Chongqing wrestler strikes spicy tone as she makes WWE history

In a traditional red qipao dress and holding a folding fan, Xia Li stole the show on her debut for World Wrestling Entertainment at a tournament in the United States in the summer of 2017.

The 33-year-old from Chongqing-real name Zhao Xia-is the WWE's first female wrestler from China and is quickly developing a fan base at home and abroad.

She made her first in-ring appearance in July last year in Florida at the inaugural Mae Young Classic, which saw 32 women battle it out. Despite a dazzling display, the Chinese martial arts expert was knocked out in the first round by veteran US wrestler Mercedes Martinez.

Li, who stands 1.6 meters tall, has appeared in two or three WWE shows a week since then and returned for this summer's Mae Young Classic, where she reached the second round after defeating local favorite Karen Q.

Last month, she turned out for a WWE event at Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Center and was met by cheering Chinese fans.

"I want to show feminine power and Chinese traditional culture to the world," Li said, explaining that her outfits, moves and walkout music all contain elements inspired by her homeland.