Former WWE star Joseph Curtis Hennig, known to wrestling fans as Curtis Axel, is facing multiple charges after an alleged drunk-driving incident at a Minnesota McDonald’s drive-thru, per a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County.
Hennig, 46, of Ramsey, Minnesota, is the son of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and the grandson of wrestling legend Larry “The Axe” Hennig. He performed in WWE from 2007 to 2020 under the ring names Curtis Axel and Michael McGillicutty.
Per the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on May 17, 2026 at approximately 8:47 p.m., when officers from the St. Francis Police Department were dispatched to a property damage crash at the McDonald’s on Saint Francis Boulevard Northwest. Officers reportedly arrived to find a truck driven by Hennig slowly navigating the parking lot.
According to the complaint, when an officer stopped the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of alcohol, with Hennig allegedly exhibiting bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech. When instructed to step out of the vehicle, Hennig reportedly refused. Officers opened the door, reached inside to turn off the engine, and placed the keys on the passenger seat. After continued defiance, officers reportedly physically removed Hennig from the truck, escorted him to the ground, and handcuffed him.
Per the complaint, while seated in the squad car, an officer read Hennig the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory. Hennig allegedly refused chemical testing and responded with profanities and a slur directed at officers.
A McDonald’s employee reported that Hennig had been mumbling in the drive-thru before pulling forward, swearing at staff, and backing into another vehicle, according to the complaint. He then allegedly opened his door and yelled at the female driver of the other vehicle. An inventory search of his vehicle prior to towing reportedly yielded a 750 mL open bottle of Phillips vodka on the front passenger-side floorboard.
Hennig faces the following charges:
- Traffic – DWI – Refuse to submit to chemical test; Breath or test refusal or failure (Gross Misdemeanor)
- Traffic – DWI – Operate Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Alcohol (Misdemeanor)
- Obstruct Legal Process – Interfere with Peace Officer (Misdemeanor)
- Traffic – Open bottle law; Possession (Misdemeanor)
- Disorderly Conduct – Offensive/Abusive/Boisterous/Noisy/Obscene (Misdemeanor)
The alleged offense date is May 17, 2026, with the case filed in court on May 18, 2026. Bail was set at $0 by Judge Karen B. Schommer. Per the court records, the defendant has the option of posting $12,000 bail or bond with no conditions, or $0 release with conditions.
