Is Curtis Axel better than Mr. Perfect?

In a recent interview, Paul Heyman had this to say about Curtis Axel and his lineage in professional wrestling:

“Anybody who suggests that it’s too much too soon for Curtis Axel is not taking into consideration the fact that Curtis Axel was born to be a WWE Superstar. That his grandfather (Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig) is a bona fide legend. That his father (‘Mr Perfect’ Curt Hennig) was a first-ballot WWE Hall of Famer.”

He went on to add:

“Even my enemies would acknowledge that I’m a great judge of talent, and this statement will be proven true time and time again. Curtis Axel has more talent than his grandfather and his father.“

Now, I agree with the first statement. Curtis Axel’s grandfather was a legend in this business, and his father is undoubtedly one of the greatest wrestlers to have ever laced a pair of boots. The only thing I do not agree with, however, is Heyman saying that Axel is more talented than his father, Mr. Perfect.

Paul Heyman has one of the most brilliant minds in professional wrestling. No one has as much knowledge about professional wrestling as Paul Heyman does to comment about the talents in the industry. Heyman revolutionized professional wrestling, so much so that the industry has never been the same again. Heyman is one of the greatest scouts of talent in the business, and everyone will agree to that. But the fact that Heyman said Axel is more talented than his father makes me wonder if he was too involved in his on–screen character, or if he was trying to make Axel look like a viable Intercontinental champion.

Heyman not too long ago confessed that he wanted to manage Curt Hennig when Hennig was in his prime in the WWF, and there is a reason for that. Mr. Perfect was one of the most decorated superstars in the history of the business, and was a phenomenal talent. Not only was he exceptional in the ring, but he oozed charisma and was equally good on the mic. He could cut a great promo which could captivate the people and make them listen to him. Curt Hennig got the monicker of ‘Mr. Perfect’ because he excelled in almost everything he did, starting from sports to professional wrestling, and Paul Heyman knows that better than anyone else.

Curtis Axel, on the other hand, is very green on the mic and he still hasn’t shown his complete potential. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, as WWE hasn’t booked him half as well as they could have. Axel is one of the most talented individuals on the roster, along the lines of Tyson Kidd. But saying that he’s better than Mr. Perfect might be overdoing it, even for someone like Paul Heyman. Axel isn’t even half as charismatic as Curt Hennig was, nor can he cut a promo half as well as his father could. Mr. Perfect was a true legend, something that was evident from the first time he stepped into a wrestling ring. Axel, on the other hand, hasn’t proven himself to his fans till now.

With the Intercontinental match just around the corner, and Axel standing a chance to win the prestigious Intercontinental title this Sunday, he can prove Heyman half right. Axel’s father is regarded as one of the greatest Intercontinental champions of all time, and what better way to etch your name in the history books than to repeat your father’s feat? It will be a ‘perfect’ tribute by Axel to his father, who won the title over two decades ago! One has to believe that Paul Heyman will have a role to play this Sunday to make sure that his client wins the WWE Intercontinental title; and if Axel does manage to win the title, he can consider himself to be one step closer to achieving what his father did during his time. Will it be a ‘perfect’ Payback for Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel? We’ll have to wait and see, but until Axel proves that he can hang around with the best in the business, neither he nor anyone else can claim that Axel is more talented than Curt Hennig.