 20, 2020
From the moment Beth Phoenix stepped onto the WWE stage, comparisons between the pair began to circulate. From their similar physique to the fact that Beth was thrown into the mix with the men just like her idol, ragdolling them to draw even further comparisons to the woman who oversaw the success of D-Generation X.
Though she never managed to capture a male dominated strap like Chyna did with the WWF Intercontinental Championship, Phoenix did follow in her hero’s footsteps when she became only the second woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match in 2010.
Chyna has previously been the first women ever to enter the elimination spectacle in 1999. On the night, she entered at number thirty and though her participation was short, she managed to ditch Mark Henry before being eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Following the passing of the legend, her manager came out to make the shocking statement that she was due to be the first female to hold the WWF Championship in history. However, according to the report, her now famous Playboy photoshoot cost her that opportunity.
Beth Phoenix currently serves as commentator for NXT on Wednesday evenings after retiring as a full-time talent.