Curt Hennig’s Son Pays Tribute To His Father On Anniversary Of His Passing

Written by Craig Ballantyne • Published 13th February 2023
Mr Perfect - Curt Hennig

‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig is widely regarded as one of the finest technical wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle.

The son of Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig, the WWE Hall of Famer made his debut in the American Wrestling Association in 1980 and in 1982 began making appearances in Pacific Northwest Wrestling.

It was there that he began turning heads, winning the promotions Tag Team Championships three times as well as becoming its Heavyweight Champion in 1983. Hennig continued to to wrestle for the AWA as well, and captured their World Heavyweight Championship in May 1987 to kick off a reign that lasted for over a year before he lost it to Jerry Lawler in May 1988.

That same year, Hennig signed with the then-WWF where he portrayed the arrogant heel, Mr. Perfect. Living up to the moniker, he went on a two-year undefeated streak.

After suffering his first loss to Brutus Beefcake at WrestleMania 5, Hennig quickly rebounded, winning a tournament for a title he would become synonymous with, the Intercontinental Championship, which he held for the better part of a year over the course of two reigns.

Hennig remained in the WWF until November 1996 when he decided to move on from the company. In June 1997, he re-emerged in WCW where he soon resumed his winning ways, capturing the United States Championship that September.

While in WCW, Hennig briefly replaced Arn Anderson as part of the Four Horsemen alongside Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, and Steve McMichael. However, his joining turned out to be a ruse as he betrayed them to join the NWO. He continued feuding with the Horsemen for some time while part of the NWO, having bouts with Flair and Dean Malenko. In January 1999, he was kicked out of the infamous group after speaking out against Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash.

Hennig left WCW in 2000 and worked on the independent scene until returning to the WWF at the 2002 Royal Rumble. However, he was released from the company soon after for his part in the infamous ‘Plane ride from hell’ where he got invovled in a physical altercation with Brock Lesnar.

He went on to join TNA – now IMPACT Wrestling – where he had several NWA World Heavyweight Championship matches, but was unable to capture the titles.

Curt Hennig sadly passed away on February 10th, 2003 at the age of only 44. he was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2007

Joe Hennig pays tribute to ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig

On the 20th anniversary of his death, Mr. Perfect’s son, Joe Hennig – better known to WWE fans as Curtis Axel – paid an emotional tribute to his legendary father on social media while thanking fans and friends for their messages.

“February 10th hits me very hard every year. But this one, for some reason hit me differently. I think it’s because it was the 20 year anniversary of my dad passing away. I just can’t believe it’s been 20 years. I still miss him very much! I want to thank all the family, friends and wrestling fans who have called, text or sent me a message on social media over the last few days. It really means a lot to the Hennig family!”