Rarely-Seen WWE Wrestler Turns Heel On SmackDown?
WWE might've just kickstarted a SmackDown heel turn for this former NXT star.
Xia Li appeared to turn heel on last night's episode of SmackDown.
WWE has only used Li sporadically since calling her up from NXT during last year's Draft. She debuted on 10 December 2021 and was cast under a new 'Protector' gimmick, but has barely wrestled on the brand since. Now, it seems creative has changed their minds on her looking out for fellow babyfaces.
On SmackDown, Xia said that she'd only be looking out for herself from now on - when explaining why, Li folded her arms and arrogantly said that there's nobody worth protecting on Friday nights. That came across as rather heelish, and it should be the start of a proper turn.
One suggestion: WWE shouldn't weaponise Li as Sonya Deville's next bodyguard. They've tried that with everyone from Natalya to Shayna Baszler, and it didn't work. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and all that!
WWE taped next week's edition of SmackDown on Friday, but Li didn't wrestle a match on that show either. It's possible that they'll insert another one of these promo skits instead.