Curtis Axel Talks About Paul Heyman, His Run in WWE, and Other Topics

Curtis Axel, the newest Paul Heyman guy and current Intercontinental Champion in the WWE, recently spoke with NorfolkNavyFlagship.com in order to promote a WWE event in Norfolk. During the interview, Axel discussed many topics such as his work with Paul Heyman and his current run in WWE.

Axel talked about how he felt after he became the first father/son duo to win the Intercontinental Championship at WWE Payback:

Leading up to that whole pay-per-view, the whole week before, the thoughts going through my head were, “What was going to happen if I were to win? What was I going to be thinking?” My grandfather (Larry “The Axe” Hennig”), I talked to him about it. When I finally won at Payback, man – I just couldn’t stop thinking about my dad (“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig). Holding that same Intercontinental Championship that he held. He would bring (it) home and I would hold it and wear it as a kid. I now possess this thing. I had goose bumps and was pretty emotional. My grandfather and mother were emotional about the whole thing, too. (My father and I) never got to stand in the same ring as each other, but now I feel honored that I get to stand in the record books with him.

Axel also dove in about who helps him the most in preparation for his promos and matches:

Paul Heyman. Just being with that guy – listening to him before the show and after the show, riding up and down the roads with him between events. He has so much information. He’s like a library – he’s got stories, and if you have questions, he has answers. He is the best tool I’ve got right now. When I am off the road – my grandfather. I talk to him two or three days a week. He has critiques of my work. He is super old-school, which I have to take into consideration, but he is a beast.

When asked about his time in NXT, Axel talked about what he had learned from his experience:

NXT was a nightmare. I was really excited to be brought up – I knew I was ready. I saw what those kids had to go through in season one – getting the microphone shoved in your face and doing these stupid challenges. I was kind of bummed, but at least I was being brought up. Then they told me my name was Michael McGillicutty (and) it broke my heart. You never knew exactly what was going on. They said, “OK, you guys have a match, a contest – here’s the microphone.” It was a surprise every single week. You had to stay on your toes – it was scary ‘cause everyone in the back and everyone at home were watching. I think being involved in that atmosphere – it kind of toughens you up. I feel, now, that I am prepared for anything.

To check out the interview in its entirety, click here