They say that size doesn’t matter, but is it really true? When talking about competing sports like professional wrestling, the size of your opponent can make quite a difference in the ring. For that reason, athletes of a smaller stature need to work much harder to make their way in this unforgiving world. In light of that, we’ve compiled a list of wrestlers went beyond what was given to them at birth and achieved themselves as absolute champions, regardless of their height. So, let’s begin.
Finn Balor
We’ll start off with the Irish “Demon King” Finn Balor. This young athlete began his career when he was only 18, performing for British promotions, and in 2002 started his own promotion NWA Ireland. One of the people that trained there was none other than WWE’s Becky Lynch. After that, Finn went on to perform for the New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he formed the influential Bullet Club stable. In 2014, he signed for WWE and transitioned from NXT to the main roster in just two years. And to think that he managed to do all that while being only 5’11’’.
Chris Benoit
Another wrestling star of the same height that went on to achieve worldwide fame is, of course, Chris Benoit. Although being only 5’11’’, he managed to win twenty-two championship titles and was scheduled for another one, before his life ended tragically in 2007. Due to numerous head injuries over the years, Benoit suffered brain damage, and in that altered state killed his wife, son, and himself. Despite that, Chris is remembered as a great athlete whose success can’t be overshadowed by anything.
Owen Hart
Although it wasn’t our intention when we were creating the list, we’ve come across one more wrestling champion who left us way too early. Being a member of the Hart family comes with its own genetic consequences. Yes, they are all great wrestlers and capable athletes, but they are also all rather short. Owen Hart inherited his father’s height, but managed to justify his famous name with numerous wrestling titles over the years. Unfortunately, in 1999, he left this world for good and left countless fans grieving.
Daniel Bryan
Born in 1981, this young Aberdeen-born wrestler is already in his well-deserved retirement. Bryan is most famous for performing under WWF/WWE promotion, where he won numerous championship titles. Besides that, he wrestled in the Ring of Honor, worked for independent circuit, and toured Japan. He retired at the age of 34 due to health issues, and was made Smackdown general manager in 2016. Bryan’s height is 5’10’’.
Bruno Sammartino
Now is the time for a golden oldie. Born in 1935, Bruno Sammartino is the oldest minute wrestler on our list. His most memorable performances are for the WWF, where he held the Heavyweight Championship title for more than 11 years, two reigns in total. In the 60’s up to the mid 80’s, he was considered one of the most beloved wrestlers. Bruno is 5’10’’, yet he managed to become a colossal legend in the eyes of countless wrestling fans over the years.
Austin Aries
Next up is WWE’s NXT wrestling star, Austin Aries. Before signing for WWE, Aries made a name for himself performing for TNA and Ring of Honor, where he managed to win a number of championship titles. In January 2016, Austin signed for WWE and was placed into NXT. Starting out as a face, he went on to become heel by attacking the unsuspecting No Way Jose in a June show. Aries is 5’9’’, but if you try to mess with him, you’ll realize that size really doesn’t matter.
Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero is considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers ever. Being a part of the Guerrero wrestling family, Eddie followed the tradition and went to train in Mexico. Guerrero held numerous titles in his time and was certainly a fan-favorite, despite the fact that played villains most of the time. Being only 5’8’’ didn’t stop him from becoming a true wrestling legend. Sadly, like all legends, Eddie died in 2005, but continues to live in the memories of those who loved him.
Rey Mysterio
Finally, there’s Rey Mysterio (Jr. although he lost this addition in recent years). Mysterio is 5’6’’ and yet he is a capable professional wrestler praised for his in-ring ability and commitment to tradition. Mysterio started his career in wrestling when he was only 14 years old, trained by his uncle, the first Rey Mysterio (or Rey Mysterio Sr.) His high-flying kick is something he adopted from the old Lucha Libre wrestlers. With 21 titles in his hands, Rey Mysterio is certainly one of the best and yet smallest professional wrestlers in history.
Of course, there are many other wrestlers we probably left out. Not counting the midget wrestlers, which stars do you think belong on this list as the smallest, and yet the most ferocious performers ever? We’d love to hear what you think.
