Curtis Axel, Ariya Daivari reportedly work as producers on WWE SmackDown

Two new names reportedly started as WWE producers on a tryout basis starting with tonight’s SmackDown.

Fightful Select reported tonight that Joe Hennig, also known as Curtis Axel, and Ariya Daivari were both backstage working as producers. Hennig reportedly was involved in helping produce the Sasha Banks vs. Liv Morgan match under Tyson Kidd, while Daivari helped produce the Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn match under Abyss.

Both are former WWE wrestlers that were released in the last two years. Hennig, son of Curt Hennig, is a former Intercontinental Champion that was cut back in April of 2020. He has not wrestled since being released from the company. Prior to being released, he was part of a tag team known as The B-Team with Bo Dallas.

Daivari, who signed with WWE in 2016 and mainly wrestled on NXT and 205 Live, was released back in July of last year. He has made appearances for AEW and New Japan Strong since being released.