Xia Li: Chinese Professional Wrestler and WWE Star
Zhao Xia, born on July 28, 1988, is a Chinese professional wrestler who gained international recognition during her tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she performed under the ring name Xia Li.1
As one of the first Chinese women to compete in WWE, Xia Li’s career has been a significant step toward greater representation and diversity in professional wrestling.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Before entering the world of professional wrestling, Xia Li had a background in martial arts and fitness. She excelled in wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, and kickboxing. Her skills in these disciplines helped her develop a strong foundation for a career in wrestling. Xia Li’s physical abilities, agility, and striking techniques set her apart and caught the attention of WWE scouts.
WWE Career and Achievements
Xia Li joined WWE in 2016 as part of the company’s global recruitment efforts. She made her debut at the inaugural Mae Young Classic, a women’s wrestling tournament organized by WWE to showcase talent from around the world.
Xia Li’s inclusion in the tournament marked her as one of the first Chinese women to compete in WWE, bringing a unique style and cultural background to the promotion.
NXT Debut and Evolution
Xia Li began her WWE career in NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, which focuses on nurturing new talent and developing future stars. During her time in NXT, she became known for her striking techniques and martial arts-based wrestling style. Xia Li’s matches often highlighted her agility and quickness, setting her apart from other performers.
Mae Young Classic and Recognition
Xia Li’s participation in the Mae Young Classic was a significant milestone in her career, and it brought her international recognition. Although she did not win the tournament, her presence and performance showcased her potential to a broader audience.2
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Her success in the Mae Young Classic helped establish her as a rising star within WWE and paved the way for further opportunities.
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Xia Li’s Career in WWE: A Journey from NXT to the Main Roster
Xia Li, a Chinese professional wrestler, joined the WWE Performance Center in January 2017 after impressing talent scouts during a tryout in Shanghai, China.
As the first Chinese woman to compete in a WWE ring, Xia Li’s journey represented a significant step in expanding WWE’s global reach and promoting diversity within the company. Her unique background in martial arts and wushu provided a distinctive style, setting her apart from other wrestlers.
The Mae Young Classic and NXT Live Events
- Xia Li made her WWE debut by competing in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, a women’s wrestling tournament designed to showcase talent from around the world.
- Her inclusion in this event highlighted her potential and earned her recognition among WWE fans and officials.
- Following her appearance in the Mae Young Classic, Xia Li continued to hone her skills at NXT live events throughout 2017 and 2018.
- During this period, she gained valuable experience and gradually built a following among NXT fans. Although she didn’t win the tournament, her presence alone was a significant milestone, representing a breakthrough for Chinese women in WWE.
First Chinese Star on WWE
In 2019, Xia Li reached a significant career milestone by appearing in the women’s Royal Rumble, a major WWE main roster pay-per-view event. Her participation in the Royal Rumble marked the first time a Chinese woman competed in a WWE main roster event.3
During the Royal Rumble, she lasted for four minutes before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair, a prominent WWE Superstar.
Turning Heel and Building a New Character
In October 2020, Xia Li experienced a pivotal character development. After losing a match against Kacy Catanzaro, she attacked her and her tag team partner, Kayden Carter, indicating a shift toward a heel (villainous) persona. This transformation marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to explore a different side of her character.
As part of her new heel persona, Xia Li began to dominate her opponents with increased aggression and intensity. During one of her matches, Catanzaro and Carter interfered, leading to a confrontation where they disrespected her “master,” Mei Ying, who was part of Xia Li’s storyline. This incident led to Xia Li attacking both wrestlers, solidifying her heel turn.
Xia Li’s Parents: Privacy and Family Connection
Xia Li, the Chinese professional wrestler known for her tenure in WWE, has chosen to keep details about her family and parents relatively private.
Information regarding the names and backgrounds of Xia Li’s father and mother is not publicly available, and the wrestler has not spoken extensively about them in interviews or social media posts.
It’s Friday.🤗🖤 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/2lUqOR10ev
— Xia Lee (@XiaWWE) November 18, 2022
A Rare Appearance at a WWE Show
Despite maintaining privacy, Xia Li shared a special moment involving her parents on her official Instagram account. The occasion was their first attendance at a WWE show in Ontario, US. Xia Li expressed her joy and excitement about performing in front of her parents for the first time, capturing and posting images with them.
This personal moment provided a rare glimpse into Xia Li’s family life and underscored the significance of family support in her career.
Xia Li’s Mother: Limited Information but Significant Influence
- While there is limited information about Xia Li’s mother, it is assumed that she is over 50 years old as of February 2024, based on images shared on Xia Li’s Instagram account.
- Although specific details such as her profession and exact age are unknown, it’s evident that Xia Li has a close bond with her mother.
- The wrestler has posted several pictures of her mother on special occasions, including Mother’s Day and birthdays, expressing her love and appreciation.
- Xia Li’s posts dedicated to her mother reveal a personal side of the wrestler, emphasizing the importance of family in her life. However, her mother’s lack of public presence and the absence of social media accounts suggest that the family prefers to maintain a low profile.
- While Xia Li’s parents’ names and detailed backgrounds remain unknown, her social media posts provide a glimpse into her personal life and the close relationship she shares with her family.
- The first public appearance of her parents at a WWE show in Ontario, US, marked a significant moment for the wrestler, highlighting the emotional support that family brings to her career.
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Xia Li’s Net Worth in 2023
As of 2023, Xia Li’s estimated net worth falls within the range of $1 to $2 million. This financial assessment reflects her earnings as a professional wrestler in WWE, supplemented by income from pay-per-view (PPV) events, merchandise sales, and other related activities.
WWE Salary and Contract
Xia Li’s annual salary under her WWE contract is approximately $200,000. This salary is typical for WWE performers at her level, considering factors like experience, tenure, and position within the company’s roster. In addition to her base salary, Xia Li may also earn bonuses for appearing in major PPV events and other significant matches throughout the year.
Participation in Pay-Per-View Events
As part of the WWE roster, Xia Li participates in various PPV events, which can provide substantial bonuses depending on her role and the event’s success. High-profile PPV events such as the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam tend to offer larger payouts for WWE Superstars due to their global audience and significance within the WWE calendar.
Merchandise Sales and Licensing
Xia Li’s association with WWE also generates revenue from merchandise sales and licensing deals. As a recognizable figure within the WWE Universe, her image and branding contribute to merchandise sales, including apparel, action figures, and other WWE-branded items. These sales can contribute significantly to her overall net worth.
Endorsements and Appearances
Although specific endorsement details for Xia Li may not be public knowledge, WWE performers often have opportunities to earn additional income through endorsements, sponsorships, and special appearances. These deals may be related to fitness, sports equipment, or other related industries, leveraging Xia Li’s visibility and popularity.
Xia Li’s estimated net worth of $1 to $2 million in 2023 underscores her success as a professional wrestler in WWE. With an annual salary of approximately $200,000, she has established herself as a key figure within WWE’s roster. The additional income from PPV events, merchandise sales, and other revenue streams further contribute to her financial success.
Xia Li’s Personal Life: Martial Arts Background and Fitness Achievements
Before joining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Xia Li had a rich background in combat sports. She specialized in the traditional Chinese martial art of wushu, demonstrating a high level of skill and discipline.
Her experience in wushu laid a solid foundation for her transition to professional wrestling, as the martial art is known for its intricate movements, agility, and combat techniques.
Co-Founder of a Fitness Studio
Apart from her career in combat sports, Xia Li also ventured into entrepreneurship. She co-founded her own fitness studio, demonstrating her commitment to health and fitness.
The studio provided a space for others to improve their physical fitness and learn various combat techniques, showcasing her passion for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Achievements in Martial Arts and Fitness Competitions
Xia Li’s success in martial arts extended beyond wushu to other competitive arenas. Her achievements in martial arts and fitness competitions were impressive, earning her multiple first-place finishes in various events.
Transition to WWE and Professional Wrestling
Xia Li’s experience in combat sports and fitness not only built her physical strength and skills but also helped her transition smoothly into the world of professional wrestling. Her martial arts background provided her with unique techniques that set her apart from other wrestlers.
Additionally, her success in competitive fitness and martial arts events demonstrated her determination, discipline, and work ethic—traits that are essential in the demanding world of professional wrestling.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Xia Li, and what is she known for?
Ans: Xia Li, born Zhao Xia, is a Chinese professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where she competes in the women’s division. She is known for her martial arts background and unique presentation, incorporating Chinese culture into her wrestling persona.
Xia Li made history by becoming the first Chinese woman to sign with WWE and has garnered attention for her athleticism and striking ability in the ring.
2. How old is Xia Li, and when is her birthday?
Ans: Xia Li was born on July 28, 1988, in Chongqing, China. As of April 2024, she is 35 years old. Despite starting her wrestling career later than many others, Xia Li has quickly made a name for herself with her distinct style and rapid improvement in the WWE ring.
3. What is Xia Li’s career history and notable achievements?
Ans: Xia Li’s journey into professional wrestling began when she joined WWE in 2017 after being scouted during WWE’s inaugural tryouts in China. She trained at the WWE Performance Center and made her debut at the Mae Young Classic tournament.
Since then, Xia Li has competed in WWE NXT, making significant progress and gaining a following for her unique character work and in-ring skills. She transitioned to WWE’s main roster, competing on “SmackDown,” and has been involved in notable storylines, including her role as the leader of the Tian Sha stable in NXT.
4. Who are Xia Li’s parents, and what is their background?
Ans: Xia Li’s parents’ details are not widely known in the public domain. She has not shared much information about her family’s background or her upbringing. Xia Li’s journey to becoming a WWE Superstar is noteworthy because she did not come from a traditional wrestling background. Instead, she had a career in martial arts and fitness before transitioning to professional wrestling.
5. What is Xia Li’s net worth, and how does she earn her income?
Ans: Xia Li’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of a few hundred thousand to a million dollars, with the exact figure depending on her WWE salary, merchandise sales, and additional endorsements.
As a WWE Superstar, she earns her income through her contract with WWE, appearance fees, and merchandise royalties. Xia Li’s unique character and compelling in-ring style have made her a recognizable figure in WWE, contributing to her growing net worth.
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