WWE set for another Shanghai smackdown

Although China boasts a long history of wrestling, American-style "wrestletainment" is still something of a novelty for Chinese spectators.

World Wrestling Entertainment has been a TV staple here for years, resulting in a loyal core of dedicated fans. But to see WWE stars up close hasn't been so easy.

Things changed in 2016 when WWE Live staged its first China mainland show in Shanghai.

Another massively successful show followed last year, and on Sept 1 WWE Live returns for a third instalment at Mercedes-Benz Arena.

"We are excited to return to Shanghai, demonstrating WWE's commitment to our passionate and growing fan base in China," said Jay Li, vice-president and general manager of WWE Greater China.

"Fans can look forward to seeing an action-packed night of family-friendly entertainment that will create lifelong memories."

Those attending WWE Live Shanghai will see superstar Ronda Rousey make her in-ring debut in China, as well as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss, Finn Balor, Jinder Mahal, Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt and many more.

WWE Live Shanghai is presented in partnership with AEG Presents, a global player in live entertainment.

"We are thrilled that WWE Live Shanghai will be presented in partnership with AEG, the world's leading sports and live entertainment company," said Robb Spitzer, senior vicepresident Asia for AEG Presents.

"AEG Presents is proud to be partnering with WWE for the first time in China and entertaining fans of all ages."

WWE programming, including Raw and Smackdown, airs live on PP Sports every Tuesday and Wednesday. Fans can also subscribe to WWE Network on PP Sports, which showcases monthly live events and groundbreaking original series including NXT and 205 Live, reality shows such as Total Divas, documentaries and classic matches from WWE's storied history.

In 2016, WWE unveiled an exclusive multiyear digital distribution deal in China with streaming service PPTV and signed its first-ever Chinese performer－Wang Bin, who goes by the ring name of Tian Bing.

"This further demonstrates WWE's long-term commitment to China," said WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

The partnerships with PPTV and venue operator Expo Group, as well as the signing of Wang "will enable us to engage our fans in China like never before," he added.

Signing Wang, 24, to a developmental contract, gave him the opportunity to train with an eye to becoming the first Chinese superstar in WWE history.

At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he has been training in Japan at Inoki Genome Federation, a wrestling and MMA promotion founded by WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki.

Although the goal of making Wang the first Chinese champion of WWE has not yet come true, it's clear that the American sports entertainment powerhouse wants more Chinese elements in the show to open an even bigger market in the world's most populous nation.