On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Curtis Axel recalled his time with the Nexus after joining the faction alongside Husky Harris (Bray Wyatt) in 2010. He said,
“The Nexus thing was really cool. Me and Windham (Bray), we got called, I didn’t even know, I saw him at the airport and was like, ‘What are you doing here?’ He said the same thing, we had no clue what we were doing until we got to the arena the next day that we were joining the Nexus and jumping John Cena and all that kind of stuff.”
Axel also recalled the group’s initial arrival in 2010 which saw the Season 1 NXT rookies dismantle some of WWE’s top Superstars. He said,
“I didn’t know what was going on, I remember watching the monitor backstage going, ‘What is going on? They’re tearing the ring up and choking out people and stuff like that. But that is special because it was my first moment legit in the WWE finally.”
The Nexus was formed by Wade Barrett but was taken over by CM Punk in late 2010. The group quietly disbanded the following year.
Curtis Axel Reflects on His Time with the Nexus Faction
In a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, former WWE wrestler Curtis Axel (real name Joseph Curtis Hennig) shared his memories of being a part of the Nexus faction in 2010. Axel, who joined the group alongside Husky Harris (now known as Bray Wyatt), reminisced about the unexpected nature of their inclusion and the impact it had on their careers.
Axel revealed that he and Harris were completely unaware of their upcoming involvement with the Nexus until they bumped into each other at the airport. He recalled asking Harris why he was there, to which Harris replied with the same question. It wasn’t until they arrived at the arena the next day that they discovered they were joining the Nexus and would be involved in a major storyline that included attacking John Cena.
The Nexus made their debut in 2010 as part of the first season of NXT, a reality television show that aimed to find the next breakout WWE superstar. Led by Wade Barrett, the group consisted of several rookie wrestlers who wreaked havoc on WWE’s top superstars. Axel admitted that he had no idea what was happening when he witnessed the Nexus members tearing up the ring and choking out people backstage. However, he acknowledged that it was a significant moment for him as it marked his first legitimate moment in WWE.
Although Axel’s time with the Nexus was relatively short-lived, it left a lasting impact on his career. The faction’s rebellious and disruptive nature resonated with fans, and their actions created an unforgettable storyline that captivated audiences. The Nexus quickly became one of the most talked-about factions in recent WWE history.
However, despite their initial success, the Nexus disbanded quietly in 2011. The group went through various changes, including CM Punk taking over as the leader, but internal conflicts and creative decisions ultimately led to its demise. Nevertheless, the Nexus remains a significant part of WWE history and is remembered as a pivotal moment in the careers of many wrestlers, including Curtis Axel.
Reflecting on his time with the Nexus, Axel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a memorable faction. While his stint with the group may have been short, it undoubtedly helped shape his career and allowed him to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
Curtis Axel’s recollections provide fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the formation and impact of the Nexus faction. The group’s unexpected rise to prominence and their subsequent disbandment serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and the lasting legacies that can be created within a short span of time.