The Commentary: Curtis Axel and Triple H

For those who cannot listen, enjoy the transcript! 

I’ve got to admit, when rumors spread of Paul Heyman being set to announce another “Paul Heyman Guy” to his stable, I was expecting a notable name. The idea of a heel Rob Van Dam came across as a little odd to me, personally, but I was not going to discount it.

Wade Barrett joined Heyman’s Survivor Series squad last November and told Heyman he owed him a favor. Perhaps a sense of continuity? No wait, that’s silly.

Maybe it would be a returning CM Punk even. Anything to grasp the interest of the fans.

Joe Hennig was not who came to mind. But you better believe that I’m happy he was the reveal. Much has been made about his background, his in-ring work and WWE’s refusal to use his real name. I have seen many skeptical over the way his new ring persona came out; an ode to his father and his grandfather. I have no problem with it.

What struck me as most interesting in Paul Heyman’s promo was his statement about how a family name is no longer guaranteeing Superstars a chance to shine. No more are the days of nepotism in professional wrestling, according to Heyman, and instead, a curse of oblivion has been placed on these heirs. Well, unless it’s IMPACT.

Seriously though. Tyson Kidd. D.H. Smith. Natalya. The name no longer guarantees success, no matter how talented the wrestler may be. See the man formerly known as McGillicutty.

But Axel can hang in there with the best.

He received the backing of The Rock by helping him prepare for his latest run. He’s been on the high horse of many Internet darlings who understand his family lineage. And he’s seen as profitable by the boss to be.

Triple H stepping into the program immediately with Axel was the best thing that could have happened. Putting himself in a main event match on RAW with him was also a smart idea. It is no secret that he sees potential in Axel, and I am more than glad that he gave him the rub on RAW.

Oh? He didn’t?

Being in a main event does not count as a rub. If that were the case, Seth Green would be the most over WWE Superstar of all-time. Instead, Axel showed little dominance in the match itself, and became an afterthought after the Cerebral Assassin began to feel concussed. A night that should have been all about the new talent became about the unhealthiness of a part-timer.

Maybe I am sounding a bit harsh. I think Triple H is one of the best of all-time and has the ability to put anyone over if he wanted to. And I do genuinely believe that ultimately, Axel will get put over. And I even agree with many that Axel shouldn’t have been thrust into the limelight with a massive victory over one of the best to ever step in the ring.

But it was imperative the night not be focused on Triple H. It needed to be about developing Axel as a threat.

Here’s the reality: Axel is 33 years old. Thirty-four in October. He’s barely younger than fellow Heyman prodigy CM Punk, who is already talking about retirement. His look is questionable in some eyes, but there’s no doubt he’s aggressive. And moreover, he needs to find success quickly. And there’s three ways he can make that happen.

The first is to have Hunter give him a rub. Hopefully this program leads to something a little more. It would be beneficial to have Triple H on RAW weekly, and not just mentioned. Whether he’s in the ring or cutting a promo, there needs to be substance that can lead to a longer feud. That is, if this feud even continues, and it’s not just a matter of instilling doubt about the COO.

Next, let Heyman do the talking. Paul could make Khali look formidable. The promo from Monday, regardless of the lack of reaction from the crowd, was a start. Now, Heyman needs to kick it into overdrive and make magic out of thin air. And why should we doubt him?

But most importantly, Axel needs to produce. His matches need to be top-notch. He needs to pay respect to his family lineage and incorporate some moves, but develop his own identity at the same time. Simply put, Curtis Axel needs to become a force to be reckoned with, first a contributor, then a star.

Will it happen? I’m not sure. But all the cards were dealt in his favor in a matter of a 10 minute segment on Monday night. Hopefully, he hits the jackpot.

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