The Protector Xia Li has now arrived on WWE Smackdown. This week, the blue brand aired their weekly show from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California where Li made her main roster debut after weeks of vignettes aired around her. It was explained in those videos how the origins of her new character were, and that she protected her family, herself, and others.
Originally, WWE Smackdown was about to witness the return of Sonya Deville to in-ring action against Naomi as the two have been feuding for several weeks now. Deville came to the ring but introduced Natalya as her special guest ring announcer, and Shayna Baszler as her special guest timekeeper.
Naomi then took out Baszler, kicked Natalya from the apron, and then returned to the ring to face off with Deville. But Deville retreated at ringside and ordered Natalya and Baszler to surround Naomi on the apron.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy2Va5vg4us
Debuting Chinese superstar saved Naomi on WWE Smackdown
This was the point when Xia Li made her debut on WWE Smackdown and rescued Naomi from receiving a three-way beatdown. Li received a special entrance with visual effects attached to it. She performed several while holding two blades that reflected lightning and other special effects. The commentator Pat McAfee uttered, “Is that the most intimidating thing I’ve ever seen in my life?”
Naomi, Deville, Baszler, and Natalya watched the entrance from the ring. Li entered the ring and faced off with Naomi but the two eventually went on to attack Deville, Baszler, and Natalya. Li cleared the ring by throwing Natalya and Baszler off the ring as Naomi faced off with Deville.
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Li delivered a roundhouse kick to Deville while Naomi pulled Deville to the corner for a split-legged moonsault but then Baszler and Natalya pulled her to safety. Naomi and Li bowed down to each other to show respect to end the segment on WWE Smackdown.
Xia Li has been a member of the WWE and NXT roster since 2017. She originally made her in-ring debut during the inaugural Mae Young Classic Tournament in 2017. Li also became the first Chinese female wrestler to ever compete inside of a WWE ring. After last night, she has also become the first Chinese women’s wrestler in history to be a part of WWE Smackdown brand.
