In January 2017, Li joined the WWE Performance Center after she had impressed talent scouts at a tryout in Shanghai, China. On July 13, she made her debut for WWE competing in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, making her the first Chinese woman to ever compete in a WWE ring. She was eliminated in the first round by Mercedes Martinez. On September 19, 2018, Li competed in her second Mae Young Classic, defeating Karen Q in the first round, but was eliminated in the second round by Deonna Purrazzo. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Li only wrestled at NXT live events outside of the Mae Young Classic.