Brief Introduction of Lei Ying Lee
Lei Ying Lee, born Zhao Xia, is a trailblazing Chinese professional wrestler and martial artist who has made a significant impact on the global wrestling scene. She is widely recognized for her time in WWE under the ring name Xia Li, where she broke barriers as the first Chinese woman to compete in the Mae Young Classic tournament. Known for her fierce in-ring style that blends her extensive wushu background with powerful strikes and dynamic kicks, Lee has captivated audiences with her athleticism and compelling character transformations. After her tenure with WWE, she transitioned to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, adopting the name Lei Ying Lee and quickly ascending to the top of the Knockouts division. Her journey from a martial arts champion in China to a celebrated professional wrestler in the United States is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit in the world of sports entertainment. The Lei Ying Lee biography is a story of determination, and the Lei Ying Lee wiki is a chronicle of a rising star.
Lei Ying Lee Overview
| Full Name | Zhao Xia |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1988 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 37 |
| Birthplace | Chongqing, China |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler, Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Information not disclosed |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education of Lei Ying Lee
Lei Ying Lee, born Zhao Xia, hails from the sprawling metropolis of Chongqing in southwestern China. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of martial arts, a discipline that would become the bedrock of her athletic career. While specific details about her formal education are not widely publicized, her early life was characterized by a profound dedication to wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art that emphasizes striking, grappling, and acrobatic maneuvers. This intensive training not only honed her physical prowess but also instilled in her a deep sense of discipline and resilience. Before venturing into professional wrestling, she had already established herself as a formidable combat sports athlete in her home country, participating in and winning several national competitions. This strong foundation in martial arts would later define her unique and hard-hitting style in the wrestling ring, setting her apart from her peers and paving the way for her international success.
Lei Ying Lee’s Career
Lei Ying Lee’s professional wrestling career is a compelling narrative of a martial artist who transitioned into the world of sports entertainment, breaking cultural barriers along the way. Her journey began in 2017 when she was selected to participate in WWE’s inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, a global showcase of female wrestling talent. Competing under the name Xia Li, she made history as the first Chinese woman to wrestle in a WWE ring. Though she was eliminated in the first round, her performance left a lasting impression, leading to a developmental contract with the company. She further honed her skills at the WWE Performance Center and competed in the second Mae Young Classic in 2018, advancing to the second round.
Her time in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, saw a significant evolution of her character. Initially a babyface, she later underwent a dramatic transformation, aligning herself with Boa and the mysterious Tian Sha. This storyline delved into a darker, more mystical persona for Li, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She engaged in notable feuds with talents like Mercedes Martinez and Raquel Gonzalez, the latter of whom she challenged for the NXT Women’s Championship.
In 2021, Lei Ying Lee was drafted to WWE’s main roster, joining the SmackDown brand. Her initial role was that of “The Protector,” a heroic figure who came to the aid of fellow wrestlers. However, her character later shifted to that of a more self-serving and aggressive heel. Despite her undeniable talent and unique in-ring style, her tenure on the main roster was marked by inconsistent booking and a lack of sustained storylines. She had brief feuds with established stars like Becky Lynch but struggled to find a consistent place in the women’s division. In April 2024, it was announced that she had been released from her WWE contract, a move that surprised many of her fans.
However, this setback proved to be a new beginning for the talented wrestler. In September 2024, she made her debut in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling under the name Lei Ying Lee. Her arrival was met with significant anticipation, and she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the TNA Knockouts division. Her hard-hitting offense and martial arts prowess made her an instant contender. In a landmark moment in her career, in November 2025, Lei Ying Lee captured the TNA Knockouts World Championship in a thrilling triple-threat match at the NXT Gold Rush special, a crossover event between TNA and WWE’s NXT brand. This victory marked her first major championship in a prominent American wrestling promotion and solidified her status as a top-tier talent in the industry, proving that her journey in professional wrestling was far from over.
Lei Ying Lee Personal Life & Family
Despite her public persona as a fierce and determined competitor, Lei Ying Lee maintains a private personal life. Information regarding her family, including her parents and any siblings, has not been disclosed to the public. Similarly, her romantic life remains out of the spotlight. There is no publicly available information about a husband or wife, and her relationship status is generally considered private. It is not known if she has any children. This level of privacy allows her to keep the focus on her professional career and her accomplishments in the wrestling ring, separating her on-screen character from her life outside of sports entertainment. The topic of Lei Ying Lee husband/wife is one of much speculation among fans, but no concrete information has been shared. Lei Ying Lee gf/bf information is similarly unavailable.
Awards and Achievements of Lei Ying Lee
- TNA Knockouts World Champion (1 time, current)
- Winner of the Second World Traditional Chinese Wushu Championship
- First place in the Nike Challenge Competition
- Winner of the first China Throw Down: Battle on the Bund
Lei Ying Lee Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Lei Ying Lee’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Her primary sources of income are her contracts with professional wrestling promotions, most notably her current agreement with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and her previous tenure with WWE. In addition to her base salary, her earnings are supplemented by merchandise sales and appearances on pay-per-view events. Before her wrestling career, she co-founded her own fitness studio, which also contributed to her income. While specific details of her current TNA contract are not public, her position as the TNA Knockouts World Champion likely comes with additional bonuses and a higher pay scale. The Lei Ying Lee net worth is expected to grow as she continues to be a prominent figure in TNA’s women’s division.
Legacy and Influence
Lei Ying Lee’s legacy is already significant, particularly within the context of Chinese representation in professional wrestling. As the first Chinese woman to compete in WWE, she broke down barriers and opened the door for future generations of Asian talent. Her authentic martial arts background brought a unique and credible fighting style to the women’s division, emphasizing strikes and kicks in a way that stood out. Her journey from a relatively unknown martial artist to a champion in a major American promotion is an inspirational story of perseverance and adaptation. Her public image is that of a dedicated and hardworking athlete who has overcome obstacles to achieve her dreams. Her influence extends beyond her in-ring accomplishments; she serves as a role model for aspiring wrestlers from non-traditional wrestling markets, proving that talent and determination can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Interesting Facts about Lei Ying Lee
- She was a decorated wushu champion before she ever stepped into a wrestling ring.
- Lei Ying Lee did not know what WWE was before her tryout with the company in China.
- She co-founded her own fitness studio in China before moving to the United States to pursue wrestling.
- Her finishing move in TNA is called the “Thunderstruck,” a devastating spinning kick.
- She made her mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in 2025 and was victorious in her first fight.
Controversies
Lei Ying Lee’s career has been largely free of major public controversies. She is known for her professionalism and dedication to her craft. While some fans and critics may have debated the creative decisions regarding her character during her time in WWE, these discussions have been focused on booking and storytelling rather than any personal misconduct on her part.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Lei Ying Lee
Lei Ying Lee’s career is a powerful example of talent meeting opportunity. After a period of unfulfilled potential in WWE, she has found a new home in TNA Wrestling where her skills and unique background are being fully utilized. As the reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion, she is at the forefront of the women’s division and continues to impress audiences with her intense in-ring style. Her journey is far from over, and with her renewed momentum, the future looks incredibly bright for this pioneering athlete. She continues to be a trailblazer for Chinese wrestlers on the global stage, and her legacy as a fierce competitor and a barrier-breaker is secure. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the exciting career of Lei Ying Lee.
