WWE: Xia Li is the first female superstar from China to debut on SmackDown Live

Picture Courtesy/ Xia Li`s official Instagram

WWE is all set to introduce Xia Li - 'The Protector' during this week's episode of SmackDown, her first on-screen debut since being drafted in October 2021. As one of the most eagerly awaited WWE Superstars, she also stands to be the first female star from China to join WWE's SmackDown brand.

Her journey with WWE began in January 2017 when she was recruited at the WWE Performance Center. Thereafter she competed in the Mae Young Classic tournament. Since then, Li has checked off one career milestone after another, from competing in the second-ever Women's Royal Rumble Match to becoming a superstar to watch in the NXT Women's division.

Her quick ascent might not be surprising, considering her extensive martial arts background. Li has been a top-flight fighter in the Chinese martial art of wushu. Calling herself her father's daughter, Li's story of how she came to SmackDown draws from her childhood.

Xia Li. Picture/ WWE PR

She always believed her father was her superhero and the one who always protected her. However, due to his untimely death, her family was exposed to the brutalities of life which she no longer had any protection from. Vowing to be a defender, Li picked up her father's protective shield and looms it over her family to ‘combat against the vultures who were out to get them.'

Catch Xia Li - "The Protector" in action this Saturday 11^th December at 5:30 AM IST EXCLUSIVELY on SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 3 Channels and the SONY LIV app