Sarah Bäckman Explained

Sarah Bäckman
Birth Name:Sarah Bäckman
Birth Date:1991 12, df=yes
Birth Place:Stockholm, Sweden
Spouse:
    Other Names:Spirit
    Module:
    Child:yes
    Names:Shara
    Height:5 ft 8 in
    Weight:178 lb
    Trainer:NXT

    Sarah Bäckman (born 8 December 1991) is a Swedish real estate broker and former professional wrestler and arm wrestler. She is a former eight-time World Arm Wrestling Champion. Bäckman also competed as "Spirit" on the Swedish version of MGM Television's Gladiators franchise.[1] From 2013 to 2014, Bäckman was signed to WWE, working in their developmental territory NXT.[2]

    Arm wrestling career

    Bäckman began arm wrestling at age 14.[3] [4] 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.[5] She retired from arm wrestling to pursue a wrestling career in May 2013 when she decided to sign with WWE.

    Gladiatorerna

    Bäckman portrayed 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.[6] In an article for a Swedish newspaper (Aftonbladet), Bäckman referred to being a Gladiator as "a childhood dream" of hers.[1] [7]

    Professional wrestling career

    In March 2013, it was reported that Bäckman signed a developmental contract with WWE and would report to their developmental territory NXT.[2] [8] Bäckman's ring name was revealed as Shara on 10 February 2014.[9]

    Bäckman requested and was granted her release from her contract on 30 April 2014.[10]

    Personal life

    Bäckman was born in Stockholm on 8 December 1991.[3]

    Bäckman was married to American professional wrestler Taylor Rotunda, better known as Bo Dallas, from 2014 until their divorce in 2019.[11] [12] She married fitness instructor Mikey Oliva in 2019.

    As of 2015, Bäckman works as a real estate broker.[13] [14]

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: The gladiator Sarah "Spirit" Bäckman second most viewed in Sweden's biggest newspaper Aftonbladet. www.worldofarmwrestling.com. 11 March 2013.
    2. Web site: Meltzer. Dave. Dave Meltzer. Thurs. update: Tonight's TV preview, GSP vs. Diaz explodes, WWE creative change.... www.f4wonline.com. 12 March 2013.
    3. Web site: Sarah Backman Ultimate Arm Wrestling League bio. theual.com. 12 March 2013.
    4. Web site: Braun. Lori. Sarah Backman: Beauty Queen of Arm Wrestling. femalemuscle.com. 12 March 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130311031149/http://femalemuscle.com/sarah-backman-beauty-queen-of-arm-wrestling/. 11 March 2013. dmy-all.
    5. Web site: WWE Signs New Diva, Champion Arm Wrestler. www.diva-dirt.com. 11 March 2013.
    6. Web site: Gladiator Sarah Bäckman. 11 June 2012. 11 March 2013.
    7. Web site: Swedish newspaper article, Aftonbladet. www.aftonbladet.se. 11 March 2013.
    8. Web site: Ryback News, WWE Signs Swedish Arm Wrestling Diva, Vince Quote & More. rajah.com. 11 March 2013.
    9. Web site: NXT Diva Sarah Backman Reveals New Name. diva-dirt.com/. 10 February 2014.
    10. Web site: WWE makes developmental cuts. Meltzer. Dave. Dave Meltzer. 30 April 2014. 1 May 2014. Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
    11. Web site: Bo Dallas Marries Recently Released NXT Diva. 28 June 2014. 23 February 2017.
    12. Web site: Sarah Bäckman Married Taylor Rotunda. 2023-02-08.
    13. Web site: Sarahrotunda.com. 23 February 2016.
    14. Web site: Sarah Rotunda - White Diamond Realty. 23 February 2016. www.facebook.com.