Whats causing this mesh mess

On the right top panel, you have transformation, reset rotation for xyz to 0… then it should be ok, then for center the origin, " on the left panel, set origin > set origin to center of mass.

I apologize, it seems that Lane is right, then the geometry is actually aligned with the axis of the object, good.
I was fooled by the fact that you were working on the scene in the ‘Backdrop’ orientation.
then forget my workaround, but general advices remain valid.

paolo

Great stuff Paolo, thank you so much. It worked and everything is in place again.
thanks again