Former WWE star Curtis Axel arrested and faces multiple charges including DUI

Former WWE star Joseph Hennig, known to wrestling fans as Curtis Axel, was arrested in Anoka County, Minnesota on May 17th 2026. The 46-year-old former WWE star was charged with DUI, refusing to submit to a chemical test, obstructing the legal process, possessing an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle, and disorderly conduct. Court records indicate that Hennig was released from jail on May 19th.

According to the criminal complaint, officers from the St. Francis Police Department responded to a property damage crash at a McDonald’s on Saint Francis Boulevard Northwest at approximately 8:47 PM. Police allegedly observed Hennig driving slowly through the parking lot after reportedly backing his truck into another vehicle in the drive-thru. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, and slurred speech.

Authorities stated that Hennig refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Officers reportedly opened the truck door, shut off the engine, and physically removed him from the vehicle before placing him in handcuffs. While in the squad car, Hennig allegedly refused a chemical breath test and responded to officers with profanities and slurs.

A McDonald’s employee reportedly told police that Hennig had been mumbling while in the drive-thru before swearing at employees and backing into another vehicle. He then allegedly yelled insults at the other driver involved in the incident. During an inventory search of the truck before it was towed, officers reportedly discovered an open 750 mL bottle of vodka on the passenger-side floorboard.

Hennig, a third-generation wrestling star and son of Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig, departed WWE in 2020 and has only wrestled once since then, appearing at an independent event in 2025.