In April 2024, WWE released a number of talents from its roster, one of whom was Xia Zhao (formerly known as Xia Li). Since then, Zhao has found her way around the independent scene as well as TNA Wrestling, with her latest match taking place under the banner of TJPW.
During a recent interview with Instinct Culture’s own Denise Salcedo, Zhao opened up about her mindset following her exit from WWE. At first, Zhao felt a sense of sadness. As she continued to venture elsewhere, though, she eventually felt free.
“I can do everything now, everything I want, so it’s like both sides,” Zhao said. “I think a lot of people [coming] out of a WWE will have this feeling too. You have a lot of freedom. [In the] beginning, I want to fight, but it doesn’t happen, but I will one day. I’ll make my MMA or kickboxing debut one day. I was prepared for that and after that, still back to wrestling life because I love that. I traveled to Japan [and] around all different promotions for wrestling things. Finally, I work with TNA right now. I feel a lot of freedom. Things [are] just going so well.”
Zhao’s Experience In TNA Thus Far
Last month, Zhao made her TNA Wrestling debut under the name of Lei Ying Lee. So far, she boasts a 1-0 record. As revealed to Instinct Culture, she’s also gained some valuable feedback, which she hopes will potentially lead her to the first championship of her professional wrestling career.
“I just debuted a couple weeks ago in TNA. I got good feedback, reaction of the fans, people love to see me back and in TNA too. I’m glad to be part of the main roster of TNA. They have a lot great talent too, so I’m looking forward to work[ing] with them. Hopefully, one day, I will get my TNA title or some promoter title anywhere. That’s just my goal.”
Aside from possibly claiming championship gold, Zhao is also looking forward to facing members of the TNA Knockouts division while continuing to expand her work on the independent circuit.
“I can’t wait to work with [the Knockouts],” Zhao said. “Everybody’s so good. In the beginning, I just go watch them wrestle. I just want to know more. Even [when] I wrestle in the independents with a different woman and Japanese girl is like a different feeling. It’s fresh for me.”
Watch Denise’s full interview with Xia Zhao (fka Xia Li):