Former WWE star Curtis Axel (real name Joseph Hennig) is facing multiple charges after an incident at a McDonald’s drive-thru in St. Francis, Minnesota.
According to The Watch MN, police charged Axel with driving while intoxicated, interfering with a Peace Officer, possession of an open bottle, and disorderly conduct. On May 17, Axel allegedly drove through a McDonald’s drive-thru while intoxicated, then backed his truck into another car.
Upon the arrival of the Francis Police Department, officers reportedly detected a strong smell of alcohol, with Axel’s speech slurred and eyes bloodshot.
Axel was described as being “combative” and defiant with police after. After Axel allegedly refused to step out of his vehicle, officers physically removed him from it and handcuffed him.
Joe Hennig refused a breath test after police removed him from his vehicle
While sitting in the squad car, Axel then reportedly refused a breath test and launched several profane remarks. Moments before, police were said to have discovered an open bottle of vodka on the front passenger-side floorboard of Axel’s truck.
A McDonald’s employee later reported that Axel had cursed at staff through the drive-thru and backed into another vehicle. A vulgar rant allegedly followed. Axel reportedly opened his vehicle door to call the female driver a “b****” and a “p****.”
Judge Karen B. Schommer set Axel’s bail at $0. The outlet further noted that Axel, the defendant, has multiple options for bail. He can either post $12,000.00 bail or bond with no conditions, or $0.00 release with conditions.
Hennig worked for WWE from 2007 to 2020. However, he was released as a result of cutbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was re-hired as a producer in April 2022, but he was ultimately released again in July.
Hennig made a rare return to the ring in May 2025, competing in an independent tag team match for Midwest All-Star Wrestling. This was his first match since losing to Bryan Danielson on the February 28, 2020 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WrestleZone will provide more details on this story as they become available.
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