US wrestling network signs up first female Arab performer

DUBAI: World Wrestling Entertainment Inc signed its first female performer from the Arab world yesterday, smashing cultural taboos as the United States-based pageant seeks to piledrive its way into lucrative foreign markets.

Shadia Bseiso, a Jordanian versed in jiujitsu, dreams of encouraging more Arab women to take up sport — and of one day maybe even crashing a metal chair over megastar John Cena.

“Female athletes are finally getting the credit they deserve. The world is more open to that, and in terms of how the region will react to it, I’m hoping it’s going to be very positive,” said Bseiso.

Speaking in WWE’s office here, Bseiso said she made sure to tell her parents about her colourful career choice in person.

After announcing she would join WWE, they paused in disbelief, she said, worried for her safety in the often bruising shows.

They supported her fully, she added, as she now heads to the company’s Orlando, Florida, training centre for gruelling inring training, and what WWE called “character development” — transformation into one of their trademark personalities.

“Recruiting Bseiso to join our developmental system underscores WWE’s ongoing commitment to building a talent roster as diverse as our fan base,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE executive vice-president and himself a popular wrestler.

Bseiso said the quirky genre had room to expand if only fans could find a hero from home.

“As it is, WWE’s incredibly popular in the Middle East, but I think having athletes from the region who grew up here — it will change things. You finally have someone to root for.” Reuters