https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj8MnLpm9TE Paul Heyman is known as the "mad scientist" of wrestling for good reason. He's helped create quite a few stars who had very little talent. He also has unabashed, genuine passion for a variety of other wrestlers whom he believed could be a main-eventer with his help. In ECW, Heyman made guys like Public Enemy, Mike Awesome, Mikey Whipwreck and Raven into popular acts. No other wrestling organization could do the same. In WWE, he's brought guys like Brock Lesnar and CM Punk to new heights just by their association with him. Pairing him with anyone seems like a good idea. However, he unable to work his magic for Curtis Axel. As the son of Mr. Perfect, and grandson of Larry "The Axe" Hennig, Axel has wrestling in his blood. What he doesn't have, though, is much of a personality. He's technically sound in the ring, but awkward on the microphone. WWE saw something in him, and paired him with Heyman. It never got over. Axel's first night in he was pushed down to the mat and referred to as a child by Triple H. It was a sign of things to come. Heyman tried to talk up his newest client, but the fans weren't buying it. Axel was given the Intercontinental title, but wasn't picking up any big wins to justify his push. No one believed he was a legitimate threat to CM Punk in Heyman's feud with him. Eventually, WWE gave up. The two were separated and Axel has struggled to remain relevant ever since.
As Rust Cohle from True Detective said "Life's barely long enough to get good at one thing. So be careful what you're good at."
Sadly, I can't solve a murder like Rust...or change a tire, or even tie a tie. But I do know all the lyrics to Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme song and can easily name every Natural Born Thriller from the dying days of WCW. I was once ranked 21st in the United States in Tetris...on the Playstation 3 version...for about a week.
Follow along @AndrewSoucek and check out my podcast at wrestlingwithfriends.com