Ex-Paul Heyman Guy wants to return to WWE and face CM Punk

Paul Heyman recruited CM Punk to work alongside The OG Bloodline at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30. Curtis Axel, a former Paul Heyman Guy, recently teased his possible involvement in a future storyline.

Axel received his release from WWE in 2020 after 13 years with the company. In 2013, the 45-year-old won the Intercontinental Championship after aligning with Heyman. He also feuded with Punk during that time.

Speaking on Monte and The Pharaoh, Axel confirmed he would like to return to WWE and renew his rivalry with Punk:

"I have nothing but respect for him, honestly, because he's helped me and I would love to fight him again. We've had some battles and we're Heyman guys, so weird. You know, what's going on? So there's something stirring in the water." [1:16:13 – 1:16:33]

Axel, real name Joe Hennig, cryptically made a "shush" motion when asked about a WWE return. He also made it clear he still has respect for Heyman:

"Paul Heyman Guy for life, dude," Axel continued. [1:16:49 – 1:16:51]

Heyman currently performs as Roman Reigns' on-screen special counsel. He also owes CM Punk a favor after persuading The Best in the World to work with The OG Bloodline.

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How Curtis Axel became a Paul Heyman Guy

In 2013, Curtis Axel was tempted to leave WWE after being stuck with the name Michael McGillicutty and an underwhelming gimmick for several years.

Axel bumped into Heyman at an airport one day and asked the former ECW owner to represent him on television:

"He said, 'Dude, you've been nailing it.' I said, 'Yeah.' He said, 'What are we gonna do?' 'Can I be a Paul Heyman Guy and change my name? Can I do that? Because you're off TV, Brock's gone. Brock is gone. You are not on TV anymore. You need a Paul Heyman Guy.' So I just yelled at him, I b****ed at him." [40:50 – 41:15]

The conversation led Heyman to discuss his history with Axel's father, WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect. One day, Axel showed up to a television taping and surprisingly found out that then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wanted to pair him up with Heyman.

Would you like Curtis Axel to receive another WWE run? 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.