Ryback Reacts To Curtis Axel’s Arrest With Emotional Public Statement

Curtis Axel, real name Joseph Hennig, was arrested on May 17, 2026, in Anoka County, Minnesota. According to records, the former WWE star faces several charges, including DUI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, obstructing the legal process, possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle, and disorderly conduct.

Following the news, Axel’s former WWE tag team partner Ryback shared a lengthy statement on X, reflecting on their time together as RybAxel and offering support to Hennig during the situation.

“My run with Curtis Axel, Joe Hennig, as RybAxel was one of the most interesting periods of my WWE career. We were used constantly, booked on every house show, wrestled for the WWE Tag Team Championships on multiple occasions, main evented parts of a European tour against The Shield alongside Randy Orton, and even got a two-pack action figure together, which I’m actually very proud of.

While it wasn’t a time when I was featured as heavily as I had been before or would be afterward, it was one of the most enjoyable runs of my career. Working with Joe was easy. The chemistry was real, and I genuinely believe our backstage vignettes were some of the best promo work either of us ever did. Unfortunately, much of that material never reached the audience the way it would today. This was before WWE heavily utilized social media, and a lot of our content lived on WWE.com rather than television.

To this day, I believe the RybAxel breakup is one of the greatest tag team breakups most fans never saw.”

Ryback then turned his attention to Hennig’s personal character and expressed relief that no one was harmed.

“Joe Hennig is a great man and a great father to his three boys. None of us are perfect, and we all make mistakes in life. I’m not condoning poor decisions, but I thank God nobody was injured or killed. My hope is that this becomes a setback that ultimately propels Joe forward to continue learning, growing, and becoming an even better version of himself.

He has a lot to offer not only the wrestling business, but the world.

Wishing you the best, Joe.

And that’s the last bite. Feed Me More!”

Ryback and Hennig formed RybAxel in 2013 and spent several years teaming together in WWE. Although the duo never captured tag team gold, they became a regular fixture on WWE programming and live events, earning a loyal following among fans during their run.

Jim Ross Explains Why Danhausen Is Finally Finding Success In WWE

Jim Ross Explains Why Danhausen Is Finally Finding Success In WWE

 
Danhausen’s recent rise in WWE has caught the attention of many within the wrestling industry, including veteran broadcaster Jim Ross. Speaking on his podcast, Ross shared his thoughts on the unique performer and why he believes the current moment represents a major opportunity for him.

Ross noted that timing has played a significant role in Danhausen’s growing popularity, pointing out that he has managed to stand out and leave a lasting impression on fans.

“He’s a very fortunate young man. He’s come along at the right place at the right time to get noticed and remembered.”

The WWE Hall of Famer admitted that it is difficult to predict how long Danhausen’s momentum will continue, but suggested that his current success may stem from finally being given the platform needed to establish his character and connect with audiences.

“I don’t know how long this run is going to last. It may last a year, it may last longer, or it may not last that long. You can’t judge the audience and what they’re thinking. Why has he motivated them? Maybe he was this hot all along, but when he was in AEW, he didn’t get a real opportunity to get over and create the identity that you have to have.”

While Ross questioned whether Danhausen will ultimately become a major in-ring star, he emphasized that the performer brings a unique appeal that makes him valuable as a special attraction.

“But hey, good for him. I don’t know if he’ll ever make a lot of money as a wrestler. He’s an attraction, and he’s just made for that role. If he gets his toe in the water and gets in deep enough, he’s got a chance. It’s a long shot, but we already see the beginnings of it.”

Ross went on to explain that if WWE truly believes in Danhausen’s potential, the company should capitalize on his popularity by putting him in front of as many fans as possible.

“If I was WWE, I’d have his ass on the road wherever the doors are open, civic centers, high school gyms, and everything else. If he was ever going to have a legit chance to become a star, this is it.”

The comments come as Danhausen continues to generate attention among WWE fans, with many viewing his current run as the biggest opportunity of his career to date.

Ric Flair Clarifies Son Will Not Face Lawsuit Amid Trademark Dispute

Ric Flair Clarifies Son Will Not Face Lawsuit Amid Trademark Dispute

Ric Flair has continued addressing the controversy surrounding the use of his “FLAIR” trademark, following a series of social media posts that sparked speculation among wrestling fans.

Earlier this week, the WWE Hall of Famer shared a message on X threatening legal action against an individual he claimed was improperly using his trademarked name. The post, which has since been removed, read:

“Unfortunately, There Is Someone That I’m Very Familiar With Using My Own Trademark FLAIR. I Would Like Anyone Who Is Using My Trademarks- Which Are Impossible To Own And I Own Mine, To Know That I’m Well Represented By A Reputable $1000 Per Hour Attorney That Makes A Living Suing People That Abuse My Trademark. You Know Who I’m Talking About. I Hope You Can Clear This Up By Monday, And If We Can’t Resolve This Issue, Read The Penalties.”

The message quickly fueled online discussion, with many believing Flair’s comments were directed at his son, David Flair. David, whose legal surname is Fliehr, is listed on LinkedIn as part of the management team for Green Flair Recycling, leading some to connect the dots.

However, Flair later attempted to clear up the situation in another post that was also eventually deleted. The wrestling legend made it clear that he has no intention of taking legal action against his son, though he did publicly criticize him and urged him to establish his own identity rather than relying on the Flair name.

“I’m Obviously Not Suing My Son. Just Reminding Him That You Can’t Have The Best Of Both Worlds! Use Your God Given Name, Fliehr, Which Isn’t Worth A Cup Of Coffee. Or Your Wife’s Name, Who Has Had 3 Generations Of Success. Also, Please Don’t Sell My Robes That I Let You Use During Your Career As You Have Already Sold One. You’re 47 Years Old… Now Stand On Your Own Two Feet Please.”

David Flair became a familiar face to wrestling audiences during his run in WCW, where he competed from 1998 until the promotion’s closure in 2001. After WWE acquired WCW, his contract was absorbed by WWE, and he spent time developing in Ohio Valley Wrestling before being released in late 2002. During his WCW career, David captured the United States Championship and also held the WCW Tag Team Championship alongside Crowbar.

While the trademark dispute appears to have been clarified, Flair’s public comments have once again brought attention to the strained relationship between father and son.

FKA Scrypts Wants To Show The ‘Superhero Inside Of Everyone’ After WWE Release

Former WWE star Sidney Bateman, also known as Sidney Akeem, though he was better known during his time in the company as Reginald, Carmella’s sommelier, Reggie, or Scrypts, departed the company in May of 2024 after spending two years as the Scrypts character in “WWE NXT.” In the years that have followed, Akeem, who now goes by Soleil on the independent scene, has worked on revamping his character. He spoke about redefining himself to “Rewind Recap Relive.”

“Soleil is everything that Scrypts was supposed to be,” he said. “It’s almost full-circle, but this time I have the creative freedom to do it the way I want to do it. The way that I envisioned it. The way that I wrote this story in 2020. This is the birth of that and I’m not losing Sidney Akeem. Most people put a mask on to hide who they were and who they are. I put the mask on as a sign of courage and confidence to show that no matter where you come from, or what you’ve been through, or what people tell you, you can’t do, that there’s a super hero inside of everyone. To little kids watching me, I’m a symbol. I’m that for them.”

“Soleil” is a nod to Akeem’s time in the circus, performing for Cirque du Soleil. Since leaving WWE, he’s performed for GCW, TNA, WSW, and many, many more promotions, including a few matches in Ring of Honor. His most recent match came in ROH on May 18 in a loss to Action Andretti. He’s also faced Komander in ROH, as well as Top Flight, while wrestling alongside Gringo Loco.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Rewind Recap Relive” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

WWE Clash In Italy 2026 Predictions: Wrestling Inc. Picks The Winners

Roman Reigns will defend his World Heavyweight Championship for the second time since dethroning CM Punk at WrestleMania this weekend in Italy, facing Jacob Fatu in a rematch of their Backlash clash. But this time it will be Tribal Combat.

Tribal Combat has been a stipulation exclusively wrestled by Reigns, first in 2023 as he defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Jey Uso, and then Solo Sikoa in January last year, with his status as “Tribal Chief” of the Bloodline also on the line. So if Fatu was to win then he would take both the World Heavyweight title and leadership of the family, while it has been said by Reigns that, upon his victory, Fatu will have to fall in line and serve him moving forward.

The poll put to Wrestling Inc. staff reflects a belief that he will be continuing as a lackey in the Bloodline, 86% voting for Reigns to retain the title and extend his Tribal Combat record to 3-0. Just 14% see Fatu taking the title from Reigns, and perhaps that’s because in the past six years only one man has proven capable of beating him with a world title on the line. Perhaps it’s also because Reigns got the win over Fatu previously having been able to bend the rules. Those rules will now be stripped entirely in a gimmick that has always favored the champion.

Written by Max Everett