WWE signs first woman wrestler from Arab world

A Jordanian versed in jiu-jitsu, Shadia dreams of encouraging more Arab women to take up sports – and of one day maybe even crashing a metal chair over WWE mega-star John Cena.

Speaking to Reuters in the WWE’s Dubai office, Bseiso said she made sure to tell her parents about her colorful career choice in person.

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

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

For decades a quintessential if curious emblem of Americana, professional wrestling has now won die-hard fans in the Arab world and beyond, and features widely in apparel and toys.

WWE’s reach deeper into new demographics makes plenty of business sense for the $1.5 billion Connecticut company, which has also recently signed several Indian and Chinese athletes in the hope of snaring millions of potential new devotees.

“Recruiting Shadia 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.