13 Triple H WWE Projects That Failed Miserably

5. Curtis Axel

In 2012, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Triple H was high on Michael McGillicutty and was looking for a new gimmick to push him with. The son of Curt Hennig, he'd previously been involved in the Nexus but wasn't finding much success and had returned to NXT. Triple H thought there was more potential and started plotting his grand reintroduction to WWE. The big comeback angle was that he'd be known as Curtis Axel and paired with Paul Heyman. Furthermore, Triple H booked himself as Axel's first opponent and did the job! Albeit by referee stoppage due to concussion, he was still putting the rookie over. Axel then went on a rampage over the next few weeks, defeating John Cena twice (via count outs) and beating Chris Jericho. He then wrestled Triple H again, this time having two matches in the same night, and winning both via DQ! He was on a notable trajectory and Triple H had personally invested himself in it. A lengthy intercontinental title reign followed... and then the push just stopped. He was paired off with Ryback in lower card filler. More recently he's been the comedy jobber Axelmania character. Why did WWE lose interest in pushing him? Because he couldn't cut a promo and had a methodical ring style that bored the viewers. Hunter had misjudged the talent.