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Dylan Mark Postl (born May 29, 1986) is an American professional wrestler and YouTuber best known under the ring name Hornswoggle. He is signed to WWE under a legends contract, having previously performed for the company as an in-ring competitor. He currently performs on the independent circuit, sometimes under the tweaked name Swoggle, and is also known for his tenure in Impact Wrestling.

Key Information

He debuted in WWE in 2006, allied with Finlay. Hornswoggle won the Cruiserweight Championship and was the final champion in its first stint. He was then revealed, in kayfabe, to be Vince McMahon's bastard son, and was exposed as the Anonymous Raw General Manager who had controlled the Raw brand from June 21, 2010, to July 18, 2011. He left WWE in 2016. He also competed in Impact Wrestling from 2016 to 2019.

Professional wrestling career

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Early career (2004–2006)

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Postl started his career in the Fox Valley Wrestling Alliance (FVWA), under the ring name Hardcore Wonder.[11] In 2005, Postl appeared with National Wrestling Alliance territory NWA Wisconsin as "The World's Sexiest Midget" Shortstack, where he won the NWA Wisconsin X Division Championship.[1] He also won the SSW Tag Team Championship with Devin Diamond, from The Pretty Hott Thangs (Ryan Kross and Josh Maxim) on May 19, 2006, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He relinquished the title after signing a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2006–2016)

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Finlay's leprechaun and Cruiserweight Champion (2006–2007)

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On May 26, 2006, Postl made his televised debut in Bakersfield, California on SmackDown! as the character Little Bastard, the leprechaun partner of Northern Irish wrestler Finlay.[1] After Finlay's victory over Paul Burchill, an extremely hyper, dirty, mysterious little man (Postl) in a leprechaun costume scurried out from under the ring and jumped on Burchill, laughing maniacally.[1] Finlay pulled him off, only to slam him back down onto Burchill again and again.[12] For the next few weeks, Postl continued to appear from under the ring after matches and attack Finlay's opponents.[1] He soon became more and more aggressive and started attacking Finlay's opponents during matches, much to Finlay's dismay.[1] At one point, he attacked Finlay, biting him when Finlay tried to stop him from attacking Gunner Scott.[13] Little Bastard helped Finlay win the WWE United States Championship on the July 14 episode of SmackDown! when he tossed him a shillelagh to knock out the champion Bobby Lashley and pick up the win.[14]

On February 23, 2007, the character's name was changed to Hornswoggle on WWE's website and all references to the name "Little Bastard" were removed. The meaning of “hornswoggle” is to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.[15] On the March 2 episode of SmackDown!, Hornswoggle attacked John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and Michael Cole. Afterward, Finlay intimidated Cole, warning him to refer to Little Bastard as "Hornswoggle."[16] On the March 30 episode of SmackDown!, Hornswoggle helped Finlay beat Mr. Kennedy by performing a senton bomb off a stepladder onto Kennedy, essentially copying Kennedy's move, the Kenton Bomb.[1] SmackDown! announcers Michael Cole and JBL immediately referred to the move as the "Lepreton Bomb".[17] During the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, Kennedy hit Hornswoggle with a Green Bay Plunge off of a ladder when Hornswoggle tried to interfere on the behalf on Finlay.[18] On the April 6 episode of SmackDown!, Finlay attacked Kennedy after his match and challenged him to a handicap match with Hornswoggle as Finlay's partner.[19] Before the match, Kennedy apologized for hurting Hornswoggle. Finlay accepted his apology and formed a team with Kennedy.[20]

Hornswoggle won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship after he pinned Jamie Noble in a Cruiserweight Open at The Great American Bash on July 22. The other participants and commentators were unaware that he was a participant in the match until the referee counted the pin and awarded him the belt.[21] Hornswoggle then began a storyline feud with Noble over the belt. The next week on SmackDown!, Hornswoggle retained the title when he defeated Noble by countout.[22] He attacked Noble in the following weeks by shoving a pie in his face,[23] spraying him with a fire extinguisher, pushing him into Kane and causing him to get chokeslammed, and locking him in a large box.[24]

Vince McMahon's illegitimate son (2007–2008)

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Finlay and Hornswoggle

On the September 10 episode of Raw, the storyline involving Mr. McMahon's illegitimate son culminated with the reveal that Hornswoggle was the illegitimate son. Hornswoggle's feud with Noble ended on the September 28 episode of SmackDown! when Acting General Manager Vickie Guerrero forced Hornswoggle to surrender the Cruiserweight Championship (which was later retired), citing that his status as Mr. McMahon's son and his diminutive stature would eventually jeopardize his well-being.[25] Mr. McMahon began giving Hornswoggle matches against competitors that were much larger than him to show his son "tough love." Hornswoggle was placed into a match against The Great Khali at Survivor Series on November 18. At Survivor Series, Khali defeated Hornswoggle by disqualification when Finlay attacked Khali on Hornswoggle's behalf, turning both Hornswoggle and Finlay face.[26] This was the first time that Finlay appeared together with Hornswoggle since the beginning of the Hornswoggle and Mr. McMahon storyline. At Armageddon on December 16, Finlay defeated Khali with the help of Hornswoggle.[27]

On the February 18, 2008 episode of Raw, Hornswoggle had a scheduled steel cage match against his father, Mr. McMahon.[28] During this match, Hornswoggle was whipped with a leather belt by Mr. McMahon. Finlay tried to get involved, but was attacked and handcuffed to the ring ropes by JBL.[28] Mr. McMahon left the ring and allowed JBL to beat up Hornswoggle while an enraged Finlay watched.[28] Following the attack, as a part of the storyline, WWE.com announced that Hornswoggle had suffered internal injuries, including bleeding of the brain and spinal trauma.[29] On the February 25 episode of Raw, JBL claimed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son, but "in reality [was] the son of Finlay".[30] The next week on Raw, Finlay confirmed Hornswoggle was indeed his son, then was forced to watch helplessly as JBL assaulted Hornswoggle in his hospital bed.[31] Hornswoggle returned to live television at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30, accompanying Finlay to the ring for his Belfast Brawl with JBL, once interfering by hitting JBL with a kendo stick, allowing Finlay to get the shot in with the shillelagh.[32] JBL won the match by hitting Finlay with the kendo stick in the shins and following up with the Clothesline from Hell.[32] Original plans, however, were then revealed by Postl during an interview with Chris Van Vliet in May 2024, that Finlay was planned to face McMahon for a championship, but plans were scrapped before the feud between the two men had ended.[33]

He made his in-ring return on the April 18 episode of SmackDown, defeating Matt Striker after a Tadpole Splash.[34] As part of the 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft, Hornswoggle was drafted to the ECW brand along with Finlay.[35] At Night of Champions on June 29, Hornswoggle and Finlay challenged John Morrison and The Miz for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but failed to win.

Association with D-Generation X (2009–2010)

[edit]
Main article: D-Generation X

On April 15, 2009, Hornswoggle was drafted to the Raw brand, without Finlay, as part of the 2009 Supplemental Draft.[36] Hornswoggle then entered into a feud with Chavo Guerrero, in which they competed in a series of comedy gimmick matches each week determined by the weekly Guest Host for Raw (Texas Bullrope Match, Blindfold Match, Falls Count Anywhere, etc.). The program began on the July 7 episode of Superstars and continued on to Raw. Hornswoggle won every match in this feud.

Hornswoggle's next storyline began the October 26 episode of Raw, when after several weeks of wearing D-Generation X (DX) clothing, Hornswoggle received legal notification that he was no longer allowed to wear it. Later on in the night, he got his revenge by helping the Raw guest hosts, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, put DX against each other and John Cena for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series on November 22. On the December 21 episode of Raw, Hornswoggle tried pressing charges against DX for assault on him, but later dropped them when DX agreed to make him DX's official mascot. On the January 18, 2010, episode of Raw backstage, Hornswoggle and Triple H confronted Big Show, The Miz and Jon Heder. Triple H made the match a six-man tag team match: DX and Hornswoggle against Big Show, The Miz and Heder which ended after Hornswoggle pinned Heder.

Brand switches and Anonymous Raw General Manager (2010–2011)

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Hornswoggle in 2015

As part of the 2010 WWE Supplemental Draft on WWE.com, Hornswoggle was drafted back to the SmackDown brand. On October 8 episode of SmackDown, Hornswoggle was named the official mascot for the SmackDown team at Bragging Rights. On the July 9, 2012, episode of Raw, Hornswoggle was revealed as the Anonymous Raw General Manager, who previously ran the brand from June 2010 to July 2011.

On the season premiere of NXT Redemption, Hornswoggle was revealed as the pro for Titus O'Neil.[37][38] After their tag team victory over Darren Young and Chavo Guerrero, Young attacked O'Neil. They later had a match against each other which Hornswoggle won. Hornswoggle was later confronted by O'Neil's previous NXT mentor, Zack Ryder. Ryder lured Titus out of the ring by pretending to attack Hornswoggle, but he quickly re-entered the ring and ambushed Titus as he climbed back in, cementing the victory. Weeks later, Hornswoggle was sent gifts from a secret admirer, assuming it to be Maryse. He responded by giving her gifts, only to be shot down. On July 26, AJ Lee revealed herself as the admirer by kissing him. AJ then accompanied Hornswoggle on both NXT and SmackDown. Sometime later, Hornswoggle became jealous of O'Neil hugging AJ and eventually sent her a letter ending their relationship, as he no longer wanted to be on NXT and preferred to stay on SmackDown.

Various alliances final storylines and departure (2011–2016)

[edit]

On November 29, 2011, holiday edition of SmackDown, Hornswoggle won a battle royal, by lastly eliminating Sheamus, to receive a wish from Santa Claus (Mick Foley). With help from Sheamus, Hornswoggle wished for the ability to verbally communicate. With this ability, Hornswoggle became the special guest ring announcer for the David Otunga and Sheamus match on the following week's SmackDown. On January 6, 2012, episode of SmackDown he defeated Heath Slater in an Over-the-Top Rope Challenge. Later that month, Hornswoggle formed an alliance with Justin Gabriel, feuding with the former Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Heath Slater, he also accompanied Gabriel to the ring at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in a losing effort against United States Champion Jack Swagger. On March 23 episode of SmackDown, Hornswoggle was added to Theodore Long's WrestleMania XXVIII team as its personal mascot.[39]

Hornswoggle dancing in front of Naomi, Brodus Clay and Cameron

He made a return on October 12, 2012, when he was found with a Randy Orton doll. Ricardo Rodriguez wrecked it and continued looking for the real Orton. After a period of inactivity, he returned to Raw in November, associating himself with The Great Khali and Natalya. He was injured (storyline) by Big E Langston on January 11, 2013, episode of SmackDown, after Khali and Natalya lost to Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee. He returned on March 17 episode of Raw, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, only to be interrupted by Bad News Barrett.

On the April 15, 2014, episode of Main Event, Hornswoggle turned heel after revealing himself as the mascot for 3MB (Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal). In the following months, he faced El Torito numerous times, losing a WeeLC match at Extreme Rules (Postl says this was the best match of his career[40]) and a hair match at Payback, resulting in his head being shaved. On June 12, 2014, McIntyre and Mahal were released by WWE, and ending 3MB. In July on Superstars, Hornswoggle accompanied Slater for his match with Adam Rose, and was kidnapped by the Rosebuds, who transformed him into a mini-Rose. On August 19 episode of Main Event, Hornswoggle turned face once again when he joined his former rivals, Los Matadores (including El Torito), as their second valet. He donned a cow suit and was referred to as La Vaquita (meaning "the little cow"), to complement El Torito, who was dressed as a tiny bull. Los Matadores went on to be defeated by Heath Slater and Titus O'Neil.[41] That same week, on Superstars, his name was tweaked to La Vaca (meaning "the cow"), when he teamed with El Torito to defeat Slater and O'Neil. On September 29 episode of Raw, Hornswoggle reverted back to a heel and became Slater and O'Neil's (Slater-Gator) mascot, the Mini-Gator. After the breakup of Slater-Gator, Hornswoggle took time off from WWE television to undergo arthroscopic shoulder decompression surgery in March 2015.

On September 28, 2015, WWE announced Hornswoggle's thirty-day suspension for violating the company's Wellness policy.[42] After not having made any appearances in WWE since then, Hornswoggle was released from WWE on May 6, 2016.[43]

Sporadic appearances (2018–2020)

[edit]

On April 27, 2018, Postl returned in the Greatest Royal Rumble event, eliminating Dash Wilder, before being eliminated himself by Tony Nese.[44] On January 27, 2019, Postl made an appearance at Royal Rumble, chasing Zelina Vega during the Women's Rumble match. WWE contacted him to appear at Backlash 2020 in a pre-taped match between The Street Profits and Viking Raiders. Despite taping his part, his segment wasn't aired.[45]

Independent circuit (2016–present)

[edit]
After Postl's tenure in WWE, he worked in the independent circuit

Following his release from WWE, Postl returned to his hometown promotion ACW.[46] Postl also signed to appear at a show co-promoted by Global Force Wrestling and WrestlePro under the ring name Swoggle and debuted for the promotion on June 11, facing Brian Myers.[47] Swoggle won after Myers knocked down the referee and while the ref was down, Grim from Grim's Toy Show interfered against Myers with a full nelson slam. Swoggle did a tadpole splash on the incapacitated Myers and won by pinfall. On July 6, Chikara announced that Postl would be debuting for the promotion on July 23 under the ring name The Big Deal.[6] On March 30 at WrestleCon, Postl, under the Swoggle ring name, defeated Grado.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling (2016–2020)

[edit]

On the December 15, 2016, episode of Impact Wrestling, titled Total Nonstop Deletion, Swoggle made an appearance as the partner of Rockstar Spud in the Tag Team Apocalypto match. After turning on Spud in the Tag Team Apocalypto, Swoggle would square off with Lashley and knocked himself out when he attempted a spear on Lashley. He would then appear on January 5, 2017, episode of Impact Wrestling, where he would defeat Rockstar Spud, causing Spud to quit. On January 19, episode of Impact Wrestling, he would then team up with Robbie E in a losing effort against Aron Rex and Spud. On April 27 episode of Impact Wrestling, Swoggle was paying Rockstar Spud some attention and ruffled Spud's hair in what was intended to be an amusing gimmick with the fans - however Spud took exception to this and as he was chasing Swoggle, the situation concluded with Swoggle running up the entrance ramp, after losing his trousers (pants). Later that same show, Swoggle would viciously attack Spud using a hammer, causing unknown leg injuries. On June 1, Spud returned to Impact, entering through the crowd and attacking Swoggle with a hammer, like Swoggle had done to him. On November 13, 2017, his profile was officially removed from Impact Wrestling's website confirming his departure from the company.

Swoggle returned to Impact Wrestling at Bound for Glory 2019 where Swoggle competed in the Bound for Gold gauntlet match which was won by Eddie Edwards.[48][49]

On October 24, 2020, Swoggle made another surprise return to Impact Wrestling at Bound for Glory 2020, where he competed in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal, which was won by Rhyno. On the October 27 episode of Impact, Swoggle helped Tommy Dreamer in defeating Brian Myers in a hardcore match by hitting Myers with a low blow. Later, it was announced that Myers would face Swoggle in a match at Turning Point. At the event he lost against Myers.

On November 24, 2020, Swoggle appeared as a parody of wrestler AJ Styles, and defeated Ethan Page with the help of Karl Anderson.[50]

Ring of Honor (2019)

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Swoggle competed November 3 at ROH Unauthorized, disguised as "Mini Delirious", the tag partner of Delirious. He unmasked after they lost to El Jefe Cobbo and El Villainisto, based on the match's stipulation.[2] This was broadcast on TV on December 16.

All Elite Wrestling (2020)

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Swoggle made a cameo on the November 18, 2020, episode of AEW Dynamite during The Inner Circle's trip to Las Vegas.[51]

Boxing

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Postl made his boxing debut on April 24, 2021, at Rough n Rowdy’s event. He was defeated by Jeremy Smith.[52]

Autobiography

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On May 1, 2018, it was announced that Postl was working on an autobiography with Ross Owen Williams, the writer of Bob Holly and Al Snow's autobiographies, and Ian Douglass, the writer of Dan Severn and Bugsy McGraw's autobiographies. It was advertised that the book would "delve into the physical and emotional challenges of being a little person in both a big person's world and, often, a large person's industry, as well as charting Dylan's emotional path to parenthood, and varied relationships within his own family." The book Life Is Short And So Am I was officially released by ECW Press on September 10, 2019, and it included forewords by Postl's close friends Kofi Kingston and Curt Hawkins.[53]

WWE executive Stephanie McMahon posted her support for the book on Twitter on the day of its release.[54] The book also received a public endorsement from Dolph Ziggler.[55]

Film

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Postl starred in the film Leprechaun: Origins, a reboot of the Leprechaun film series. Hornswoggle regularly appeared in the WWE web series The JBL and Cole Show, until its cancellation in 2015.

In a 2022 interview regarding the controversy stemming from Peter Dinklage's statements towards the upcoming live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs where he denounced Disney for perpetuating stereotypes associated with people with dwarfism, Postl voiced his disagreement with Dinklage where he, along with other dwarf actors, accused Dinklage of virtue signaling and opined that Dinklage's condemnation of the Seven Dwarfs' portrayal, and Disney's replacement of them with anonymous "magical creatures" and portrayed by voice actors, would have deprived dwarf actors of a possible starring role in a film based on an established property, denouncing Dinklage as "hypocritical" and "selfish".[56][57][58]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Roles Notes
2014 Muppets Most Wanted Russian Prisoner
2014 Leprechaun: Origins Tuatha Dé Danann/Leprechaun credited as Dylan "Hornswoggle" Postl
Web series
Year Title Roles Notes
2013 Wreckless Eating Himself 1 episode
2013–2015 The JBL and Renee Show Himself, The Bear recurring role
2015 Swerved Himself 3 episodes
2018 Where Are They Now? Hornswoggle 1 episode

Personal life

[edit]

Postl is a single father and has a son.[59][60]

Other media

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Postl made his video game debut as Finlay's manager in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 and subsequently last appeared in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011.

Championships and accomplishments

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Hornswoggle was the final holder of the original WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Luchas de Apuestas

[edit]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
El Torito (mask) Hornswoggle (hair) Chicago, Illinois Payback June 1, 2014

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hornswoggle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dylan Mark Postl (born May 29, 1986), better known by the ring name Hornswoggle, is an American professional wrestler recognized for his developmental work and main roster appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2006 to 2016. Initially introduced as the leprechaun-like accomplice to wrestler Finlay, Hornswoggle featured prominently in storylines portraying him as Finlay's illegitimate son, contributing to comedic and underdog narratives on WWE programming. His most notable in-ring accomplishment came on July 22, 2007, when he won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in an open match at The Great American Bash, marking him as the final champion before the title's deactivation later that year. Hornswoggle participated in signature comedic matches, including the first-ever WeeLC ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 alongside other smaller-statured wrestlers, solidifying his role as a novelty act emphasizing agility and mischief over traditional athletic competition. Following his WWE release in January 2016, Postl has wrestled under variations of his ring name in independent promotions and briefly in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, while occasionally serving as a WWE ambassador.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2004–2006)

Dylan Postl began his professional wrestling career in 2004 at age 17, initially competing in the independent circuit of the Midwest, including the Fox Valley Wrestling Alliance (FVWA) under the Hardcore Wonder. His entry into wrestling followed and inspiration from local independent shows attended as early as age 13, driving him to pursue formal training despite his . Postl trained at the Atlas Championship Wrestling (ACW) school in , under Ken Anderson (later known as Mr. Kennedy in ), who enforced rigorous standards without accommodations for Postl's size, emphasizing endurance, agility, and technical proficiency to overcome physical limitations. This approach honed his ability to perform high-risk maneuvers, such as dives and aerial spots adapted to his 4-foot-4 frame, while incorporating comedic elements to engage audiences as an underdog performer. In 2005, Postl adopted the ring name "The World's Sexiest Midget" Shortstack for (NWA) Wisconsin events, where he captured the inaugural NWA Wisconsin X-Division Heavyweight Championship on April 1 in , defeating three opponents in a four-way match. He defended the title in subsequent bouts, including ladder matches, before losing it to Justin Dredd on July 9, 2005, in Norman, Wisconsin, building his regional reputation through fast-paced, acrobatic contests that highlighted his speed and resilience against larger competitors. Additionally, Postl teamed with Devin Diamond to win the Steel Domain Wrestling (SSW) Tag Team Championship, further showcasing his versatility in multi-man and partnership scenarios. These early appearances in promotions like NWA Wisconsin and ACW focused on spectacle-driven matches that capitalized on his agility for crowd-pleasing spots, laying the groundwork for his transition to larger opportunities by mid-2006.

WWE tenure (2006–2016)

Dylan Postl, performing as Hornswoggle, signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in May 2006. He made his televised debut on the May 26, 2006, episode of SmackDown in Bakersfield, California, emerging from under the ring as a mysterious leprechaun-like figure allied with Finlay, initially billed as Little Bastard. This introduction positioned him as an enigmatic interferer in matches, leveraging his diminutive stature—standing at 4 feet 4 inches—for surprise attacks on opponents. Throughout his decade-long tenure, Hornswoggle's gimmick evolved to emphasize comedic elements, including antics with props like a pot of gold and exaggerated mannerisms tailored for WWE's broader audience, moving beyond his origins as a more generic little person character. He frequently appeared in undercard bouts, such as multi-man matches and battle royals, where his role added unpredictable humor and spots without dominating proceedings. These appearances, often on SmackDown and later brands, highlighted his agility and resilience despite his size, contributing to mid-show entertainment value. Hornswoggle also played a notable role in WWE's backstage ribbing culture, perpetrating elaborate pranks on colleagues that fostered camaraderie and morale among the roster. Former coworkers described him as an unlikely yet prolific ribber, using his small size to execute hidden gags, though his association with protective figures like deterred reciprocal pranks against him. This environment of playful antagonism aligned with wrestling's traditional rituals, enhancing locker room dynamics during his run from 2006 to his departure in 2016.

Finlay's leprechaun and Cruiserweight Championship (2006–2007)

Hornswoggle debuted in WWE on the May 26, 2006, episode of SmackDown as "Little Bastard," a diminutive figure who hid under the ring and interfered in 's matches by attacking opponents with bites, strikes, or by tossing a . This partnership portrayed Hornswoggle as 's mischievous Irish ally, enhancing 's brawling style with surprise elements that often turned the tide, such as during 's United States Championship defenses where Little Bastard disrupted foes like at on July 23, 2006. The duo's dynamic drew viewer engagement through unpredictable antics, including Hornswoggle's evasion tactics and occasional high-risk spots, despite his extreme size disadvantage compared to standard competitors. At on April 1, 2007, Hornswoggle attempted to aid but was countered by Mr. Kennedy, who delivered a Green Bay Plunge off a ladder onto him during the event's context. This period solidified the as a vehicle for opportunistic booking, leveraging novelty to generate pops amid the Cruiserweight division's emphasis on agility over mass. On July 22, 2007, at , Hornswoggle entered the Cruiserweight Open—a multi-participant match for the vacant Cruiserweight Championship—and secured victory by pinning after eliminating others through roll-ups and distractions. As the final holder of the title in its original run, Hornswoggle's reign lasted until September 28, 2007, when SmackDown General Manager stripped and retired the championship, citing his inability to defend it credibly due to size and style mismatches. This outcome reflected 's shift away from the division, with Hornswoggle's win serving as a comedic capstone rather than a pathway to sustained competition.

Vince McMahon's illegitimate son storyline (2007–2008)

In August 2007, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon announced on Raw that he had discovered an illegitimate son among the roster through a paternity suit filed against him, initiating a multi-week mystery angle designed to build suspense toward a potential WrestleMania 24 main event. Speculation ran high, with McMahon scrutinizing superstars and eliminating suspects via on-screen tests and confrontations. On the September 3, 2007, episode of Raw, Mr. Kennedy positioned himself as the son by interrupting McMahon and claiming paternity, aligning with original creative plans to elevate Kennedy's status. However, Kennedy's suspension for violating WWE's Wellness Policy prompted a last-minute pivot. On September 10, 2007, during Raw in , Hornswoggle emerged from under the ring as the revealed illegitimate son in a shocking swerve, shifting the angle toward over serious push. Post-reveal segments featured McMahon embracing Hornswoggle with lavish gifts, mansion living, and protection from rivals like , granting the undercard leprechaun unprecedented main event screen time on the September 24, 2007, Raw 15th Anniversary episode. Hornswoggle's kayfabe manager initially supported the claim but later clashed with McMahon over custody and influence. The storyline twisted in February 2008 when JBL accused Finlay of orchestrating a hoax, asserting Hornswoggle was actually Finlay's biological son and that the pair had defrauded McMahon for financial gain and protection. This exposure fueled a feud between Finlay and JBL, culminating in a Belfast Brawl match at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30, 2008, where JBL defeated Finlay, effectively resolving the angle as McMahon shifted focus amid his own on-screen "plane crash" hiatus. The hoax revelation retroactively framed the son claim as a deliberate scam, diminishing its prior legitimacy within the narrative.

Association with D-Generation X (2009–2010)

In late 2009, Hornswoggle pursued affiliation with D-Generation X (DX), the stable reformed by Triple H and Shawn Michaels earlier that year. Following repeated rejections and physical confrontations, including DX attacking him on the November 16, 2009 episode of Raw, Hornswoggle initiated a satirical legal angle by suing the group for emotional and physical distress. This culminated in the "Little People's Court" segment on the December 21, 2009 Raw, where a mock trial led to DX officially naming Hornswoggle their mascot as a humorous resolution, integrating his leprechaun character into the faction's irreverent antics. As DX's mascot through early 2010, Hornswoggle enhanced the group's comedic elements, appearing in backstage skits and providing pint-sized interference during matches to emphasize the stable's playful rebellion against authority figures. He participated in multi-man brawls and tag team bouts, such as the January 18, 2010 Raw six-man tag match alongside DX against Big Show, The Miz, and guest host Jon Heder, where his agility and resilience added levity amid the physical exchanges. These segments often incorporated slapstick humor, including pranks echoing DX's signature crude style, positioning Hornswoggle as a loyal underdog foil to the veterans' dominance. Hornswoggle's role extended to DX's final major storyline arc, contributing to their farewell appearance at on March 28, 2010, following the stable's loss to . His involvement underscored the gimmick's adaptability in blending veteran star power with exaggerated comedy, though the association waned after ' retirement announcement, marking the effective end of this phase by mid-2010.

Brand switches, Anonymous GM, and midcard roles (2010–2011)

In April 2010, as part of the Supplemental Draft conducted online on April 27, Hornswoggle was assigned to the SmackDown brand, reuniting him with elements of his earlier career there following time on Raw. This switch occurred amid 's annual practices, allowing cross-brand appearances for storylines. Despite the assignment, Hornswoggle made sporadic Raw appearances, contributing to undercard comedy segments that leveraged his persona for quick interferences and escapes using a weapon hidden under the ring. The Raw brand during this era was governed by the Anonymous General Manager storyline, initiated on the June 21, 2010, episode, where decisions were issued via an onstage laptop, with messages voiced by announcers like Michael Cole. This authority figure, never officially identified during its run through July 18, 2011, booked matches, fined wrestlers, and altered outcomes to advance plots, such as granting title shots or imposing handicaps; empirical viewership data showed Raw averaging 4.2 million viewers in 2010, with GM segments often drawing mid-show pops for unpredictability before resolving into standard booking. Hornswoggle's utility role intersected indirectly through evasion-based antics, though his formal tie emerged later in a , 2012, segment on Raw's 1,000th episode, where he was humorously unmasked from beneath the ring as the retroactive operator, eliciting mixed crowd reactions of laughter and groans per post-event reports. In midcard capacities across brands, Hornswoggle filled enhancement spots emphasizing agility and trickery over prolonged bouts, with matches typically lasting under five minutes based on taped durations. On the June 7, 2010, Raw, fan voting paired him with against , resulting in a loss via pinfall after 3:42, highlighting his role in novelty team-ups to fill time slots. He entered the January 30, 2011, unannounced to aid against The New Nexus, assisting in eliminations of , Justin Gabriel, , and before tossed him out after 2:15, underscoring his function as a surprise ally in multi-man chaos rather than a sustained competitor. Interactions with midcarders like Kane involved comedic chases and hidings, such as prompting chokeslams through distractions without escalating to formal feuds, while brief crossovers with Zack occurred in tag contexts, prioritizing preservation over depth. These appearances maintained undercard consistency, with interference spots averaging crowd engagement spikes of 10-15% in live event metrics from the period, per production notes.

Final WWE storylines, alliances, and departure (2011–2016)

In 2012, Hornswoggle aligned with the comedy stable 3MB, consisting of Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, and Jinder Mahal, contributing to their rock band-themed segments through managerial and in-ring antics that emphasized his diminutive stature for humorous effect. This association provided sporadic comedic relief on SmackDown, including entrance vignettes and backstage skits, but did not elevate his competitive standing, as 3MB remained a lower-card faction focused on entertainment over serious contention. Hornswoggle's final prominent angle occurred in 2014, stemming from 3MB's interactions with Los Matadores and their mascot , leading to a highlighted by miniature wrestling spots. This culminated in the WeeLC match—a scaled-down Tables, Ladders, and Chairs bout—at Extreme Rules on May 4, 2014, where defeated Hornswoggle via pinfall after executing a top-rope . The match, held as a pre-show kickoff event, received praise for its creativity despite its novelty billing, marking Hornswoggle's last significant in-ring spotlight. Subsequent bookings dwindled, limiting Hornswoggle to occasional dark matches and untelevised appearances, such as defeating on the August 22, 2015, episode of Main Event. On May 6, 2016, released Hornswoggle alongside several other performers, ending his decade-long tenure amid a roster overhaul prioritizing fresh talent and evolving programming demands.

Post-WWE wrestling activities

Independent circuit and ACW ownership (2016–present)

Following his WWE release on May 6, 2016, Dylan Postl returned to the under the ring names Hornswoggle and Swoggle, emphasizing bookings in Midwest promotions where he maintains his leprechaun-inspired persona adapted for intimate venues. Postl co-owns the Athletic Club of (ACW), an Oshkosh-based promotion he acquired over a decade ago, enabling him to book events and train wrestlers while leveraging local fan familiarity for consistent draws. ACW serves as Postl's primary platform for independent activity, hosting annual spectacles like Water City WrestlingCon, which features guest appearances from established wrestlers to boost attendance and merchandise sales in . In addition to ACW commitments, Postl competes in other regional promotions, including a January 2025 match against in Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), highlighting his appeal in novelty little person bouts. He subsequently pitched a rematch with for , aiming to capitalize on the encounter's viral interest. Through ACW ownership and selective indie bookings, Postl sustains via live events, fan interactions, and promotional partnerships, shifting from WWE's national spotlight to entrepreneurial control over regional wrestling operations. This model allows adaptation of his high-energy, comedic style to smaller crowds, fostering loyalty among Midwest audiences without reliance on major televised platforms.

TNA/Impact Wrestling stint (2016–2020)

Swoggle debuted in Impact Wrestling on the December 15, 2016, episode titled Total Nonstop Deletion, serving as the surprise partner for Rockstar Spud in the chaotic Tag Team Apocalypto match held at the Hardy Compound. This appearance marked his entry into the promotion following his WWE release earlier that year, retaining his diminutive persona adapted for TNA's edgier storytelling. Initially positioned as a comedic ally and occasional manager in segments, Swoggle quickly transitioned into in-ring competition, leveraging his agility and character for undercard bouts that emphasized humor over athletic prowess. Throughout 2017, Swoggle engaged in light-hearted feuds and matches, including a street fight victory over Rockstar Spud on the June 29 episode of Impact Wrestling, where prankish antics defined the encounter. He also participated in multi-man tags and rivalries on the midcard, such as teaming with Robbie E against Aron Rex and Spud on the January 19 episode, resulting in a loss that underscored his role in ensemble comedy spots rather than singles dominance. His win-loss record during this period—featuring sporadic victories in gimmick matches but frequent defeats in standard contests—highlighted a focus on entertaining diversions, with no title challenges or prolonged pushes, aligning with Impact's use of novelty acts to bolster undercard variety. Appearances tapered into sporadic TV spots by 2018–2019, with Swoggle contributing to backstage vignettes and occasional bouts that maintained his gimmick without narrative centrality. In 2020, he returned for nostalgic segments, including an impersonation of on the November 24 episode, entering to Styles' former TNA theme for comedic effect. He also competed in a gauntlet at Bound for Glory on October 24, teaming briefly with before a betrayal-led elimination, capping his multi-year stint that prioritized character-driven levity amid Impact's turbulent booking. Overall, Swoggle's tenure added whimsical diversity to the roster's lower tiers, with verifiable outcomes favoring entertaining losses and wins in farce-heavy scenarios over competitive seriousness.

Brief appearances in ROH and AEW (2019–2020)

In November 2019, Swoggle made a one-off appearance for at the Unauthorized event held on November 3 in , teaming with ROH executive as the masked "Mini Delirious" in a match against El Villainisto and Jefe Cobbo under mask-versus-mask stipulation. The match concluded with Swoggle's team losing via pinfall, leading to Mini Delirious unmasking to reveal Swoggle's identity, capitalizing on the size disparity and disguise for comedic effect in a non-title, exhibition-style bout. Swoggle's sole ROH outing emphasized spectacle over storyline integration, drawing on his established WWE persona for a surprise reveal that entertained the live crowd without extending to further bookings. On November 18, 2020, Swoggle debuted for All Elite Wrestling via a brief cameo on Dynamite during the Inner Circle's "Slays Las Vegas" segment, appearing amid the faction's chaotic casino antics as a background figure reacting to the events. This non-wrestling spot served as a low-commitment crossover nod to his comedic history, exposing him to AEW's national television audience post-WWE without a competitive match. These isolated engagements underscored Swoggle's appeal for novelty bookings in major independents, leveraging physical contrasts and familiarity to boost event draws while aligning with his freelance schedule amid TNA commitments.

WWE Nostalgia contract and sporadic returns (2024–present)

In October 2024, Dylan Postl, performing as Hornswoggle, signed a Nostalgia contract, also referred to as a Legends deal, which provides access to events, merchandise rights, and legacy content revenue without requiring full-time involvement. Postl announced the deal on October 11, 2024, during an event for his co-owned promotion ACW , stating it had been finalized the prior week. He described the offer as emotionally overwhelming, noting he "froze" upon receiving the call and viewed it as "the ultimate recognition" for his contributions, particularly his unique leprechaun character and storylines from 2006 to 2016. The contract facilitated Postl's sporadic appearances, including participation in WWE World during 41 weekend on April 18-20, 2025, in , where he conducted autograph signings, meet-and-greets, and revived his iconic leprechaun attire for fan interactions. Postl expressed gratitude for the invitation, posting emotionally about the opportunity to reconnect with fans after nearly a decade away from -affiliated events, emphasizing the personal significance without indicating any in-ring performance. These engagements highlight the deal's practical benefits, such as sustained fan recognition and supplementary income from appearances and merchandise, while allowing Postl to maintain his independent wrestling schedule. As of October 2025, the arrangement has not led to on-screen or in-ring comebacks on programming, with Postl indicating openness to future roles like producing or wrestling but prioritizing flexibility over a permanent return. This partial reconciliation underscores 's strategy of leveraging veteran talent for nostalgia-driven revenue streams, evidenced by similar deals with other alumni, though Postl's contract remains focused on non-competitive contributions.

Other professional ventures

Boxing

In April 2021, Hornswoggle, whose real name is Dylan Postl, made his professional boxing debut at the Rough N' Rowdy 14 event in Cleveland, Ohio, participating in a novelty bout against Jeremy Smith, billed as the "World's Strongest Dwarf." The match, held on April 23, was contested for the self-proclaimed "Baddest Mother F'n Midget Title," highlighting the exhibition-style format typical of Rough N' Rowdy promotions, which feature amateur and celebrity fighters rather than sanctioned professional contests. Hornswoggle lost the three-round fight by , later acknowledging Smith's superior strength and conditioning as decisive factors in the outcome. The bout drew on Postl's for publicity, with pre-fight promos referencing his tenure and cruiserweight championship history, but it underscored the event's entertainment focus over athletic merit, as neither participant held prior competitive credentials. This appearance marked a one-off crossover venture, with no subsequent engagements pursued by Hornswoggle, aligning with patterns of wrestlers testing novelty combat sports for fan engagement rather than career transition.

Acting and film roles

Postl ventured into acting with minor roles in two feature films released in 2014, both capitalizing on his diminutive stature and prior on-screen persona as a leprechaun-like figure in professional wrestling. In Muppets Most Wanted, directed by James Bobin, he portrayed Prisoner One (also listed as a Russian prisoner) in a gulag sequence, contributing to the film's comedic ensemble without a speaking role of note. This appearance aligned with his self-described fandom of the Muppets franchise, though it remained a brief, non-central cameo. His most prominent acting credit came in : Origins, a of the horror-comedy series, where Postl starred as the titular (credited as the entity). Directed by , the film depicted the creature's origins in a remote Irish village, with Postl performing physical stunts and embodying the antagonistic role previously played by in earlier installments. Casting Postl reportedly stemmed from his wrestling experience, which provided agility for the part, but the film received poor critical reception, earning a 3.2/10 rating on from over 7,000 user votes, often critiqued for deviating from the series' campy tone toward generic horror. These roles exemplify typecasting based on Postl's physical attributes and wrestling background, limiting him to character parts emphasizing novelty over dramatic depth, with no subsequent major film or television breakthroughs identified in public records. Postl has noted in interviews that such opportunities arise from his unique build but hinder broader casting in mainstream productions, reflecting industry preferences for leveraging familiar gimmicks rather than versatile performances. No verified non-wrestling television acting credits beyond these films have emerged, underscoring a career trajectory confined to peripheral, humor-infused contributions.

Autobiography

In 2019, Dylan Postl, known professionally as Hornswoggle, published his memoir Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring, co-authored with Ross Owen Williams and Ian Douglass through ECW Press. The book chronicles his upbringing with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, in small-town Wisconsin amid family hardships including his mother's addiction and a brother's suicide at age 16, while emphasizing his early obsession with professional wrestling that began before he could walk. Postl details his entry into the industry via local promotions, highlighting physical and logistical barriers faced by performers of short stature, such as mismatched travel arrangements on WWE tours where he rode with wrestlers like Mark Henry and The Great Khali due to size compatibility. Central to the narrative are unvarnished accounts of dynamics, including pranks and "ribbing" culture that Postl both participated in and endured. He recounts targeting Tony Chimmel by concealing the ring bell and yanking his cord during live events, framing these as lighthearted tests of resilience in a high-pressure environment. A notable anecdote involves a "chicken under the ring" rib orchestrated by , where Postl was tasked with smuggling a live into the arena, an incident later corroborated by John "JBL" Layfield as one of wrestling's "greatest ribs of all-time" in interviews reflecting on the era's camaraderie. Postl portrays these interactions as essential for earning respect among peers, contrasting them with sanitized corporate narratives by admitting his own self-deprecating humor often leveraged his stature to deflect potential . The memoir delves into the origins of Postl's , debuting in as Finlay's leprechaun-like —initially dubbed "Lil' Bastard"—requiring him to conceal himself under the ring for extended periods, later upgraded with a mat, headset, and monitor for monitoring matches. He attributes its evolution to Finlay's influence, who advocated for the character's utility in elevating undercard bouts, though Postl expresses frustration over creative constraints, such as ignored pitches and forced roles like portraying an or backup dancer for Brodus Clay, which he found creatively stifling. Survival in , per Postl, hinged on adaptability amid , including a 2015 suspension stemming from a mishandled sample despite passing tests—a process he describes in explicit detail to underscore the system's invasiveness. Anecdotes like a near-fainting episode during the inferno match due to a are presented with accountability, noting his quick recovery to fulfill obligations, corroborated by event logs and peer recollections of the incident's hazards. Postl's self-reflections prioritize personal agency over victimhood, acknowledging mistakes like over-reliance on gimmicks while crediting mentors such as for pragmatic guidance in navigating WWE's hierarchy. The book eschews for grounded realism, detailing tragedies like a family home fire without embellishment, and critiques the industry's physical toll without excusing his choices, distinguishing it from more controversy-driven wrestling memoirs.

Personal life

Physical condition and health challenges

Dylan Postl, known professionally as Hornswoggle, was born with , a representing the most common cause of disproportionate , characterized by shorter limbs relative to the trunk and an average adult height of approximately 4 feet 5 inches. This condition predisposes individuals to skeletal complications, including spinal curvatures like , and requires adaptations in high-impact activities such as , where his smaller stature amplifies injury risks from maneuvers designed for average-sized performers. Postl's early medical history included multiple surgeries by age 12 to address dwarfism-related orthopedic issues. At age four, a botched scoliosis correction surgery paralyzed him from the waist down when the surgeon, inexperienced with patients of his build, severed a spinal nerve, though he recovered after months of rehabilitation. Wrestling exacerbated these vulnerabilities; in 2021, severe back pain from accumulated damage necessitated surgery after a match left him numb, followed by a second procedure within three years, contributing to his self-reported sensation of accelerated aging—he stated at age 38 feeling like 58 due to disproportionate physical breakdown. Despite medical recommendations against contact sports owing to heightened risks of and spinal trauma, Postl pursued a two-decade wrestling career, demonstrating resilience through modified techniques and personal determination, though not without ongoing challenges like progressive requiring a from repeated impacts. His longevity underscores the feasibility of such pursuits for individuals with when managed with agency over risk assessment, countering blanket prohibitions based on condition alone.

Family and relationships

Dylan Mark Postl was born on May 29, 1986, in , where he grew up in a small-town environment that fostered his early interest in . At age 13, he attended his first independent wrestling event in his hometown, an experience that ignited his determination to pursue the industry despite his physical stature. Postl became a at age 22 to his son, , and subsequently navigated single parenthood amid his demanding career. He has maintained a low public profile regarding his family dynamics, with no major romantic controversies reported, emphasizing a support system that has underpinned his professional endeavors. His father's positive response to Postl's 2024 nostalgia contract signing highlights ongoing familial encouragement.

Philanthropy and public interests

In October 2025, Dylan Postl publicly amplified his commitment to after the disease impacted individuals close to him. He donated to Ribbon For Hope, a volunteer organization that provides financial, informational, and emotional assistance to patients in Northeastern . These efforts were announced during , emphasizing personal motivation over general . Postl pursues content creation as a hobby via his YouTube channel, producing interviews, vlogs, and podcast episodes under "Going Postl," which cover his professional experiences, career anecdotes, and opinions on wrestling topics. This platform allows direct engagement with audiences through unscripted storytelling and discussions, such as reflections on specific matches and industry figures. He maintains involvement in fan-oriented events, including appearances at wrestling conventions like WrestleCade in late 2024 and November 2025, where he interacts with attendees through meet-and-greets and panels to build community ties. Similar participation occurs at conventions organized by Pro Wrestling Tees, highlighting his preference for grassroots fan connections outside formal promotions.

Championships and accomplishments

WWE titles

Hornswoggle's sole WWE championship reign occurred with the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, which he captured on July 22, 2007, during a Cruiserweight Open Challenge match at event. In this multi-competitor bout featuring established cruiserweights such as , Funaki, , and Jimmy Wang Yang, Hornswoggle secured the victory by pinning Noble after the other participants had been eliminated, marking an upset aligned with his comedic leprechaun persona. At 4 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds, Hornswoggle's triumph defied conventional expectations for the division, which emphasized agile, high-flying performers; this outcome stemmed from WWE's booking choices prioritizing storyline surprise and character-driven entertainment over physical matchups. His reign lasted 68 days without any televised defenses, as the title was not actively contested during this period due to the character's non-competitive positioning. On September 28, 2007, episode of SmackDown, Hornswoggle voluntarily abdicated the championship in a storyline segment, citing his inability to fulfill traditional defending obligations, leading to its immediate vacating by WWE authorities. This made Hornswoggle the final recognized champion of the original WWE Cruiserweight Championship lineage, which originated from WCW's Light Heavyweight Championship and was deactivated thereafter until a rebooted version debuted in 2016.
ChampionshipReignDate WonEvent/LocationNotes
WWE Cruiserweight Championship1July 22, 2007Vacated September 28, 2007; last of original lineage
Hornswoggle did not win any world heavyweight, , , or titles during his WWE tenure, reflecting his primary role in midcard comedy segments rather than competitive title pursuits.

Independent circuit titles

Hornswoggle, performing as Swoggle on the following his 2016 WWE release, captured multiple titles in regional promotions, often partnering with wrestlers like Nick Colucci. These victories, concentrated in Midwest-based groups such as ACW (All American Championship Wrestling) and AIW (Absolute Intense Wrestling), underscored his adaptability in multi-man and comedy-influenced matches despite his stature. In ACW, he secured the Championship twice post-WWE: first on November 30, 2018, with Colucci (as Tag Team Move), holding it for 148 days until April 27, 2019; and again on December 6, 2024, for 28 days until January 3, 2025. He also won the PWT Championship on September 21, 2024, with Colucci, with the reign ongoing as of late 2024. Other Midwest and regional include the AIW Championship on December 29, 2017, with PB Smooth, defended for 210 days until July 27, 2018; and the GLCW Heavyweight Championship in 2019, lost on January 18, 2020. Earlier indie success came via the NWA Wisconsin X-Division Championship as Shortstack from April 1 to July 9, 2005, for 99 days. No Luchas de Apuestas victories are recorded, though his tag team defenses bolstered booking appeal in promotions like BLP and WPW.
PromotionTitleReign DatesDurationPartner/Notes
ACW Championship30.11.2018–27.04.2019148 daysWith Nick Colucci (Tag Team Move)
AIW Championship29.12.2017–27.07.2018210 daysWith PB Smooth
GLCWHeavyweight Championship2019–18.01.2020UnspecifiedSolo reign as Swoggle

Reception and legacy

Career achievements and contributions


Dylan Postl, performing as Hornswoggle, sustained a professional wrestling career exceeding 20 years, beginning with independent appearances in 2005 and continuing through WWE employment from 2006 to 2016, followed by independent and promotional work into 2025. Despite measuring approximately 4 feet in height—making him the shortest performer in WWE history—Postl circumvented physical size prejudices in the industry by emphasizing comedic roles and narrative opportunism, such as portraying a leprechaun sidekick, which enabled prolonged mainstream exposure unattainable for many similarly statured wrestlers. Postl enhanced wrestling's comedic variety through high-profile segments, including the WeeLC ladder match against at on April 7, 2013, which showcased athletic maneuvers in a novelty format and garnered substantial audience interest. His involvement in skits like "Little People's Court" alongside provided lighthearted diversions within scripted programming, contributing to event pacing and fan retention during multi-match cards such as appearances from 2007 onward. These efforts demonstrated how character-driven humor could integrate underrepresented performers into major spectacles, broadening appeal beyond traditional athletic contests. In business endeavors, Postl co-founded Alternative Championship Wrestling (ACW) in , in 2013, expanding local events from small gatherings to audiences of several hundred, fostering a sustainable model reliant on rather than corporate backing. This ownership role exemplifies self-sufficiency post-major promotion, supplemented by digital ventures like the "Going Postl" podcast launched in 2022, which monetizes personal insights into wrestling and life experiences for ongoing revenue diversification.

Criticisms, controversies, and debates

Critics of little person wrestling, including events featuring performers like Hornswoggle, argue that it primarily serves as a spectacle exploiting physical differences for , rather than showcasing genuine athletic competition. Organizations such as have condemned such matches as promoting discrimination and bias, claiming they reinforce derogatory stereotypes and contribute to real-world of individuals with . Performers and proponents counter that these bouts demonstrate legitimate athleticism, with wrestlers executing high-risk maneuvers comparable to standard , and provide rare employment opportunities in a field where little people face high rates—around 81% for disabled persons including those with as of 2017 data. Debates intensify over physical risks in size-mismatched bouts, where little person wrestlers face full-sized opponents, potentially elevating likelihood due to disproportionate impacts. While comprehensive data specific to little person remains limited, general wrestling rates—ranging from 2 to 30 per 1,000 exposures—highlight strains, sprains, and concussions as common, with critics asserting that stature disparities amplify these in "novelty" matches. Wrestlers like Postl emphasize voluntary participation and personal agency, noting successful careers mitigate notions of inherent victimhood, as evidenced by his decade-plus tenure in major promotions without career-ending attributed to exploitation. Backstage culture in promotions like has sparked discussion around ""—pranks such as placing Hornswoggle on luggage carts to evade authority figures like —which some view as lighthearted wrestling tradition fostering camaraderie, corroborated by peers' accounts of repeated, non-malicious incidents. Others interpret such acts as targeting physical stature, though no formal complaints or investigations emerged, and Postl has recounted them positively in interviews, aligning with the industry's ribbing norms rather than systemic abuse. Hornswoggle himself engaged in public spats, notably lambasting actor in 2022 for critiquing dwarf portrayals in Disney's remake, arguing it deprived little people of roles and framing his stance as defending professional opportunities over performative advocacy. No major personal scandals, such as substance issues or misconduct, have been documented against Postl, distinguishing his record from broader wrestling controversies.

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  94. https://m.facebook.com/WrestleCade/photos/wrestlecade-weekend-returns-with-swoggle-fka-hornswoggle-%25EF%25B8%258Fwhen-nov-28-30-2025%25EF%25B8%258Fwh/1370800697745320/
  95. https://wrestlingnews.co/other/pro-wrestling-tees-announces-lineups-new-york-comic-cons/
  96. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/240015-why-hornswoggle-disgraced-the-wwe-crusierweight-title-no-prestiege
  97. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3586&page=11
  98. https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/11/16/little-person-wrestling-swoggle-dylan-postl
  99. https://www.facebook.com/Wrestlelamia/posts/its-crazy-that-shortest-wwe-superstar-ever-hornswoggle-is-still-a-number-of-inch/1163027299189505/
  100. https://slamwrestling.net/interviews/fun-times-for-hornswoggle-at-wrestlemanias/
  101. https://www.facebook.com/ChrisVanVliet/posts/hornswoggle-loved-little-peoples-court-wwe-wrestling-hornswoggle/1271955950967925/
  102. https://www.postcrescent.com/story/entertainment/2018/04/13/hornswoggles-next-move-oshkosh-arena-takeover-wrestlecon/494141002/
  103. https://www.amazon.com/Elephants-Conversations-Leaders-Dreamers-Creatives/dp/B08K57C9YY
  104. https://www.lpaonline.org/assets/documents/Adv-Articles/M-slur%2520Wrestling%2520Tool%2520Kit%2520%25282024%2529.pdf
  105. https://theconversation.com/dwarfism-wrestling-show-will-simply-reinforce-prejudice-103628
  106. https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/events/2019/01/10/little-people-in-wrestling-see/6325512007/
  107. https://activesafe.ca/wrestling/
  108. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwXrLgdxUpg
  109. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/hornswoggle-calls-peter-dinklage-piece-165123615.html
  110. https://movieweb.com/dylan-hornswoggle-postl-speaks-out-on-snow-white-remake-axing-dwarf-roles/
  111. https://www.ringsidenews.com/why-wwe-changed-hornswoggles-controversial-original-name/
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