Curtis Axel Arrested in Anoka County on May 17 DWI Charges
Curtis Axel was arrested in Anoka County on May 17 after a McDonald’s drive-thru incident in St. Francis led police to charge the former WWE wrestler with DWI-related and other offenses. The case centers on a vehicle backing into another car, a refusal to submit to testing, and allegations that escalated into an arrest and jail stay.
St. Francis Drive-Thru Arrest
Police were dispatched shortly before 9 p.m. to the McDonald’s after a property damage crash in the drive-thru. Officers said a vehicle backed into another vehicle, then found Axel slowly navigating the parking lot, smelling strongly of alcohol, with bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech.
The 46-year-old had to be physically removed from his vehicle. Police also said he swore at them and uttered a slur, and an open bottle of vodka was found inside the vehicle.
Charges Against Joseph Hennig
Axel, whose legal name is Joseph Hennig, faced DWI charges for refusing to submit to a chemical test and failing to stop for an accident. Those two counts are gross misdemeanors. The charges also included obstructing the legal process, having an open bottle of alcohol in his car, and disorderly conduct.
According to the report, a McDonald’s employee said Hennig had been mumbling in the drive-thru before pulling forward, swearing at staff, and backing into another vehicle. He allegedly opened his door and yelled at the female driver, calling her a “b****” and a “p****.”
Axel Released May 19
After officers read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory in the squad car, Hennig allegedly replied, “I don’t give a s***,” and “f*** you, you f*****.” Officers then opened the door, reached inside to shut off the engine, placed the keys on the passenger seat, and physically removed him from the truck before handcuffing him.
He was released from jail on May 19. The arrest adds a criminal case to a wrestling career that included runs as a WWE Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion, a 2022 return as a part-time producer, and a May of last year indie match in Minnesota.
