Sarah Bäckman
| Sarah Bäckman | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Sarah Bäckman |
| Born |
December 8, 1991 Stockholm, Sweden[1] |
| Spouse(s) | Bo Dallas (m. 2014) |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) |
Sarah Bäckman Shara[2] |
| Billed height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Billed weight | 160 lb (73 kg) |
| Trained by | WWE NXT |
| Debut | 2012 |
Sarah Bäckman (born December 8, 1991) is a Swedish-born; former eight-time World Arm Wrestling Champion.[1] Bäckman also competed as "Spirit" on the Swedish version of MGM Television's Gladiators franchise.[3] From 2013 to 2014, Bäckman was signed to WWE, working in their developmental branch, NXT.[4]
Career
Early career
Bäckman began arm wrestling at age 14.[1][5] She is one of the most decorated women's arm wrestlers in the world. An eight-time World Arm Wrestling Champion, eight-time European Arm Wrestling Champion and 11-time Swedish Arm Wrestling Champion.[6] She retired from arm wrestling to pursue a wrestling career in May 2013 when she decided to sign with WWE.
Bäckman portrays Gladiator "Spirit" on the Swedish version of Gladiators (or Gladiatorerna as the show, which airs on TV4, is referred to in Sweden). Bäckman replaced “Stinger”, who was portrayed by Cajsa Nilsson.[7] In an article for the most popular Swedish newspaper (Aftonbladet), Bäckman referred to being a Gladiator as "a childhood dream" of hers.[3][8]
WWE (2013-2014)
In March 2013, it was reported that Bäckman signed a developmental contract with WWE and would report to their developmental territory NXT.[4][9] Bäckman's ring name was revealed as Shara on 10 February 2014.[2]
Bäckman requested and was granted her release from her contract on April 30, 2014.[10]
Personal life
On June 27, 2014, Bäckman married Taylor Rotunda, who performs in the WWE as Bo Dallas.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Sarah Backman Ultimate Arm Wrestling League bio". theual.com. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "NXT Diva Sarah Backman Reveals New Name". http://www.diva-dirt.com/''. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The gladiator Sarah "Spirit" Bäckman second most viewed in Sweden's biggest newspaper Aftonbladet". www.worldofarmwrestling.com. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Meltzer, Dave. "Thurs. update: Tonight's TV preview, GSP vs. Diaz explodes, WWE creative change...". www.f4wonline.com. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ Braun, Lori. "Sarah Backman: Beauty Queen of Arm Wrestling". femalemuscle.com. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ "WWE Signs New Diva, Champion Arm Wrestler". www.diva-dirt.com. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ "Gladiator Sarah Bäckman". Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ "Swedish newspaper article, Aftonbladet". www.aftonbladet.se. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ "Ryback News, WWE Signs Swedish Arm Wrestling Diva, Vince Quote & More". rajah.com. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ↑ Meltzer, Dave (30 April 2014). "WWE makes developmental cuts". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ↑ http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0627/577473/another-wwe-star-gets-married/