Curtis Axel explains why he left WWE role

Curtis Axel wrestled for WWE between 2007 and 2020 before returning in 2022 for a short stint as a producer. In a recent interview, the 45-year-old addressed why his behind-the-scenes role did not last longer.

Axel, real name Joe Hennig, received his release as a cost-cutting measure at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, the former Intercontinental Champion became an agent toward the end of Vince McMahon's tenure as WWE's creative figurehead. John Laurinaitis also worked for WWE at the time as a talent relations executive.

On Monte and The Pharaoh, Axel said finances played a part in his producer role coming to an end after three months. His departure coincided with Janel Grant's misconduct allegations against Laurinaitis and McMahon.

"The allegation with Vince and Johnny [emerged], so I was only part-time at the time," Axel said. "They said to me, 'Hey, we can't afford, just chill back home,' and it just never got brought back up." [1:11:36 – 1:11:51]

WWE producers work with in-ring competitors and on-screen talents to come up with ideas for their matches. Axel was approached about the position by current producer and former WWE Tag Team Champion Jason Jordan.

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Curtis Axel's future wrestling plans

A third-generation wrestler, Curtis Axel is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig and the grandson of Larry The Axe Hennig.

While Axel would like to pass down his wrestling knowledge to up-and-coming stars, he also has unfinished business in the ring:

"All the stuff that my grandpa and my father taught me, all that kinda stuff, I wanna pass on. But, in the meantime, I'm gonna be the stronger one and kill it. This is not dead yet. It's not dead." [31:04 – 31:25]

In the same interview, Axel opened up about possibly reuniting with his former ally Paul Heyman to feud with a top WWE star.

What would you like to see next from Curtis Axel? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit Monte and The Pharaoh and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.