35-year-old star set to make MMA debut post-WWE release
WWE superstars often venture into different fields upon their exit from the Stamford-based company. Recently, it was revealed that Xia Li is set to make her debut in the world of Mixed Martial Arts in August 2024.
Earlier this year, several popular faces were released from the Stamford-based promotion. One such star was Xia Li, who was with the company for over seven years. After signing with WWE in 2017, Li was primarily used on the developmental brand and spent a few years on the main roster.
The 35-year-old star has landed on her feet as she's currently working on the independent circuit. Recently, Combat Night MMA's Instagram account announced that she's set to make her MMA debut against Xiomara Lee during SummerSlam weekend on August 3rd:
"We didn’t forget about the ladies on August 3 in Kissimmee. We can’t wait to watch @x.athletica vs @thexiazhao step inside the Combatagon to throw down. This fight has fireworks written all over it and is guaranteed entertainment for the fans."
RAW star sent a message to Xia Li after she was released from WWE
A major portion of Xia Li's career took place on the developmental brand under Triple H's creative leadership. Li received her break in the Stamford-based promotion when she competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic.
After the tournament, she became a regular on NXT and spent years in the women's division. She's close friends with former NXT Women's Champion Kairi Sane and the two have spent years on the developmental brand.
While The Pirate Princess left WWE, Li remained with the company and eventually received her main roster call-up under the previous regime. However, the 35-year-old star didn't get to do much.
Earlier this year, Damage CTRL's Kairi Sane sent a message to Xia Li upon her release from the company. The former NXT Women's Champion stated how much she's going to miss the star:
"I don't want to believe it. I'm really sad. I don’t know how many times your kindness has saved me... Love you so much, @XiaWWE," Sane wrote.
Kairi Sane is currently on Monday Night RAW alongside Damage CTRL.