Sarah Bäckman


Sarah Bäckman is a Swedish real estate broker, 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. From 2013 to 2014, Bäckman was signed to WWE, working in their developmental territory NXT.

Arm wrestling career

Bäckman 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 May 2013 when she decided to sign with WWE.
Bäckman portrays Gladiator "Spirit" on the Swedish version of Gladiators. Bäckman replaced “Stinger”, who was portrayed by Cajsa Nilsson. In an article for a Swedish newspaper, Bäckman referred to being a Gladiator as "a childhood dream" of hers.

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. Bäckman's ring name was revealed as Shara on 10 February 2014.
Bäckman requested and was granted her release from her contract on 30 April 2014.

Personal life

Bäckman married Taylor Rotunda, who performs in the WWE as Bo Dallas, on June 26, 2014. In 2015, Bäckman started a career as a real estate broker.