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United States Joseph Curtis Hennig transitioned from a third-generation professional wrestler to a WWE producer, known for his in-ring achievements and lineage.
Hennig signed with WWE in 2007 and performed under his real name, stylized as Joe Hennig, at their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). He later performed under the ring names Michael McGillicutty and Curtis Axel, achieving championship success.
As part of WWE's developmental territory, Joe Hennig became a FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion (one time) and FCW Florida Tag Team Champion (three times) with various partners.
Honored as PWI Rookie of the Year in 2008 and recognized for PWI Feud of the Year and Most Hated Wrestler of the Year in 2010 as part of The Nexus. Ranked #47 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013.
Joseph Curtis Hennig was a member of The New Nexus, a professional wrestling stable led by CM Punk within WWE from 2010-2011. The stable was involved in the PWI Feud of the Year (2010) and received the Slammy Award for 'Shocker of the Year' (2010) for its debut.
Joe Hennig promoted his presence on Cameo, a platform where fans can request personalized video messages from celebrities.
Joe Hennig appeared on a podcast episode titled 'Wrestling Family Royalty Ft. Natalya & Joe Hennig' with hosts Dave LaGreca and Tommy Dreamer to discuss famous wrestling families.
Joe Hennig is currently contracted to the Total Wrestling Federation's Retribution brand as a professional wrestler.
Hennig starred in the WWE Studios film 'The Marine 5: Battleground' in 2017, playing a gang member named Deacon.
Hennig makes regular appearances on fellow WWE wrestler Xavier Woods's YouTube channel 'UpUpDownDown' under the nickname 'Cold Beer'.
Hennig made his in-ring return at MAW's Extreme Measures 2 event, teaming with Cal Bloom to defeat The Gentlemen's Club.
Joseph Curtis Hennig, born on October 1, 1979, in Champlin, Minnesota, is an American professional wrestler. Hennig comes from a notable wrestling family; his father was “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, and his grandfather was Larry “The Axe” Hennig. He pursued a degree in business computer systems and management from North Hennepin Community College before embarking on his wrestling career. Hennig trained under significant figures in professional wrestling including Brad Rheingans, Harley Race, and his father, debuting in July 2007 on the independent circuit before joining WWE.
Hennig’s career with WWE spanned from 2007 to 2020, during which he wrestled under various ring names including Joe Hennig, Michael McGillicutty, and Curtis Axel. In WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), he held the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship once and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship three times. His main roster debut in 2010 as part of The Nexus marked a significant period, where he later became a WWE (Raw) Tag Team Champion with David Otunga. Under the name Curtis Axel, a tribute to his father and grandfather, he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship in 2013, a title his father also held. He also secured another WWE (Raw) Tag Team Championship with Bo Dallas as part of The B-Team. After his in-ring career concluded in April 2020, Hennig returned to WWE briefly in 2022 as a producer.
Throughout his career, Hennig demonstrated a consistent presence in various capacities within professional wrestling. He participated in notable storylines and formed tag teams, including RybAxel and The Social Outcasts. His ability to adapt to different roles, from highly touted prospect to comedic stable member, showcased a versatile approach to his craft. Hennig’s career highlights include multiple championship reigns and participation in major WWE events, solidifying his place within the legacy of his wrestling family.
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