Paul Heyman’s name is often linked with WWE juggernauts like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. Yet, what some fans might overlook is his involvement in the careers of several other wrestlers.
One notable example is Joe Hennig, better known as Curtis Axel, the former Intercontinental Champion. Joining WWE in 2007, the now 44-year-old initially performed under the moniker Michael McGillicutty before rebranding as Curtis Axel and forming an alliance with Paul Heyman in 2013.
In a recent chat on Busted Open Radio, Axel reflected on various aspects of his WWE tenure, including his desire to retain his original surname. Despite Heyman’s efforts to assist him in reclaiming it, Axel’s request was denied.
“I’ve always cherished my name. Hennig means everything to me. I battled for it throughout my time there. Even Heyman tried to help me reclaim my name. They just wouldn’t budge. Curtis Axel was okay with me; you have ‘Curt,’ ‘Curtis,’ and ‘Axe’ paying homage to Larry ‘The Axe,’ so it worked. But I always wanted to be Joe Hennig,” he expressed.
Leaving out the GOAT Curtis Axel is certainly a choice https://t.co/ygfxjNrvei
— Crooked Moonsault 🏴 (@GoodGrapsOnly) January 8, 2024
Axel further elaborated on his attachment to his name and his determination to revert to it in any potential comeback scenario:
“During my time in FCW developmental, I was Joe Hennig. I became the world champion there as Joe Hennig. When I got called up, they changed my name, and I thought it was a joke. It wasn’t. If I make a return, that’s something I’ll work out. I’m not settling for anything less than being Joe Hennig.”
Throughout his more than 13-year stint with WWE, Axel secured multiple Tag Team Championships and one Intercontinental Championship reign. His release from the company in 2020 was part of the pandemic-induced budget cuts.
As for Paul Heyman’s interaction with Grayson Waller on SmackDown, it potentially hints at strategic moves ahead of WrestleMania XL. Heyman, serving as Roman Reigns’ advisor, ensures the Tribal Chief’s path to dominance remains unobstructed.
With Cody Rhodes set to clash with Reigns at WrestleMania following his Royal Rumble victory, Waller’s involvement in hosting Rhodes and Seth Rollins on his show at Elimination Chamber could present an opportunity for Heyman to explore tactics that might unsettle Rhodes on his road to the grand event.
