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NXT’s Xia Li was recently advertised for kickboxing match, but was removed from the event after WWE found out.
The event, promoted by Combat Night was hosted at Gilt Nightclub in Orlando, FL on 10/24. Xia Li, using her real name Xia Zhao was advertised to face Anna Houstel in an amateur kickboxing match.
According to Fightful Select (subscription required), WWE was made aware of the show after hearing about it online, they pulled her from the event days before the show.
Xia Li was reportedly upset, and believed WWE “wasn’t giving her respect”. The report indicates those within the company who were contacted understood why WWE would pull her from the show.
Several within NXT have said Xi Li was frustrated about not being used on television after being with the company for a number of years. She reportedly went directly to Triple H to let him know she was ready for an opportunity.
Triple H appreciated Li’s initiative, and she was adamant that if given an opportunity she could hold her own.