Sarah Bäckman (December 8, 1991) is a Swedish born former eight-time World Arm Wrestling Champion. She is best known for her time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) competing in their developmental territory, NXT. Bäckman also competed as "Spirit" on the Swedish version of MGM Television's Gladiators franchise.
Career[]
Arm Wrestling Champion (2006-2013)[]
Sarah began arm wrestling at age 14. 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. She retired from arm wrestling to pursue a wrestling career in March 2013 when she decided to sign with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Swedish Gladiators TV series[]
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. In an article for the most popular Swedish newspaper (Aftonbladet), Bäckman referred to being a Gladiator as "a childhood dream" of hers.
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. She is set to go to Florida in the summer of 2013. As of Oct. 2, 2013, she is unable to get a visa due to the U.S. Government shutdown. On February 10, 2014, it was announced her NXT ring name would be Shara.
On April 30, 2014, it was announced Bäckman was released by WWE after requesting to be released from her contract.
Personal life[]
On June 27, 2014, Bäckman married Taylor Rotunda. In 2015, Bäckman started a career as a real estate broker.
External links[]
- Sarah Bäckman on Twitter