File photo: WWE Paul Levesque (L), Executive Vice President of WWE posed with Chinese boxing champion Zou Shiming (M) and Wang Bin (R) the first Chinese wrestler they have signed.

On September 8th, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced the signing of seven new recruits from China. They include: Gao Lei, Gu Guangming, Big Boa, Zhao Xia, Wang Xiaolong, Yifeng, and Cheng Yuxiang. After participating in a grueling week of tryouts, the successful seven were chosen from a pool of 34 candidates.

Two days later, WWE’s first-ever Chinese recruit, Bin Wang, made his official in-ring debut in Shanghai. The new recruit, now known as by his stage name Tian Bin, defeated Bo Dallas, a 26-year-old wrestler who’s been with the WWE for eight years. The two are part of an international show that’s already been featured in England and the Philipines.

The WWE is showing a clear commitment to entering the Chinese market. When they signed Tian Bin back in June, they also announced a multi-year product distribution agreement with PPTV. The agreement will ensure WWE staples, Raw and Smackdown Live, are broadcast live in Mandarin. This deal, as well as the newly signed recruits, is clear stepping-stones towards creating and inspiring a Chinese WWE fanbase.