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WWE is not settling for one new signee out of their China recruitment program earlier this year.
WWE announced Thursday they have signed seven more recruits to WWE Developmental contracts. The group will report to the Performance Center in Orlando, Fla. in January 2017.
The announcement precedes WWE’s live show in Shanghai, China, where the first recruit, Bin Wang, will make his WWE in-ring debut against Bo Dallas.
“The signing of these new recruits further cements WWE’s long-term commitment in China,” WWE said in a press release.
“WWE is dedicated to finding the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world,” said Triple H. “The seven athletes identified at WWE’s first-ever tryout in China will be given the opportunity to train at the WWE Performance Center, in the hopes of becoming the next big WWE Superstar, while also helping to inspire future WWE Superstars and continue the global success of WWE.”
WWE has identified China as their next big frontier, in terms of TV distribution, making the Network available in the country, and recruiting talent. It remains to be seen how far WWE takes the initiative – e.g. launching a separate brand centrally located in China/Asia.
The seven new recruits joining Bin Wang come from a variety of different backgrounds including boxing, MMA, fitness, and non-athletics.
- Big Boa – Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Gu Guangming – amateur boxer
- Gao Lei – amateur/pro wrestling
- Zhao Xia – MMA
- Wang Xialong – student
- Yifeng – actor
- Cheng Yuxiang – fitness trainer
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