Curtis Axel Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 23, 2024
Curtis Axel Then
Joseph Curtis Hennig, known in the wrestling world as Curtis Axel, was born on October 1, 1979, in Champlin, Minnesota.
He is the son of Leonice Hennig and the legendary professional wrestler Curt Hennig, famously known as “Mr. Perfect.”
As the grandson of another wrestling icon, Larry “The Axe” Hennig, Curtis Axel comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the sport.
He has a younger brother named Hank and two younger sisters, Katie and Amy, the latter also pursuing a career in professional wrestling.
Demonstrating his commitment to education, Curtis Axel graduated from North Hennepin Community College with an Associate of Science degree in business computer systems and management before fully dedicating himself to his wrestling career.
His academic background, combined with his wrestling heritage, has shaped him into a well-rounded individual both in and out of the ring.
Curtis Axel Wrestling Career
Joseph Curtis Hennig, widely known by his ring name Curtis Axel, began his professional wrestling career in 2007.
Trained by his father, the legendary “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, along with renowned wrestlers Brad Rheingans and Harley Race, Hennig made his initial mark in World League Wrestling (WLW) before signing with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
He joined WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he quickly showcased his talent.
Related Article: Ryback Then and Now
Teaming with Heath Slater, he won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship against Nic Nemeth and Gavin Spears.
Later, he formed a successful tag team called The Fortunate Sons with Brett DiBiase, winning the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship by defeating The Dudebusters.
In 2010, Hennig debuted on WWE’s main roster under the ring name Michael McGillicutty.
Related Article: Daniel Bryan Then and Now
He made a significant impact in NXT and later joined The Nexus, a prominent faction that feuded with top WWE superstars like John Cena and Randy Orton.
As part of The Nexus, he and David Otunga captured the WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating Big Show and Kane, further solidifying his presence in WWE.
Despite his early success, he struggled to break through as a singles competitor, losing an opportunity to become the inaugural NXT Champion in the Gold Rush Tournament semi-finals to Seth Rollins.
Related Article: Wade Barrett Then and Now
In 2013, Hennig rebranded himself as Curtis Axel, combining his father’s name “Curt” and his grandfather Larry “The Axe” Hennig’s nickname, paying homage to his wrestling lineage.
Axel had an impressive debut under his new persona by defeating Triple H and later won the Intercontinental Championship in a triple-threat match against Wade Barrett and The Miz at the Payback event.
He successfully defended the title against top contenders like Kofi Kingston and Big E Langston before losing it to Big E, ending his reign at 155 days.
Related Article: Sheamus Then and Now
Curtis Axel reinvented himself once again in 2015 by adopting the persona of “AxelMania,” a parody of Hulk Hogan, and later joined forces with Heath Slater, Adam Rose, and Bo Dallas to form the faction “The Social Outcasts.”
Although this group didn’t achieve significant success, Axel continued to be a prominent figure in the mid-card scene.
In 2017, he aligned with The Miz and Bo Dallas to form “The Miztourage,” assisting The Miz in feuds against The Shield and others.
Related Article: Drew McIntyre Then and Now
The alliance dissolved after The Miz was drafted to SmackDown, leading Axel and Dallas to form a new tag team, “The B-Team.”
As The B-Team, Axel and Dallas achieved success by winning a tag team battle royal to become the number one contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championship.
At Extreme Rules, they defeated Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt to win the titles, marking a high point in their careers.
Related Article: Jinder Mahal Then and Now
Their reign, however, was short-lived, ending after 50 days when they lost the titles to Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.
Axel’s WWE career concluded in April 2020, but he briefly returned in 2022 as a producer, showcasing his continued dedication to the wrestling industry.
Throughout his WWE tenure, Curtis Axel proved himself as a versatile performer, winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and multiple tag team titles.
His career is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport, carrying forward the Hennig family legacy in professional wrestling.
Related Article: Heath Slater Then and Now
Curtis Axel Wrestling Competition
- World League Wrestling (WLW)
- Various Matches and Competitions (2007–2008)
- Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
- FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship
- FCW Florida Tag Team Championship (4 times)
- With Heath Slater
- With Brett DiBiase (as The Fortunate Sons)
- With Kaval
- WWE NXT
- NXT Gold Rush Tournament (Semi-finalist)
- WWE Main Roster
- WWE Tag Team Championship
- With David Otunga (as part of The Nexus)
- WWE Intercontinental Championship
- WWE Raw Tag Team Championship
- With Bo Dallas (as The B-Team)
- NXT: The Nexus
- Feuded with John Cena and Randy Orton
- #AxelMania
- Gimmick imitating Hulk Hogan
- The Social Outcasts
- Faction with Heath Slater, Adam Rose, and Bo Dallas
- The Miztourage
- Alliance with The Miz and Bo Dallas
- André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (WrestleMania)
- Competed in WrestleMania 32 and 33
- WWE Superstar Shake-up
- Moved to SmackDown (2019)
Curtis Axel’s Wife and Children
Joseph Curtis Hennig, known to wrestling fans as Curtis Axel, has balanced his professional wrestling career with a fulfilling personal life.
He has been married to Brooke Hennig since 2004, and together they have built a strong family foundation.
The couple has three sons, whom Hennig often expresses immense pride and joy in raising.
Despite the demanding schedule of a professional wrestler, Hennig prioritizes his family, cherishing the time he spends with his wife and children.
Related Article: Justin Gabriel Then and Now
Outside the ring, Hennig enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect his Minnesota roots and love for the outdoors.
He is an avid ice fisherman, a popular pastime in his home state, where he finds peace and relaxation on the frozen lakes during the winter months.
This hobby allows him to connect with nature and unwind from the high-energy world of wrestling.
Related Article: Ted DiBiase Jr. Then and Now
In addition to ice fishing, Hennig is passionate about fantasy football. He actively participates in fantasy leagues, enjoying the camaraderie and competition that come with managing his own virtual football team.
These interests provide a balance to his intense professional life, showcasing a multifaceted personality that extends beyond the wrestling ring.
Related Article: Cody Rhodes Then and Now
Curtis Axel Now
Curtis Axel, whose real name is Joseph Curtis Hennig, is currently 44 years old and is best known for his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Curtis Axel.
A third-generation wrestler, Axel followed in the footsteps of his father, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, and his grandfather, Larry “The Axe” Hennig, establishing himself as a skilled and respected competitor in the wrestling world.
His career highlights include winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship, showcasing his versatility as both a singles and tag team wrestler.
Related Article: R-Truth Then and Now
In recent developments, Axel has transitioned from the ring to a behind-the-scenes role in WWE.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former superstar has returned to the company, not as a performer, but as a producer.
This role allows him to utilize his extensive experience and knowledge to help shape the next generation of WWE talent.
Related Article: MVP Then and Now
As a producer, Axel is responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of matches, helping to develop storylines, and mentoring younger wrestlers on in-ring psychology and performance.
This career shift represents a significant evolution for Axel, highlighting his adaptability and passion for the wrestling industry.
By stepping into this new role, he continues to contribute to the sport he grew up in, now offering guidance and support to others behind the scenes.
Related Article: Alberto Del Rio Then and Now
His return to WWE in this capacity not only emphasizes his enduring legacy but also his commitment to ensuring the future success of the company which has been a major part of his life.
As a producer, Curtis Axel is poised to make a lasting impact on WWE, carrying forward the Hennig family tradition in a new and influential way.
Related Article: Brock Lesnar Then and Now
FAQs
Curtis Axel was released by WWE in April 2020 after a long tenure with the company. He had a successful career, winning the Intercontinental Championship and Tag Team Championships, but was released as part of budget cuts.
Yes, Curtis Axel has returned to WWE, but not as an in-ring performer. He is now working as a producer, helping with the planning and execution of matches and mentoring younger talent.
Mr. Perfect was the ring name of Curt Hennig, a legendary WWE wrestler known for his technical skill and charisma. He is the father of Curtis Axel.
Curtis Axel is currently working as a producer in WWE, contributing his experience and knowledge behind the scenes to support the development of other wrestlers and the overall production of WWE programming.
Curtis Axel was released from WWE in April 2020 as part of widespread budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many talents across the company.