WWE plan to push Xia Li on NXT as a way of tapping into their fanbase in China
Xia Li became the first Chinese woman to ever compete in the WWE ring when she made her debut at the Mae Young Classic in January 2017.
Ever since then, NXT has used her carefully to give her a proper storyline with a mysterious background, but she is yet to get a push to the top.
But that is what WWE plans on doing now with Li, at least according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling News Observer (h/t Ringside News).
He says that WWE wants to utilize their stars to reach a wider fanbase, and Li, who hails from China, fits the billing.
“The deal with Xia Li – in WWE right now, there’s a big movement to have international stars for certain markets. But they have this idea, but then like with Mansoor, they have the idea but then they won’t go with them which is very weird, but they want a Latin star besides Rey Mysterio because Rey’s 46 years old. They really want Indian stars, which is why we got freakin’ Jinder again, and then they want Chinese stars, and that’s where Xia comes in.”
He then went on to say how Mercedes Martinez would be utilized to put over Li. Martinez is a veteran in the game with over 2 decades of experience, and Meltzer thinks that will be utilized by NXT.
“Xia’s got some charisma, she’s got the martial arts ability, when she does her stuff it kinda looks good and everything. I don’t know if she can make it or not. But that’s the whole thing, she’s a project. Mercedes has been around for probably close to 20 years, so Mercedes’ job is to help season Xia Li. So that’s why they’re doing that program now.”
On this week’s NXT, Martinez was given an easy win over Zayda Ramier as she looked to get back to winning ways following her loss against Raquel Gonzalez for the women’s NXT belt.
But after the match, a symbol of Xia Li’s Tian Sha appeared on her arm, followed by red smoke and blue lights everywhere.
This is a clear signal that Li is now eyeing the veteran. Little known fact, Li made her debut at the Mae Young Class in 2017 and Martinez was the first opponent she ever fought in WWE!
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