Curtis Axel: Perfect for the Future?

On Monday Night Raw, we saw the return of Joe Hennig to WWE's flagship show. Repackaged as the newest 'Paul Heyman Guy' and renamed as 'Curtis Axel', this appears to be the start of a promising push for the son of the legendary Mr Perfect; Curt Hennig.

I've always liked Hennig Jr since his time with the New Nexus through to his time in NXT; having stand out matches with Tyson Kidd in particular. New Nexus never really did well or got the billing in the same way as the original Nexus and, ultimately, felt like just a stepping stone for CM Punk to finally solidify a main event spot. Hennig, then known as Michael McGillicutty, was one of the only positives of that incarnation of the group, winning the Tag Team Championship with fellow member David Otunga.

Tag Team Champions with David Otunga (New Nexus)

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe that it has always been acknowledged that Hennig was the son of a WWE legend. One of the biggest problems for me has always been the name he was given in that period - Michael McGillicutty - as a reason for him not getting far. I know talent and ability should get you noticed and 'over', but I can't help but feel that a good ring-name is sometimes very important. The Ringmaster was an awful name, but when changed to Stone Cold Steve Austin, we all know how huge and successful that guy became!

I'd love it if Hennig could use his given name as it would help him more than hinder, as well as give credit to his bloodline. It's worked for Randy Orton and to a lesser extent (at the moment) for Cody Rhodes. I suppose that at least WWE have made an effort and continued to acknowledge Hennig's heritage by naming him Curtis Axel - using his father's first name and slightly adjusting his grandfather's nickname. I realise that WWE wouldn't own the name 'Joe Hennig' so it's not in their interest to allow him to use the name. We, as fans, know who he is though and that's the most important thing.

Association with Heyman could be invaluable

Another important aspect going forward is who Hennig is associated with. Being the newest 'Paul Heyman Guy' should be nothing but a good thing. On Raw, you could hear Heyman very clearly shouting encouragement and advice to him throughout the match with Triple H. Of note was when Heyman screamed "They didn't know Brock Lesnar's name; they didn't know CM Punk's name; they're gonna know the name of Curtis Axel!" Although this statement is very true, it also adds a huge weight onto the young shoulders of the newly christened Axel. Can he handle this? Clearly, many in the WWE believe so.

I've read a lot of people criticising the end of Raw as being more about Triple H's condition than Curtis Axel getting the spotlight. I'd rather look at the positives; Axel became associated with Paul Heyman AND had a match with Triple H - two huge pluses - on his return to main-WWE television. Along with this criticism, there were also calls for him to have put a beating on the fallen Triple H. I think that would have been too much, too soon for Axel who I don't think will be thrown into main event feuds just yet. A mid-card run is a more realistic path right now. Maybe a simple pinfall win over Triple H - in his concussed condition - would have been a better finish for all concerned?

The great Curt Hennig

I really hope that this is going to be the start of something special for Hennig as he, along with a lot of NXT talent, deserve spots on the top WWE shows. As well as having a great wrestling family tree, Hennig has the talent to go far. I'm excited to see where this goes in the next few weeks - with Heyman on the mic and by his side, he can only improve and gain valuable experience on the way to the top.

@jimmosangle