The 5 Best 5’7 Wrestlers In WWE History 

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Picture credit: Rhea Ripley (Instagram)

The size matters in professional wrestling but not always. Taller and bigger wrestlers do get the perk over their opponents, showing brute strength and lifting others easily. However, height is not a barrier for many talented individuals, who may not tower over their nemesis but keep a mark in the ring with their talent, determination, and charisma. 

For men, five feet and seven inches would be a small stature in the squared circle. For female stars, it is an impressive stature to dominate in the ring, and many of the heaviest female wrestlers fall within that height limit. 

This article shows you some prominent male and female 5’7 wrestlers who have achieved excellence in their careers. 

5) Funaki

Shoichi Funaki, simply known as Funaki in WWE for an extended period, starting from the Attitude Era. Being a small-statured wrestler, the Japanese talent’s height measured only 5 feet and 7 inches, while he weighed 180 pounds. 

Funaki was remarkably skilled as a performer, becoming one of the first pioneers to bring traditional Japanese-style wrestling to North America. His high-flying prowess surpassed beyond his size, making him an asset to the Stamford-based promotion’s Cruiserweight division. 

Apart from becoming a Cruiserweight Champion, he was an integral part of the division for three years, delivering remarkable matches against his fellow Cruiserweight opponents. He remains part of WWE, working in backstage roles and as a Japanese commentator. 

4) Dragon Lee

Dragon Lee is currently one of the under contract luchadors in WWE, wrestling for Latino World Order or LWO. He has built an impressive career in WWE. The 29-year-old had the honor of competing in different promotions before landing a WWE deal in 2022. 

Beginning his career in Mexico, he wrestled for ROH and NJPW. As a lucha libre, he has numerous high-flying moves in his arsenal, ranging from the top rope to the outside of the ring. Standing at 5’7, his size is key in executing his picturesque high-flying lucha moves with perfection. Currently, he ranks among the smallest wrestlers in the Stamford-based promotion. 

He enjoyed a brief yet influential run in NXT, particularly for an incredible feud with Dominik Mysterio.  He is a former NXT North American Champion, looking for his first title triumph on the main roster. 

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3) Akira Towaza 

Akira Towaza is among the male Japanese signees in WWE, remaining part of the Alpha Academy stable alongside Chad Gable, Maxxine Dupri, and Otis. Despite his consistent involvement in comedic skits with the Alpha Academy, his wrestling prowess is unmatched, built in a strong foundation of Japanese wrestling style. 

Standing at 5 feet and 7 inches, Akira Towaza is one of the lightest WWE stars of the men’s division, weighing approximately 150 pounds. The small build gives him an edge as a high-flyer.

Initially, working in the defunct 205 Live division, Akira enjoyed success as a Cruiserweight, winning the Cruiserweight Champion once. 

2) Sonya Deville 

Male 5’7 wrestlers might be considered small in professional wrestling, the same is not true for women. A female talent with the same height and impressive muscle mass would be recognized among the strongest performers on the roster, and Deville falls in that category. 

Derived from the show ‘ Tough Enough’, Sonya Deville has made a reputation in the WWE ring, building a flourishing wrestling career. While yet to achieve a singles champion status, Deville has prospered as a singles and tag team competitor.

Coming from an MMA background, the 31-year-old has a strong character in WWE. In her decade-long wrestling career, she has become a Women’s Tag Team Champion. 

1) Rhea Ripley 

Rhea Ripley exudes strength and imposing persona in WWE’s squared circle, but her billed height is 5’7. As stated before, it is a favorable height for female wrestlers, making it the reason the Australian champion manages to dominate her adversaries with her brutality. 

The present generation of wrestling fans does not need an introduction to the Mami of WWE. Perhaps she is the most recognized figure in the women’s division due to her mainstream appeal, brilliant character work, and unquestionable proficiency as an in-ring performer.

Her achievements speak volumes. As a Grand Slam Champion, her accolades include the Women’s Championship, Women’s Tag Team Championship, and NXT Women’s Championship (US and UK versions). With her track record, she could be considered the most dominant and prosperous among 5’7 wrestlers in WWE history. 

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