Have you ever noticed how WWE theme songs just hit different sometimes? If you’re a fan of WWE, you probably get what I’m saying. For every wrestling fan, like myself, the first time they heard their favourite wrestling theme song for the very first time, it creates a core memory that they’ll never forget for the rest of their life. Suddenly, every time a wrestler’s music plays, it feels like the energy in the arena changes, and you know something big and exciting is about to happen.
WWE theme songs have this way of making entrances feel larger than life. Let’s rewind back to the late 80’s to early 90’s, like let’s take Stone Cold Steve Austin, for example. When that glass shatters, you can feel the crowd absolutely lose it. It’s electric! It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve heard it before, it just gets you every time and you’re ready for some good old wrestling. That glass shatter is iconic, in my opinion and it’s pretty much a signal to the wrestlers that Stone Cold Steve Austin is about to open a can of whoop ass on you. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but get excited, even if I’ve heard it a million times before.
Then there’s The Undertaker. His theme starts with that ominous bell, and it just sets a whole different mood. It’s chilling, right? It’s almost like the whole arena’s atmosphere changes, and you feel this mix of anticipation and awe. When you hear that ominous theme, you know it’s not just another regular old wrestling bout, it’s the freakin’ Undertaker, and you just know you’re in for something special. The song itself creates this sense of drama and excitement that just pulls you in. Watching him walk to the ring, you can’t help but feel The Undertaker’s mystical aura, and that’s all thanks to the magic of his entrance music.
Now let’s fast forward to the mid 2000’s to early 2010’s with John Cena’s theme “The Time is Now”. Now John Cena has had some banger theme songs in the past like when John was in the midst of his rapping gimmick and John was using the song titled “Basic Thuganomics”. But let’s focus more on his “The Time is Now” theme. When his theme hits, the whole crowd jumps to their feet. It’s high-energy, catchy, and just makes you want to cheer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself humming his theme after a show. The music matches his persona so perfectly, capturing that “never give up” attitude. You know when that music plays, you’re in for a great time.
And how about Triple H? His theme, “The Game,” is the pure definition of strength and determination. The second it plays, you know he means business. There’s something so intense about it that it makes you feel like you’re part of the action. Watching him spit water on the stage and strut to the ring is just as thrilling as the match itself. That theme music sets the tone for everything he does. You can feel the confidence and determination in it. Even today, although Triple H may not be wrestling anymore, it seems like whenever his theme hits the speakers of an arena, there’s going to be some sort of huge announcement.
But what’s really cool is how WWE keeps that energy alive for newer stars. Like let’s look at Seth “Freakin” Rollins. When Seth Rollins’ theme plays, I can’t help but get pumped and sing along. It’s fast-paced and chaotic, perfectly fitting his in-ring style. And then there’s the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. His theme has this epic, almost cinematic feel that gets you ready for a massive main event. Especially his newest theme too. Even though it’s basically a remix of his last theme song, it still captures Roman’s aura to its finest details. When it hits, you know he’s coming in as the head of the table and the OTC (Original Tribal Chief), and you’re ready for the fight of your lifetime. The music quite literally sounds like it comes straight out of an avengers movie.
What’s amazing about these theme songs is that they stick with you for the rest of your life. You hear them once, and they become part of your memory. I bet if you hear a theme from your favourite wrestler, it takes you back to all those insane moments, the crowd going crazy, the wins and the losses. It’s incredible how music can connect us to those feelings and experiences.
When you think about it, WWE theme songs create a unique atmosphere that really adds to the overall experience of watching wrestling. Each wrestler’s entrance is carefully made, not just with their moves and persona but with their music that captures their essence. You could be watching at home or live in the arena, but when those themes play, they bring everyone together in a type of bond that no other form of entertainment can create.
Plus, there’s a sense of nostalgia tied to these songs. Every time I hear an older theme, it reminds me of specific matches or storylines that I loved back in the day. It takes me back to those moments when I was just glued to the television screen, cheering for my favourite wrestlers, praying that they make it out of the match alive. It’s honestly kind of amazing how just a few notes of a wrestler’s theme song can pull you back in time and remind you of why you fell in love with wrestling in the first place.
And let’s talk about the creativity involved in these themes. WWE has worked with some incredible composers, most notably Jim Johnston and CFO$. Jim Johnston, who created many iconic themes such as Brock Lesnar’s theme, The Rock’s theme and even The Undertaker’s theme. Man, thank god for Jim Johnston for thinking of bells while creating the theme for The Undertaker. Little did Jim Johnston know at the time that those same bells would be one of the most iconic noises in wrestling history. During his time with WWE, Jim was known for his ability to craft music that resonated deeply with fans. His hard-hitting rock anthems and memorable melodies set the tone for legendary characters and moments in wrestling history. After Johnston I would say the masterminds behind some of the most iconic wrestling theme songs in recent history is all thanks to the duo CFO$. Their tracks, like “World’s Apart” for Sami Zayn and “Burn It Down” for Seth Rollins, showcase a diverse range of styles, from some rock to some upbeat music.
More recently, Def Rebel has stepped into the spotlight, creating many of the newer wrestling themes. Now, I’m not one to give criticism but I will say this however. Me and a lot of other wrestling fans don’t think a wrestler’s catchphrase should be used at the beginning of a song. If you know you know.
So, next time you hear your favourite WWE theme song, take a moment to appreciate what it means. Each song tells a story, celebrates a character, and enhances the atmosphere of a wrestling event. WWE theme songs are truly unforgettable, and they play a significant role in why we keep coming back to wrestling in the first place. Whether it’s live events or weekly shows, those iconic themes remind us why we love wrestling and make each moment special. So here’s to the unforgettable theme songs that make WWE what it is today!