With the WWE brand split occurring nearly three months ago, WWE reached out to released talent in hopes to add depth to the rosters of both sides. While Raw received Jinder Mahal, SmackDown received Rhyno and Shelton Benjamin (although he later suffered an injury and never had a chance to debut). Another outside talent who was drafted to the SmackDown Live brand was former WWE star Curt Hawkins. With weeks of self-absorbed promos, it was finally announced that he will make his televised in-ring return at the SmackDown-exclusive No Mercy pay per view. While Hawkins was never a top talent, he is a very solid competitor in the ring, and fits well with SmackDown’s emphasis on actual wrestling.
Also read: Why Cedric Alexander could be WWE's next big star
Here are five facts about Hawkins’ WWE career.
5. Mystery opponent at No Mercy could be based on his recent WWE Live matches
After a two-year absence, Curt Hawkins will make his television return to the ring at No Mercy in an impromptu surprise match. In actuality, he has competed in a series of house show matches against Apollo Crews on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Hawkins is already starting off on the wrong foot, as he went 1-2 in those three matches losing two straight. While Hawkins was not expected to be a major player on SmackDown when he debuts, he may just be returning to put over risings stars such as Crews. Hawkins’ opponent has yet to be announced, and it more than likely will end up being Crews.
4. His last WWE match before being released
Hawkins’ last match for the WWE brand before being released was on an episode of Superstars, which aired on February 7, 2014. He teamed with Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal against The Usos and Los Matadores. Unfortunately, for Hawkins, he was a part of the losing team that night, and did not have a very good lasting moment before his sendoff. Hawkins also competed in NXT against Neville in May of 2014, just weeks before he was released. He lost that match as well.
3. His unimpressive WWE record
Hawkins’ in-ring ability is certainly not a reflection of his overall record in the WWE. In fact, his record is an unimpressive 38-157-3. That means he has lost about 20 percent of his matches. To break that down even further, for every five matches, he statistically lost four of them. For every 10 matches, he statistically loses eight of them. Not a very good resume to tout about to others, unfortunately.
2. Losing streak as a singles competitor
Adding to his embarrassing overall record, WWE also gave him a grave amount of injustice as a singles competitor. Some of his most winningest moments came with teaming with Tyler Reks, as the team gained some steam among the fans, especially with their “Midcard Mafia” stable. However, his solo career is one to forget. Shockingly, Hawkins went on a near-two year losing streak, with his last win being against Ted DiBiase, Jr. at a live event in June of 2013 before his most recent return. His last televised singles win was against JTG on an episode of Superstars in May of 2011.
1. Number of titles he has won in the WWE
Teaming up with names such as Tyler Reks, and Vance Archer, Hawkins perhaps witnessed his best year for the WWE in 2008. That year, he was involved in a major storyline with Edge, even imposing as Edge at Armeggedon in a triple threat match with The Undertaker and Batista to assist him in winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Hawkins and Ryder would be named The Edgeheads, and join the La Familia faction. The team would also gain the WWE Tag Team Championship, which is the only title he has won in the company.
