LADYDRAGON.COM - Joanie wrestling again but this time in Japan

Tuesday April 23, 2002

Joanie wrestling again but this time in Japan

New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd., (New Japan) is pleased to announce that Joanie Laurer will appear at the Tokyo Dome on May 2, 2002 in front of 60,000 people.

Joanie is the first woman in New Japan's 30-year history to star in a New Japan Pro Wrestling Event. Under the guidance of Mr. Antonio Inoki she will become a leading attraction of New Japan Pro Wrestling shows.

New Japan was established in 1972 by Antonio Inoki, who is a legend and one of the most popular pro wrestlers in the world. New Japan is the leading wrestling federation in Japan, and promotes matches and many big events that include the top wrestlers from around the world. In the history of 30 years, New Japan invited a lot of male superstars (Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, The Road Warriors, Chris Benoit, Jessie Ventura, Ric Flair, Sting, Owen Hart, and so forth). Worthy of special mention, New Japan invited boxing's then-World Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali, and promoted the Wrestling vs. Boxing mixed match, Inoki vs. Ali, in Tokyo in 1976.

Joanie Laurer is an amazing woman with a commanding presence and loyal following who has overcome obstacles and has emerged victorious from life’s never ending challenges.

Before the lights, cameras and worldwide recognition, Joanie began her life in Rochester, New York. Her household was filled with alcoholism and domestic strife. She sought refuge and release through fitness. Many scoffed at Joanie’s presence in the gym and in male-dominated sports. Joanie’s determination and 'survival of the fittest' mentality allowed her to go where no woman had ventured. She smashed gender barriers and stereotypes everywhere. She even became the first female Intercontinental Champion while playing the character of 'Chyna' in the World Wrestling Federation.

Joanie serves as a role model and an inspiration to women and men by communicating her heartwarming story in her autobiography entitled If They Only Knew. This revealing book rose to #2 on the New York Times best-seller list in less than one week on the shelves.

Joanie has proven that women don’t have to fit traditional stereotypes to be feminine and sexy. Her two appearances on the cover of Playboy have resulted in two of the top 10 sellers in the history of the magazine. Joanie wanted to show strength, femininity, and intelligence. She discusses these issues in depth on her Playboy documentary video/DVD and shares with behind-the-scenes footage and personal interviews featuring Joe Gold, Rich Minzer, and Hugh Hefner.

"More Than Meets The Eye" is still a popular exercise video among fitness buffs and fans alike, focusing on Joanie’s true roots and love of fitness. Don’t expect this workout to be easy!! But do expect more videos to follow!

It is obvious to see that Joanie’s appeal is worldwide. She has appeared on virtually every prominent talk and radio show. Featured in hundreds of magazines, Joanie is seen on everything from TV Guide to Newsweek to Playboy to the National Enquirer. Quite a variety, wouldn’t you say?

That variety is consistent throughout her acting work as well. Joanie is the current host of "Robot Wars" and the "Tough Guy" series on AMC. She is also known for her recurring role on "Third Rock from the Sun" and guest-starring roles on "Relic Hunter," "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," and many others. She has also appeared in television and feature films including "Alien Fury," "On the L," and "Frank McKlusky, C.I.".

Joanie appreciates diversity in cultures. She majored in foreign language at the University of Tampa, focusing in Spanish literature. She also studied German and French to improve her communication skills. Working as a Peace Corps Volunteer helped to develop and demonstrate her humanitarian traits. Joanie hopes to appear one day in one of her favorite Spanish novelas.

All characters that great actors portray are limited creations for the most part. The characters are not real. However, Joanie Laurer - the actress, model, wrestler, author, intellectual and humanitarian - is boundless. She continues to flourish as her own brand in life. Joanie the role model is not a fantasy, but rather a real heroine for all ages.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd.

Tatsumi Fujinami, President.

Click here to read our exclusive interview with Joanie