Julia Ho (b. 1976)
Alias:
Julia Ho
Julie Real
Zeda
Zeda Zhang
Birthplace:
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Born:
July 1, 1976
is an American model, singer, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler previously signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she appeared on its developmental brand NXT under the name Zeda (Pronounced: Zay-dah). During her tenure in WWE, Zeda competed in the first all-women's tournament Mae Young Classic during June 2017. After her release in June 2018, she began competing on the independent circuit in the Florida wrestling promotions and later that year wrestled for promotions in China and Singapore. Early life and career Ho has a Chinese background. She worked as a professional model and singer. She also became an undefeated mixed martial artist, holding a 2-0 record. During college, she also participated in a judo club. Ho has a martial arts background that includes boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, kick boxing, grappling, and Judo. Professional wrestling career World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE NXT (2017-2018) It was reported on January 4, 2017, WWE recruited four female athletes to train at the WWE Performance Center. Ho was chosen along with independent wrestling names Heidi Lovelace, Kimber Lee, and Andréa. Ho made her NXT debut on May 13 in a battle royal to determine a Number One Contender for the NXT Women's Championship. On June 30, under her real name in a tag match, she teamed with fellow NXT rookie Lacey Evans. They were defeated in their tag match against Sage Miller & Victoria Gonzalez. On July 7, Ho was defeated by Sonya Deville. Six days later during the July 13th WWE Mae Young Classic TV-Taping, Ho debuted under her new ring name of Zeda, where she was eliminated in the first round of the Mae Young Classic by Shayna Baszler. On July 21 at NXT, Zeda teamed with Reina Gonzalez, Sage Beckett and Vanessa Borne in an eight-woman tag match won by Aliyah, Lacey Evans, Liv Morgan and Taynara Conti. At the following NXT show on July 22, Zeda lost to Bianca BelAir. On August 3, Zeda teamed with Aliyah and Lacey Evans in defeating Sonya Deville, Bianca BelAir and Vanessa Borne in a six-woman tag match. On August 25, Zeda teamed with Rhea Ripley and Ruby Riot in a six-woman tag match won by Taynara Conti, Mandy Rose and Vanessa Borne. She finished her debut year competing in battle royals during the month of October.