Xia Li

Zhao Xia is a Chinese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who has made history as the first woman from China to compete in WWE. Known by the ring name Xia Li during her tenure with the company, she now performs for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the name Léi Yǐng Lee. Her athletic background blends technical grappling with striking power derived from years of kickboxing training.

She currently stands as a prominent figure in women's wrestling, having captured the TNA Knockouts World Championship twice. Her career represents a significant milestone for Asian representation in Western sports entertainment. Fans follow her journey closely as she continues to perform at a high level across international promotions. [edit]

Zhao Xia grew up in Chongqing, a municipality in southwestern China where combat sports hold a strong cultural presence. Unlike many American wrestlers who discover their passion through television, her path was sparked by a childhood encounter with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. That moment ignited a desire to enter the ring that would define her future. She dedicated her early years to mastering physical disciplines, focusing heavily on kickboxing and mixed martial arts before ever stepping foot in a wrestling promotion.

Her training regimen was rigorous and grounded in the reality of full-contact fighting. She developed a reputation on the local circuit for her toughness and unique ability to transition between striking and grappling. Before adopting her famous stage names, she competed under her real name, Zhao Xia, building a foundation on the independent scene. This period allowed her to refine a high-impact style that would later distinguish her in major organizations. [edit]

Xia Li made history when she became the first Chinese woman to step into a WWE ring. Recruited to the Performance Center, she debuted on the main roster and quickly became a recognizable face in the women's division. During her time there, she participated in high-profile tag team tournaments and faced top-tier talent like Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi Blackheart. Her tenure ended after several years of service, but it left an indelible mark on the industry regarding diversity.

Following her departure from WWE, she signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and adopted the ring name Léi Yǐng Lee, which translates to "Thunder Shadow." This move allowed her to reclaim her heritage while competing at the highest level. In November 2025, she achieved a career-defining victory at the NXT Gold Rush event, defeating Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace to win the TNA Knockouts World Championship. She successfully defended the title multiple times before losing it to Xia Brookside at Slammiversary in June 2026. Despite the loss, she remains a key player in the company and recently made a surprise crossover appearance on WWE SmackDown in October 2026. [edit]

Xia Li projects an image of resilience and cultural pride. Media outlets frequently highlight her journey from Chongqing to the global stage, emphasizing her role as a pioneer for diversity in sports entertainment. Her social media presence focuses on training clips, behind-the-scenes content, and promotional material rather than celebrity gossip. The tone of her public persona is serious and dedicated to the craft of professional wrestling. [edit]

As of the November 2026 rankings, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). She is not on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. While there is no officially designated fandom name like "Beyhive," her supporters are often referred to collectively as "Li Fans" or part of the broader wrestling community. The fanbase is characterized by strong support for her representation of Asian identity in wrestling. Notable fan campaigns include hashtag movements during her title runs and birthday tributes on social media. [edit]

The ring name Léi Yǐng Lee carries deep meaning, translating directly to "Thunder Shadow" in English. This moniker reflects both her aggressive fighting style and her connection to her Chinese heritage. Fans often recall the story of how a chance meeting with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a child set her on this specific path, a detail that separates her origin from the typical wrestling biography. Another notable aspect of her career is her ability to seamlessly blend MMA striking techniques with traditional wrestling maneuvers, making her matches unpredictable and physically demanding. [edit]

Details about Zhao Xia's immediate family remain private. She has not publicly discussed her parents or siblings in interviews, choosing to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. There are no confirmed reports of children or a spouse, and she maintains a low profile regarding her household. Her focus has consistently remained on her athletic career and representing her culture in the global arena. [edit]

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Xia Brookside, Kelani Jordan, Jordynne Grace[edit]

Public records regarding Xia Li's romantic life are sparse, reflecting her intense focus on her athletic career. There are no confirmed public records of marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships for Zhao Xia. Search queries frequently ask about her husband or relationship status, but credible sources indicate she has kept her personal life out of the spotlight. As of late 2026, Xia Li is reported to be single. No official statements confirm a current partner, and she has not publicly introduced a spouse or significant other in interviews or on social media. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Xia Li's net worth at approximately $400,000. Her primary income stems from her contracts with major wrestling promotions, including her previous tenure with WWE and her current agreement with TNA. Wrestlers in these organizations earn salaries based on their experience, push, and match frequency. Secondary revenue streams include fitness endorsements, sponsorship deals with combat sports brands, and appearances on the independent circuit. As of 2026, her financial standing reflects steady growth driven by her championship reigns and increased visibility in the industry. [edit]

Xia Li holds the distinction of being the first-ever two-time Chinese Knockouts World Champion in TNA history. Her victories mark significant milestones in a path that took her from local promotions to major international organizations. She is also recognized as the first Chinese woman to compete in a WWE ring, a historic achievement for Asian athletes in Western wrestling. [edit]