Former WWE star Curtis Axel could be facing up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine on the most serious charge in his Minnesota DUI case, though his ultimate outcome could change dramatically if prosecutors offer a plea deal.
Ringside News has learned additional details surrounding the charges filed against Joseph Hennig, the 46-year-old third-generation wrestler best known to WWE viewers as Curtis Axel, following his May 17 arrest in Anoka County, Minnesota.
The biggest charge facing Hennig is Third-Degree Driving While Impaired based on an alleged refusal to submit to chemical testing. Under Minnesota law, third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 364 days behind bars, a fine of up to $3,000, or both if he is convicted as charged.
Hennig is also facing misdemeanor charges for obstructing the legal process, possessing an open bottle of alcohol in a vehicle, and failing to stop after an accident involving property damage with no injury. Each of those misdemeanor charges can carry up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both under Minnesota law.
The refusal allegation could also hit Hennig outside of any possible jail sentence or fine. Minnesota law allows for driver’s license revocation after an alleged refusal to submit to chemical testing, meaning the former WWE star could face consequences involving his driving privileges separate from the criminal case.
Those are the maximum penalties tied to the charges currently filed against him, but that does not automatically mean Hennig will serve jail time anywhere close to those limits. In Minnesota criminal cases, prosecutors and defense attorneys can negotiate plea agreements, and a defendant can potentially plead guilty to a lesser charge or a different offense if the prosecution agrees and the court approves the deal.
At this stage, there is no indication that prosecutors have offered Hennig any plea deal, and no resolution has been entered in the case. His current exposure is based on the charges filed against him and what Minnesota law allows if he is ultimately convicted on those counts.
The criminal complaint alleges Hennig’s arrest followed a property damage crash at a McDonald’s in St. Francis, Minnesota. Officers claimed they located him slowly driving his truck through the parking lot while displaying signs of intoxication, including bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol.
Police also alleged Hennig refused orders to exit the truck, was physically removed from the vehicle, and later refused chemical testing after being read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory. During an inventory search before the truck was towed, officers allegedly located an open 750 mL bottle of Phillips vodka on the front passenger-side floorboard.
Court records list the alleged offense date as May 17, 2026, with the charges filed on May 18. Judge Karen B. Schommer set release terms allowing Hennig to be released with conditions at $0 bail or to post $12,000 bail or bond without conditions. Records indicate Hennig was released from jail on May 19.
Hennig is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig and the grandson of Larry “The Axe” Hennig. He left WWE in 2020 and has largely remained out of the wrestling spotlight since then, making only one known independent wrestling appearance in 2025.
The case now comes down to what happens in court. Hennig is facing a gross misdemeanor charge that carries the possibility of nearly a year in jail, but a plea agreement, reduced charge, dismissal of any counts, or a court ruling could leave him facing a much different outcome than the maximum penalties currently on the table.
What outcome do you think Curtis Axel could face in this case as it moves through the Minnesota court system? Let us know in the comments and leave your feedback.