In a recent appearance on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, former WWE wrestler Curtis Axel (Joe Hennig) opened up about various subjects, one of which was not being able to use his real name while working for the company.
According to Axel, he had always desired to go by his real name. He said,
“I’ve always wanted my name. My last name means the world to me. The name Hennig. I fought it the whole time I was up there. I fought it when I became Curtis Axel. Even Heyman [Paul Heyman] tried helping me get that name, my name back. They just wouldn’t budge. I was fine with Curtis Axel, you take Curt, Curtis, and Axe is Larry ‘The Axe,’ so it was cool and that was fine with me, but I always wanted to be Joe Hennig. When I was in developmental in FCW, I was Joe Hennig. I won the world championship there as Joe Hennig, and once I got brought up, they changed my name, I thought it was some kind of rib. It wasn’t. When I comeback, that’s something I’m going to work out. I’m not doing anything except be Joe Hennig.”
Former WWE wrestler Curtis Axel, whose real name is Joe Hennig, recently spoke out about his frustration with not being able to use his real name while working for the company. In an appearance on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Axel revealed his desire to go by his actual name and the significance it holds for him.
Axel expressed his strong attachment to his last name, Hennig, stating that it means the world to him. Throughout his time in WWE, he had fought to use his real name but was met with resistance from the company. Even Paul Heyman, a prominent figure in WWE, tried to help Axel regain his name, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
During his tenure in WWE, Axel was known by the ring name Curtis Axel. He explained that he was initially fine with this name as it incorporated elements of his real name. “Curt” and “Curtis” were derived from his first name, while “Axe” paid homage to his father, Larry “The Axe” Hennig, who was also a professional wrestler.
However, Axel always had a strong desire to be known as Joe Hennig. He revealed that during his time in WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), he competed under his real name and even won the world championship as Joe Hennig. It was only when he was brought up to the main roster that his name was changed, leaving him perplexed and feeling like it was some kind of practical joke.
Axel made it clear that if he were to make a comeback in the wrestling industry, he would insist on using his real name. He emphasized that he has no intentions of doing anything other than being Joe Hennig.
The issue of wrestlers not being able to use their real names in WWE is not uncommon. The company often rebrands its talent with new names that fit their character or align with marketing strategies. While this can be beneficial for creating unique personas, it can also be frustrating for wrestlers who have a personal connection to their real names.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the wrestling industry, with more promotions allowing wrestlers to use their real names or variations of them. This change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of individuality and authenticity in professional wrestling.
As for Curtis Axel, his desire to reclaim his real name is a testament to the significance it holds for him. Whether he returns to the wrestling scene as Joe Hennig or pursues other endeavors, it is clear that his identity and legacy are deeply intertwined with his family name.