Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Hornswoggle has announced his retirement from wrestling, stating that his in-ring days are behind him.
The former WWE superstar was one of the most popular wrestlers for years. His small stature and leprechaun gimmick was hugely popular with children during his peak period, as well as his partnership with Finlay.
However, all good things must come to an end. In a recent conversation with Inside The Ropes, Hornswoggle admitted that his in-ring career was over.
This was due to two failed back surgeries following a number of years outside the WWE.
He revealed to ITR that he would love to go back to the WWE, but not as a wrestler. Hornswoggle claimed his in-ring career “probably is behind me”, signalling his retirement from wrestling.
“Not that I know of. I mean, I would love to, but in-ring, probably is behind me, if I’m being honest with myself after my second failed back surgery. It ain’t in the cards, I don’t believe in-ring for a major company.
He also spoke about his goals for the future.
Hornswoggle said that he would love to join the company as a coach, realizing that he has more to give outside the ring than he first thought.
But I truly believe the coaching stuff. And I’m finally like, grasping that whether I have more to give inside the ring compared to outside, and teaching and helping and that I’m okay with that. I can sign my fake name for the rest of my life. And I’m fully okay with that.”
Hornswoggle’s last match in the WWE came in 2018. He wrestled a surprise entrant in the Greatest Royal Rumble, which took place in Saudi Arabia.
Hornswoggle entered at number 12 in the Greatest Royal Rumble in his WWE return after two years.
He eliminated Dash Wilder of the Revival when he entered the ring, getting his first Royal Rumble elimination since 2008. He lasted exactly one minute in the match before being thrown out by Dolph Ziggler and Tony Nese, ending his appearance rather promptly.
He also appeared from under the ring at the 2019 Royal Rumble, but was not a part of the match itself.