10 Notable WWE Releases Who Are Still Available To Be Signed
9. Curtis Axel
WWE has a bizarre relationship with, well, relationships.
For reasons at times understood only by Vince McMahon himself, certain generational superstars (i.e. Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, Dominik Mysterio, etc.) are enabled to embrace their family lineage full throat, whereas others (see: Bron Breakker, Rachael Evers, Bo Dallas and more) are encouraged to sweep any semblance of family connection under the rug. To an extent, this is understandable as placing unreasonable expectations on or restricting the character of a new talent based on who their parents and/or grandparents were isn't good business. With that said, there are certain individuals who would greatly benefit from leaning hard into their roots.
Which brings us to Curtis Axel.
WWE started on the right track, fully embracing his family's legacy. They gave him a remix of his father's theme, they gave him a name honoring both his father (Curt Hennig) and his grandfather (Larry "The Axe" Hennig) and most critically, they gave him Paul Heyman as a mouthpiece. This would even lead to an Intercontinental Championship run, mirroring his father's accomplishment from 20 years prior. Then the wheels fell off, leading to seven years of ill-fated tag teams, comedic skits and being a lackey for The Miz before his April 2020 release.
Axel could still be a valuable midcard asset to any company willing to open their checkbook for him. And a return to the 2013 formula would be the "Perfect" starting point.