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Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring
Heart, determination, and triumph
Life Is Short & So Am I is the story of a boy who fell in love with wrestling before he was able to walk. Born with achondroplasia, a condition that causes disproportionate dwarfism, Dylan Postl had endured multiple surgeries by the age of 12. And yet, he held on to the dream that he would one day become a professional wrestler. Ignoring the naysayers and against doctors' recommendations, Dylan began training in his teens, and he soon began appearing on local independent shows. Before he turned 20, he was signed by the world leader in sports-entertainment, WWE, to play the role of Irish grappler Finlay's feisty sidekick, Hornswoggle, and remained a firm fixture in the company for a full decade.
While most of Dylan's adult life has been spent in the wild world of the wrestling industry, Life Is Short is more than a story of a little person's journey through a world of giants; it's a memoir of elation and anguish, triumph and disappointment, and of how an endlessly positive outlook combined with the unwavering support of family and friends helped him become a success in his industry and a loving, responsible father. It's a story about a man who still loves wrestling -- but loves his family above all else.
Life Is Short & So Am I is the story of a boy who fell in love with wrestling before he was able to walk. Born with achondroplasia, a condition that causes disproportionate dwarfism, Dylan Postl had endured multiple surgeries by the age of 12. And yet, he held on to the dream that he would one day become a professional wrestler. Ignoring the naysayers and against doctors' recommendations, Dylan began training in his teens, and he soon began appearing on local independent shows. Before he turned 20, he was signed by the world leader in sports-entertainment, WWE, to play the role of Irish grappler Finlay's feisty sidekick, Hornswoggle, and remained a firm fixture in the company for a full decade.
While most of Dylan's adult life has been spent in the wild world of the wrestling industry, Life Is Short is more than a story of a little person's journey through a world of giants; it's a memoir of elation and anguish, triumph and disappointment, and of how an endlessly positive outlook combined with the unwavering support of family and friends helped him become a success in his industry and a loving, responsible father. It's a story about a man who still loves wrestling -- but loves his family above all else.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2019
16 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 8, 2019
Life Is Short and So Am I is the autobiography of Dylan Postl, aka WWE superstar Hornswoggle, aka independent wrestler Swoggle.
Shortly after the birth of my son, someone from ECW press hit me up to read this. I said I would and forgot about it until my wife and I were watching Swoggle wrestle Jordynn Grace on IWTV. It was damn good.
Dylan had a rough start, being born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, in addition to family problems. He overcame it all and became not only a pro-wrestler but a WWE superstar.
I have to admit that most of the time Dylan was wrestling, I was on a wrestling hiatus. Still, I found his biography fascinating. His early life was terrible, even without taking his dwarfism into consideration. His journey from the independents to the WWE and beyond held my interest even through my lack of sleep. His account of the inner workings of the WWE was entertaining and informative. A lot of wrestling books skimp on the road stories but this one had a lot of them in it.
Since he's no longer with the company, he was a lot more free with information than current WWE employees. Dylan also isn't afraid to bring his own bad behavior to light, like cheating on the mother of his son.
I almost balked on this since Swoggle is younger than me by a few years but he's got a wealth of great stories. I highly recommend this to wrestling fans. Now, I'll have to track down that Swoggle vs. Joey Ryan match. 4 out of 5 stars.
Shortly after the birth of my son, someone from ECW press hit me up to read this. I said I would and forgot about it until my wife and I were watching Swoggle wrestle Jordynn Grace on IWTV. It was damn good.
Dylan had a rough start, being born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, in addition to family problems. He overcame it all and became not only a pro-wrestler but a WWE superstar.
I have to admit that most of the time Dylan was wrestling, I was on a wrestling hiatus. Still, I found his biography fascinating. His early life was terrible, even without taking his dwarfism into consideration. His journey from the independents to the WWE and beyond held my interest even through my lack of sleep. His account of the inner workings of the WWE was entertaining and informative. A lot of wrestling books skimp on the road stories but this one had a lot of them in it.
Since he's no longer with the company, he was a lot more free with information than current WWE employees. Dylan also isn't afraid to bring his own bad behavior to light, like cheating on the mother of his son.
I almost balked on this since Swoggle is younger than me by a few years but he's got a wealth of great stories. I highly recommend this to wrestling fans. Now, I'll have to track down that Swoggle vs. Joey Ryan match. 4 out of 5 stars.
August 28, 2019
Life is Short and So Am I is the story of the life and career of Dylan Postl (a.k.a professional wrestler Hornswoggle/Swoggle). Postl worked with Ross Owen Williams (The Hardcore Truth/Self-Help) and Ian Douglass (The Realist Guy in the Room: The Life and Times of Dan Severn) to help write the book.
It seems strange to be reading a memoir by someone so young but at only thirty-three years of age, Postl’s life is certainly not lacking for content. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, he would undergo four major surgeries before hitting his teen years. During those younger years - laid up in a full body cast - is where he would fall into his fandom of wrestling, something he would get from his older brother Clint. The years that followed would see his family struggle with tragedy as they would lose their home in a fire. Following that, a bitter divorce between his parents would occur and ultimately, the suicide of Clint, Postl’s older brother.
It isn’t long until Postl is making his way into the wrestling business. After spending a few years on the indies, Postl joins WWE at age twenty in 2006 when Ken Anderson (Mr. Kennedy) goes to bat for him following his tryout for the role of Fit Finlay’s leprechaun sidekick. Unofficially dubbed “Lil’ Bastard” (eventually making the switch to the more family-friendly “Hornswoggle”) Postl would lie under the ring until brought out by Finlay to attack his opponent. Due to keeping his appearances a surprise, he would often hide under the ring for hours before his cue. Eventually, he’d be given a mat, a headset and a television to be able to follow what was happening above him. One of the scarier stories he tells comes from early in his time with WWE. In December 2006, Dylan was under the ring during the inferno match between Kane and MVP at that year’s Armageddon event. He notes that there had been a leak from one of the gas canisters, that eventually caused him to feel light-headed and dizzy resulting in him vomiting. He nearly passed out, but stayed conscious and recovered in time for his appearance later in the night.
One of the better parts of the book are the road stories. Dylan discusses the European tours where he would ride in the heel bus before often being “kidnapped” by Undertaker and given the duty of stealing alcohol for the babyfaces. When on the road in North America, he would often ride with Davari, Mark Henry and The Great Khali, which I have to imagine is one of the more unlikely carpools on the roster given the size discrepancy alone. While he wasn’t often the victim of ribs backstage, he would spend his free time messing with Tony Chimmel at live events by hiding the ring bell and yanking the mic under the ring. He notes that his size was never a frequent target by his peers as he often participated in self-deprecating humor. Postl seems like a hard person to offend when it comes to jokes about his stature.
Aside from winning the Cruiserweight championship, Postl’s big push came in 2007 when he was revealed as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son on an episode of RAW, a role originally earmarked for Ken Anderson. Dylan acknowledges this but writes that he was never told if Anderson was the original choice for the role. He does a lot of floating around after the storyline ends until falling in with D-Generation X in the role of their “mascot” in 2009. He equates this to some of the most fun he’s had in his career as well as the most money he’s ever made.
One of the things he frequently touches upon is his frustration with the creative process. Like many others, it isn’t just about going to the writers and pitching ideas, it often just seems to come down to luck. Postl claims that the writers would often just ignore his ideas without serious consideration. In a chance meeting with Vince McMahon , Vince would tell him he hadn’t received anything from the writers in months. In the meantime, he would often be given roles he didn’t particularly enjoy such as dressing up as an alligator for the tag team Slater/Gator (Heath Slater and Titus O’Neil) or dancing around with Brodus Clay in a singlet. However, it was TV time and beat sitting in catering.
Before being released in 2016, Postl opens up about his suspension in 2015. He never did technically fail a drug test, but had issues with providing a sample. He talks about the WWE drug testing process and how the tests are completed via a “fully visualized” process meaning you need to produce a urine sample in full view of a tester with your pants down to the floor and your shirt pulled up to your chin. This became difficult for Postl and he offered to provide a hair follicle test, but was rebuffed. Therefore, having not received the urine test, WWE would suspend him for the standard 30 days. The way they would write about it on their website mirrored the verbiage used for those who failed. This would devastate Postl as it presented him as a drug user, something that would create issues for him in his personal life down the line.
Life is Short and So Am I is a mostly enjoyable read, even if it lacked the controversy that fuels a lot of the great pro wrestling memoirs. Dylan is a very humble individual and is often the first to take responsibility when it comes to mistakes in both his personal and professional life. Despite having such a tumultuous life, he’s remained positive. As far as his professional career goes, he appears to be content on the independent scene, but the door will always remain open for a return to WWE (as evidenced by last year’s Greatest Royal Rumble appearance).
It seems strange to be reading a memoir by someone so young but at only thirty-three years of age, Postl’s life is certainly not lacking for content. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, he would undergo four major surgeries before hitting his teen years. During those younger years - laid up in a full body cast - is where he would fall into his fandom of wrestling, something he would get from his older brother Clint. The years that followed would see his family struggle with tragedy as they would lose their home in a fire. Following that, a bitter divorce between his parents would occur and ultimately, the suicide of Clint, Postl’s older brother.
It isn’t long until Postl is making his way into the wrestling business. After spending a few years on the indies, Postl joins WWE at age twenty in 2006 when Ken Anderson (Mr. Kennedy) goes to bat for him following his tryout for the role of Fit Finlay’s leprechaun sidekick. Unofficially dubbed “Lil’ Bastard” (eventually making the switch to the more family-friendly “Hornswoggle”) Postl would lie under the ring until brought out by Finlay to attack his opponent. Due to keeping his appearances a surprise, he would often hide under the ring for hours before his cue. Eventually, he’d be given a mat, a headset and a television to be able to follow what was happening above him. One of the scarier stories he tells comes from early in his time with WWE. In December 2006, Dylan was under the ring during the inferno match between Kane and MVP at that year’s Armageddon event. He notes that there had been a leak from one of the gas canisters, that eventually caused him to feel light-headed and dizzy resulting in him vomiting. He nearly passed out, but stayed conscious and recovered in time for his appearance later in the night.
One of the better parts of the book are the road stories. Dylan discusses the European tours where he would ride in the heel bus before often being “kidnapped” by Undertaker and given the duty of stealing alcohol for the babyfaces. When on the road in North America, he would often ride with Davari, Mark Henry and The Great Khali, which I have to imagine is one of the more unlikely carpools on the roster given the size discrepancy alone. While he wasn’t often the victim of ribs backstage, he would spend his free time messing with Tony Chimmel at live events by hiding the ring bell and yanking the mic under the ring. He notes that his size was never a frequent target by his peers as he often participated in self-deprecating humor. Postl seems like a hard person to offend when it comes to jokes about his stature.
Aside from winning the Cruiserweight championship, Postl’s big push came in 2007 when he was revealed as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son on an episode of RAW, a role originally earmarked for Ken Anderson. Dylan acknowledges this but writes that he was never told if Anderson was the original choice for the role. He does a lot of floating around after the storyline ends until falling in with D-Generation X in the role of their “mascot” in 2009. He equates this to some of the most fun he’s had in his career as well as the most money he’s ever made.
One of the things he frequently touches upon is his frustration with the creative process. Like many others, it isn’t just about going to the writers and pitching ideas, it often just seems to come down to luck. Postl claims that the writers would often just ignore his ideas without serious consideration. In a chance meeting with Vince McMahon , Vince would tell him he hadn’t received anything from the writers in months. In the meantime, he would often be given roles he didn’t particularly enjoy such as dressing up as an alligator for the tag team Slater/Gator (Heath Slater and Titus O’Neil) or dancing around with Brodus Clay in a singlet. However, it was TV time and beat sitting in catering.
Before being released in 2016, Postl opens up about his suspension in 2015. He never did technically fail a drug test, but had issues with providing a sample. He talks about the WWE drug testing process and how the tests are completed via a “fully visualized” process meaning you need to produce a urine sample in full view of a tester with your pants down to the floor and your shirt pulled up to your chin. This became difficult for Postl and he offered to provide a hair follicle test, but was rebuffed. Therefore, having not received the urine test, WWE would suspend him for the standard 30 days. The way they would write about it on their website mirrored the verbiage used for those who failed. This would devastate Postl as it presented him as a drug user, something that would create issues for him in his personal life down the line.
Life is Short and So Am I is a mostly enjoyable read, even if it lacked the controversy that fuels a lot of the great pro wrestling memoirs. Dylan is a very humble individual and is often the first to take responsibility when it comes to mistakes in both his personal and professional life. Despite having such a tumultuous life, he’s remained positive. As far as his professional career goes, he appears to be content on the independent scene, but the door will always remain open for a return to WWE (as evidenced by last year’s Greatest Royal Rumble appearance).
July 14, 2024
Really good read if you like biographies!! WWE near the end of Dylan’s (Hornswoggle’s) tenure with them really did him dirty… but the positive attitude Dylan kept really makes a difference on anyone reading the book! Definitely some highs and lows from Dylan in the book, but 100% worth the read as anyone reading the book will learn a ton!
Side note, to those that are (somehow?) CM Punk fans, the guy is a major prick. Dylan will tell you why in the book!!!
Side note, to those that are (somehow?) CM Punk fans, the guy is a major prick. Dylan will tell you why in the book!!!
August 21, 2023
Life's Short and So Am I: My Life In and Out of the Wrestling Ring by Dylan "Hornswoggle" Postl is a memoir about a dream realized. Born with dwarfism, Dylan Postl always dreamed of becoming a pro wrestler just like his hero The Ultimate Warrior. Even recognizing there were significant barriers to the dream, he remained dedicated to building a career in the ring. This focuses on how he first got his start in the business, and then most of the story is about his time in WWE. What I appreciated about the WWE portion was the honestly and depth of detail given. He gives an inside look at how stories are built (and how he wanted many of them to go), how he received a push (or didn't), the "behind the scenes" story of some of his most memorable matches, and how his interactions were with others on the roster. As a fan of pro wrestling, I appreciated he didn't hold back. He was honest about his best moments, but also took the time to write about some of his frustrations and down moments. In addition to focusing on his time in the ring, this is a book about Dylan as a human. He talks about his relationships (again sharing the good and the bad), as well as what it's been like to become a dad. Throughout, he had a candor that made his story interesting and enjoyable to learn about who he is beyond his character on television. Thanks to ECW Press for recognizing my love of pro wrestling and giving me the chance to check this out before it's September 2019 release!
June 15, 2021
Small in stature but big of heart....
Read by former WWE employee Dylan Postal, this audio book autobiography runs you through the ups and downs off growing up small in size, but never giving up on your dreams.
Read by former WWE employee Dylan Postal, this audio book autobiography runs you through the ups and downs off growing up small in size, but never giving up on your dreams.
September 13, 2019
Luck O' The Irish. It is ... interesting... to read a memoir from someone just months older than my middle brother, as one typically expects a wrestling memoir to be written from someone a bit older (or maybe it just seems I'm getting old - Dwayne Johnson's and Chris Jericho's first books had to have come out around a similar age, 20 yrs ago). But Dylan 'Hornswoggle' Postl has lived more and done more than most of us outside of the wrestling world will ever do, and this is his tale. From growing up in small town Wisconsin with an addict for a mother to being part of some of WWE's most legendary moments with two different McMahons, this is the story of the past and future of WWE's wee Irishman. Strong memoir, both from a wrestling perspective and not, this is one everyone will enjoy but WWE fans of the last decade or so in particular will have many fond memories of. Truly excellent work from someone The Rock once thought was a Make a Wish Kid. (Read the book, you'll get it. ;) ) Very much recommended.
April 11, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible, Dylan did a fantastic job reading it. As a wrestler in training I now know the do's and don'ts in professional training. Don't ever talk to wrestlers when they're talking about their spots- great heads up! ALWAYS introduce yourself if you're the new person. I've met Dylan at a few Indy shows, he's has a great personality when hearing all the things he did when he was younger was a shock to me, but then again being young and in the top wrestling business, what would you expect? This book also teaches not to treat people differently. I like how he went into depth that it's okay to be nervous in front of someone with a disability. *Spoiler*
I like the stories he shared in the book; Like how The Rock thought he was a Make-A-Wish kid.
The autobiography was written perfectly. I knew what area in wrestling was talking about when telling his stories. I hope he writes another book about being back on the Indy scene/making appearances.
I like the stories he shared in the book; Like how The Rock thought he was a Make-A-Wish kid.
The autobiography was written perfectly. I knew what area in wrestling was talking about when telling his stories. I hope he writes another book about being back on the Indy scene/making appearances.
April 10, 2023
There's something about audiobook autobiographies read by the person who wrote the book.
Sounds obvious but the authenticity brings it to life.
Massive wrestling fan here and I thought this was really really good.
Right balance of Dylan's personal life and career, he really had the odds stacked against him but made something of himself.
Enjoyed the WWE career part the most, he seemed to have good things to say about pretty much everyone which is good to see. I think maybe there's a small part of him wanting to keep WWE on his good side though.
The relationship with his soon is something special and, something we should all aspire for with our kids.
Great read
8/10
Sounds obvious but the authenticity brings it to life.
Massive wrestling fan here and I thought this was really really good.
Right balance of Dylan's personal life and career, he really had the odds stacked against him but made something of himself.
Enjoyed the WWE career part the most, he seemed to have good things to say about pretty much everyone which is good to see. I think maybe there's a small part of him wanting to keep WWE on his good side though.
The relationship with his soon is something special and, something we should all aspire for with our kids.
Great read
8/10
July 31, 2025
One thing I truly enjoy is how he never uses his dwarfism as a negative or a reason for pity. Another thing, I'm so glad that he acknowledged that he technically won the Greatest Royal Rumble because I've been saying the same thing since I first saw the match. He wasn't eliminated and Braun Strauman stepped over the top as he exited the ring, eliminating himself. If I knew he was getting his picture taken with wrestlers when he was working as an extra and on WWE roster, I wouldn't have been so nervous to ask him for a picture because he gets it.
October 3, 2019
This wrestling book is filled with humorous and inspiring tales of the wrestler Hornswoggle, who chased his American Dream to become a WWE Superstar, even though he had a condition that caused dwarfism. Stories about CM Punk, Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, and other celebrities are featured in this entertaining read.
For an in depth review, go to my site at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
For an in depth review, go to my site at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
June 6, 2020
I got this book after listening to Dylan on the Wrestling Daft podcast. The book didn’t disappoint. It was a really enjoyable read even for someone like me who would consider themselves more of a part time wrestling fan.
March 5, 2023
Personally, I thought the Hornswoggle character was an offence to professional wrestling, so i was pleasantly surprised that I found this to be a very good wrestling biography. Dylan has an interesting story and it's well paced. Definitely worth the read.
March 9, 2023
As a child, Hornswoggle was one of my favourite wrestling characters. I enjoyed learning more about the man who played him. Postl has an infectious love for the wrestling industry, and I'm inspired by his attitude of humble gratitude for all that he got to achieve.
June 2, 2023
I have really enjoyed reading these wrestler biographies. Hornswoggle is definitely an interesting story. I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing these different stories from all the wrestlers and in different perspectives.
February 7, 2025
Even if you're not a professional wrestling fan, Dylan's story will move you.
I had the opportunity to work with Swoggle, and it was a blast. I just wish I had more time to work with and get to know Dylan better.
I had the opportunity to work with Swoggle, and it was a blast. I just wish I had more time to work with and get to know Dylan better.
November 2, 2021
Great book! I loved hearing all of his behind the scenes stories during his time with WWE.
January 30, 2022
An interesting book with a lot of heart. Some very good insight in to the wrestling business from a very affable chap!
February 16, 2023
Great story. Great book.
May 11, 2024
Great, heartwarming review. I had the pleasure of meeting Dylan once before and the guy I talked with for like 15 minutes is the same guy that comes across in this book.
July 8, 2024
I must admit I went into this with quite low expectations(no joke intended) but actually really enjoyed it overall and was quite keen to read more
August 24, 2025
if you want to read a great tale of one man living out his dream and all the ups and downs it takes, you will want to read this book. Well worth the time.
January 29, 2024
Listened on audio book.
A really inspiring story of a man chasing his dream despite the adversities thrown at him. The "short stories" were some of the best parts for me, along with the narration bringing them to life. I could listen to a whole book of just those!
A really inspiring story of a man chasing his dream despite the adversities thrown at him. The "short stories" were some of the best parts for me, along with the narration bringing them to life. I could listen to a whole book of just those!
May 25, 2021
15 years ago this week, Dylan Postl made his WWE debut on the May 26, 2006 episode of Friday Night SmackDown! The match, which was taped in Bakersfield, California on May 23rd, three days prior to its airing, saw Finlay easily defeat Paul Birchall with his Celtic Cross finisher. Following the match, a vicious, crazed leprchaun emerged from beneath the ring and attacked Burchill. This was the moment in which the WWE Universe was introduced to Postl. Initially he was known as Little Bastard, but eventually he was given the more family-friendly monicker of Hornswoggle.
Since I launched my Literary Squared Circle blog last week by reviewing a book about a 7’ 4” tall French Giant, I felt it only fitting to follow that up by reviewing a book about a 4’ 5” tall leprechaun who lives under the ring. Having read hundreds of books about professional wrestling, in my opinion none have a better title than this one: Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring by Dylan “Hornwoggle” Postl with Ross Owen Williams and Ian Douglass (ECW Press, 2019).
Despite being at opposite extremes in terms of size, the two shared a common struggle of trying to fit into a world of average-sized people. André the Giant suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder which caused and excess of growth hormones resulting in his immense size. Dylan Postl was born with a condition known as achondroplasia, which results in a form of dwarfism.
A lifelong wrestling fan, Postl was determined to become a wrestler. Undeterred by his size, not only did he achieve his dream but he amassed an impressive resume during his time with World Wrestling Entertainment. As Hornswoggle, he performed live in front of tens of thousands of people at WrestleMania. He captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, a title previously held by the likes of Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, and Dean Malenko. In fact, Hornswoggle was the final Cruiserweight Champion before the title was retired in 2007.
Hornswoggle was also featured in major storylines including being Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son, becoming a member of D-Generation X, and he was revealed to be the Anonymous Raw General Manager. Hornswoggle had a memorable feud with El Torito (Mascarita Dorada) that included their WeeLC Match at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in May 2014, and a Hair vs. Mask Match the following month at Payback in which Hornswoggle lost both the match and his hair (but not his eyebrows).
Intersperced amongst Postl’s narrative is a series of “Short Stories” in which Postl tells behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his time in WWE. Though not “A Short Story”, my favorite tale in Life Is Short and So Am I is Postl’s account of meeting The Rock for the first time. The Rock apparently did not know who Postl was, and mistook him for a Make-A-Wish Kid. This story was my personal favorite, but there are many hilarious, laugh out loud stories peppered throughout the book.
Though not a Make-A-Wish Kid, Postl’s time as a WWE Superstar did provide him with the opportunity to live out a few of his other childhood dreams. He was able to meet The Muppets when the guest hosted Raw. That encounter led to Postl being cast in a Muppet movie, 2014’s Muppets Most Wanted. He also met his childhood wrestling hero, The Ultimate Warrior, the night before The Warrior unexpectedly passed away.
After 10 years with the WWE, Postl was released in May 2016. Since then he has continued to appear on the independent circuit, as well as in Impact Wrestling, ROH, and AEW. He has also made sporadic appearances back in the WWE, including Hornswoggle being a surprise entrant the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. In addition to wrestling, last month Postl made his boxing debut.
When Dylan Postl made his WWE debut in 2006, it was less than one week before his 20th Birthday. This Saturday, he turns 35. Today, Postl owns and operates his own independent wrestling promotion, ACW Wisconsin, in his hometown of Oshkosh. In addition promoting shows throughout northeast Wisconsin, ACW has an affiliated wrestling school which is training the next generation of wrestlers, helping them to achieve their dreams.
In addition to having the best title of any wrestling book ever written, Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring is a great read, plain and simple. Dylan Postl tells his life story in a manner that is both honest and entertaining, as well as funny and inspiring. I highly recommend it.
5 Stars out of 5
Since I launched my Literary Squared Circle blog last week by reviewing a book about a 7’ 4” tall French Giant, I felt it only fitting to follow that up by reviewing a book about a 4’ 5” tall leprechaun who lives under the ring. Having read hundreds of books about professional wrestling, in my opinion none have a better title than this one: Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring by Dylan “Hornwoggle” Postl with Ross Owen Williams and Ian Douglass (ECW Press, 2019).
Despite being at opposite extremes in terms of size, the two shared a common struggle of trying to fit into a world of average-sized people. André the Giant suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder which caused and excess of growth hormones resulting in his immense size. Dylan Postl was born with a condition known as achondroplasia, which results in a form of dwarfism.
A lifelong wrestling fan, Postl was determined to become a wrestler. Undeterred by his size, not only did he achieve his dream but he amassed an impressive resume during his time with World Wrestling Entertainment. As Hornswoggle, he performed live in front of tens of thousands of people at WrestleMania. He captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, a title previously held by the likes of Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, and Dean Malenko. In fact, Hornswoggle was the final Cruiserweight Champion before the title was retired in 2007.
Hornswoggle was also featured in major storylines including being Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son, becoming a member of D-Generation X, and he was revealed to be the Anonymous Raw General Manager. Hornswoggle had a memorable feud with El Torito (Mascarita Dorada) that included their WeeLC Match at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in May 2014, and a Hair vs. Mask Match the following month at Payback in which Hornswoggle lost both the match and his hair (but not his eyebrows).
Intersperced amongst Postl’s narrative is a series of “Short Stories” in which Postl tells behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his time in WWE. Though not “A Short Story”, my favorite tale in Life Is Short and So Am I is Postl’s account of meeting The Rock for the first time. The Rock apparently did not know who Postl was, and mistook him for a Make-A-Wish Kid. This story was my personal favorite, but there are many hilarious, laugh out loud stories peppered throughout the book.
Though not a Make-A-Wish Kid, Postl’s time as a WWE Superstar did provide him with the opportunity to live out a few of his other childhood dreams. He was able to meet The Muppets when the guest hosted Raw. That encounter led to Postl being cast in a Muppet movie, 2014’s Muppets Most Wanted. He also met his childhood wrestling hero, The Ultimate Warrior, the night before The Warrior unexpectedly passed away.
After 10 years with the WWE, Postl was released in May 2016. Since then he has continued to appear on the independent circuit, as well as in Impact Wrestling, ROH, and AEW. He has also made sporadic appearances back in the WWE, including Hornswoggle being a surprise entrant the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. In addition to wrestling, last month Postl made his boxing debut.
When Dylan Postl made his WWE debut in 2006, it was less than one week before his 20th Birthday. This Saturday, he turns 35. Today, Postl owns and operates his own independent wrestling promotion, ACW Wisconsin, in his hometown of Oshkosh. In addition promoting shows throughout northeast Wisconsin, ACW has an affiliated wrestling school which is training the next generation of wrestlers, helping them to achieve their dreams.
In addition to having the best title of any wrestling book ever written, Life Is Short and So Am I: My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring is a great read, plain and simple. Dylan Postl tells his life story in a manner that is both honest and entertaining, as well as funny and inspiring. I highly recommend it.
5 Stars out of 5
January 24, 2020
My copy of this disc must have had heat damage to it because after playing one section, it automatically returned to the beginning of Chapter 7! It start playing correctly by the time I got to Chapter 17. That was very frustrating and cut down on the enjoyment of the story.
My ex-husband introduced me to the TV shows of WWE. I was not a likely fan having only liked the fantasy worlds of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Dylan Hornswoggle Postl loved watching it with his father and began collection of all the action characters that were featured on the shows. Dylan go into writing up scripts for the tales. For me, it was a lot of noise, bluster and violence.
Dylan dreamed of being a performer and made it to WWE. What more interesting to me is his terrible home life. His mother was an alcoholic who did not seek treatment but hurled verbal abuse at his and did not seem loving in any way. His mother was loud and screamed a lot. At school, he did his homework but refused to turn it in. His improved when his father moved out. He developed a friendship with his father and grandfather. Both of them taught him to have a positive view towards himself and accept life. When hearing his story, I felt bad that his childhood was hurt by his emotionally damaged mother.If he had a better family life, he could have avoided tremendous pain, learned the responsibility and had a better model for marriage. He is very honest and tells his stories with a sense of humor. He made the most of the life he got.
I enjoyed the parts of his after I had repeatedily cut out the return to Chapter 7
I received a CD-MPG version of this book from the publisher as a win from LibraryThing. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
My ex-husband introduced me to the TV shows of WWE. I was not a likely fan having only liked the fantasy worlds of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Dylan Hornswoggle Postl loved watching it with his father and began collection of all the action characters that were featured on the shows. Dylan go into writing up scripts for the tales. For me, it was a lot of noise, bluster and violence.
Dylan dreamed of being a performer and made it to WWE. What more interesting to me is his terrible home life. His mother was an alcoholic who did not seek treatment but hurled verbal abuse at his and did not seem loving in any way. His mother was loud and screamed a lot. At school, he did his homework but refused to turn it in. His improved when his father moved out. He developed a friendship with his father and grandfather. Both of them taught him to have a positive view towards himself and accept life. When hearing his story, I felt bad that his childhood was hurt by his emotionally damaged mother.If he had a better family life, he could have avoided tremendous pain, learned the responsibility and had a better model for marriage. He is very honest and tells his stories with a sense of humor. He made the most of the life he got.
I enjoyed the parts of his after I had repeatedily cut out the return to Chapter 7
I received a CD-MPG version of this book from the publisher as a win from LibraryThing. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
January 18, 2020
The title of this book intrigued me. I didn't really know much about the author when I requested the book. I'm short-statured myself, though the author of this book has a diagnosed medical reason for his height while mine just seems to be a family trait.
The book touches briefly on Dylan's childhood and how he got interested in professional wrestling. Despite recommendations to the contrary, Dylan chooses to learn wrestling as he gets older, and eventually parlays that into a gig in the professional wrestling world (under several of its incarnations).
Dylan is quite honest about his life and about the ups and downs of professional wrestling. So much at the whim of those who script the shows. I guess it is always a bit of a shock when the powers that be decide your career has run its course, but I was surprised that Dylan didn't see it coming or know that it would happen someday--and have a plan in place for what to do after his ring career ended. I'm glad he seems to have landed on his feet with the independent circuit as well as promoting his own independent local events.
Note: I received a free copy of the audiobook from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program in exchange for a review. Though a review was requested, the content of the review are my honest assessments of the work.
The book touches briefly on Dylan's childhood and how he got interested in professional wrestling. Despite recommendations to the contrary, Dylan chooses to learn wrestling as he gets older, and eventually parlays that into a gig in the professional wrestling world (under several of its incarnations).
Dylan is quite honest about his life and about the ups and downs of professional wrestling. So much at the whim of those who script the shows. I guess it is always a bit of a shock when the powers that be decide your career has run its course, but I was surprised that Dylan didn't see it coming or know that it would happen someday--and have a plan in place for what to do after his ring career ended. I'm glad he seems to have landed on his feet with the independent circuit as well as promoting his own independent local events.
Note: I received a free copy of the audiobook from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program in exchange for a review. Though a review was requested, the content of the review are my honest assessments of the work.
February 16, 2024
Qu'on le connaissent sous le nom de Hornswoggle a la WWE, Swoggle sur le circuit de lutte indépendante ou encore Dylan Postl, ce livre autobiographique nous révèle un homme petit de taille mais grand de cœur.
Il se présente comme un être humain humble et attachant, n'ayant pas peur d'avouer ses bévues ou de donner son opinion sur l'ensemble de sa carrière de lutteur professionnel.
Il nous parle de sa carrière, de son passage a Hollywood ou il a réalisé l'un de ses rêves, partager l'écran avec ses idoles de jeunesse, les Muppets. Il s'ouvre sur la relation difficile avec sa mère biologique ainsi que sur l'amour qu'il éprouve pour son fils.
Dans un monde rempli de géant, il aura laissé une trace non pas à sa hauteur mais bien à celle de l'industrie qui l'a rendu célèbre
Si ce livre était un match de lutte, et que j'étais Dave Meltzer, je donnerais la note de 6*
Il se présente comme un être humain humble et attachant, n'ayant pas peur d'avouer ses bévues ou de donner son opinion sur l'ensemble de sa carrière de lutteur professionnel.
Il nous parle de sa carrière, de son passage a Hollywood ou il a réalisé l'un de ses rêves, partager l'écran avec ses idoles de jeunesse, les Muppets. Il s'ouvre sur la relation difficile avec sa mère biologique ainsi que sur l'amour qu'il éprouve pour son fils.
Dans un monde rempli de géant, il aura laissé une trace non pas à sa hauteur mais bien à celle de l'industrie qui l'a rendu célèbre
Si ce livre était un match de lutte, et que j'étais Dave Meltzer, je donnerais la note de 6*
September 11, 2020
i didn't know much about Postl's life and times outside of his performances as a WWE cartoon character, and this autobiography does a nice job of putting his career in context. well worth a read, far more interesting than your typical wrestler autobiography
September 28, 2019
So inspiring
Loved to read about how a wrestler of his status did t let his size stop him from living his dream. Excellent book.
Loved to read about how a wrestler of his status did t let his size stop him from living his dream. Excellent book.
December 14, 2019
He may be short, but the entertainment is not
Swoggle’s book has reached into my top 5 wrestler biographies, such a great story and a great accomplishment for Swoggle
Swoggle’s book has reached into my top 5 wrestler biographies, such a great story and a great accomplishment for Swoggle
June 13, 2020
Fantastic book and great insight into his life. Dude has a fantastic Attitude.
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