There was a time not too long ago where wrestlers would emerge through a crowd and the only sounds were those made by the fans. Cheers and jeers dominated the audio landscape of professional wrestling, but occasionally music would blare through the sound systems of whatever gymnasium the wrestling event was booked for on that particular evening. Wrestlers like Gorgeous George, who sported a larger than life personality would often attribute themselves to theme music (in George's case "Pomp and Circumstance"). The modern practice of theme music is often attributed to Sergeant Slaughter, who used the Marine's Hymn for his entrance as early as the 70s, but the use did not become widespread until the "Rock and Wrestling Connection" era of the mid 1980's. With the penetration of mainstream music into the wrestling industry, more and more wrestlers began to use entrance themes. Today, it is more common to see a blue tiger than it is to find a wrestler without his own entrance theme. Not only is it basically a requirement, but it has evolved to where real bands often record the music for today's superstars as opposed to a hired house band. Even well known bands like Motorhead and Story of the Year have recorded entrance music for wrestlers. The whole thing has become an industry within itself, but does it always work?
The answer of course is no. Some people get great music, while others jump from song to song trying to find the perfect fit. Below is my opinion of which songs are the best currently in the WWE. Keep in mind I am not factoring in anything other than how the song fits with the character. Entrances themselves were not considered when putting together this list, as cool entrances can often mask mediocre songs. Thus I present to you the best entrance music at this very moment in the WWE:
10. Dolph Ziggler - Although this song might be better suited for Mr. Perfect's actual son, it breathes arrogance and is perfect for the guy who probably resumbles the Perfect one most in terms of in ring performance and looks. There really is nothing more arrogant than the first words of the song "I am perfection." Perfect song for a heel and it has a great guitar groove as well.
9. The Miz - When he finally changed his theme song last year, it was pretty clear he was on to bigger and better things. The audio of him saying "AWESOME" at the beginning is a little reminiscent of how The Rock's theme songs began, which is fitting given Miz's verbal skills. Plus, Downstait gave him a pretty killer song that fits his character very well. "I came to play just get out of my way" sound like lyrics describing a guy with a chip on his shoulder, no?
8. Drew McIntyre - This guy definitely impressed the right people early, because after some generic crap, he got a great theme song. The slow build to the "what is yours, now is mine" chorus is a great fit for this cerebral, Scottish heel. I like that Drew and Sheamus have songs that aren't incredibly stereotypical given their originals. Instead, Sheamus got a solid rock tune, while Drew got this epic, methodic groove. Impressive indeed.
7. Zack Ryder - Could any song reek more of douchebaggery? My sources say no, and that is perfect for the Long Island Loudmouth. His Jersey Shore-esque character calls for a song that appeals to him, and driving with the top down listening to the radio is right up his alley. Plus, just the boy band intro makes you want to boo, doens't it?
6. Edge - This might actually be my favorite entrance song, but it can't be any higher on the list since Edge's character isn't really suited for it. His character is about opportunity, seizing the moment, and using psychology, while his song is about seeing clearly. It sort of works, but it's not dark enough for Edge's character. Still though, it's Alter Bridge and the song rocks, so it needed a place in the top 10.
5. Matt Hardy - I know Matt is either loved or hated, but you have to admit that his song is pretty awesome. The lyrics scream heel, but the "ohhh yeaahh!!!" in the beginning make you want to get up and cheer when it begins. For the babyface Hardy, the song is perfect, and he does indeed get those cheers. Kudos to Monster Magnet for making a song that just pumps you up.
4. John Cena - Again we have a "controversial" babyface, but while he's against Nexus, it's hard not to root for Cena. What is undeniable though is the impact his song has on today's landscape. For one thing, he wrote it himself, and the "brrrrrrrrrrrr a pa doooooo" is both stupid and the best thing ever. People go nuts when they hear that, and the "My time is now" mantra is fitting given Cena's status in the WWE. His time started in 2005 and it hasn't run out just yet. Argue if you will, but go to a show and listen to the reaction he gets. It's the strongest one we have this generation.
3. Triple H - With a nickname like "The Game", you better have a song that shows that you are always the man to beat. This song by Motorhead certainly does that, as the heavy chords set the mood for a man who always means business in the squared circle. It's tough not to like this song, but what else would you expect from one of the biggest metal bands of all time?
2. Vince McMahon - Until this man g-d forbid dies, he will always be considered "active" in terms of the WWE universe. Thus, his song should ALWAYS appear on a top songs list. "No chance" is literally the perfect song for a hard nosed boss who gets what he wants and throws down the hammer whenever he damn well pleases. He is the chairman, and if you cross the chairman, you've got "no chance in hell" of surviving. The song is just too perfect.
And the number one entrance theme currently in the WWE is.....................
1. The Undertaker - No matter how long this man is out, no matter what the situation, the sound of the gong will always instill fear in opponents. It literally only takes that, but after the gongs clue everybody in on who will appear, the graveyard sympathy soothes your soul and reminds you that the legend, the phenom has arrived! I honestly think that Undertaker's music is some of the most fitting entrance music ever for a character, and the longevity and awesomess of the song lands it atop my list for best entrance themes.
Don't agree? Let me know with some comments below. Whether you agree or don't, enjoy the epic Undertaker theme as a special gift from me to you.
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