FT5: Wrestling Entrance Music
Little known fact, wrestling in the ’80s and early ’90s is really the only time period of the “sport” worth watching. Maybe it’s because I really don’t even like wrestling but rather good theatre, music and show. In those days, guys put some serious thought and passion into their characters and rarely strayed from the persona they created. Every little detail was important; the hair, the clothes, the way you spoke, and, more importantly, your entrance music. Even better, most of these guys had music written specifically for their entrances and themes. Screw all this Linkin Park, Nickelback, “hardcore music”, etc. or other junk from popular wrestling these days. My list will stick to mostly ’80s and ’90s characters who gave a damn about a little thing called entertainment. The Miz? Isn’t he on Real World Miami or something? Macho Man is literally turning in his grave… Follow the jump for more.
5. Honky Tonk Man – “Cool, Cocky, Bad”
Honky Tonk Man is one of the few wrestlers who actually could sing and perform his own entrance music (albiet poorly). The guys sticht was a pretty straightforward Elvis impersonation with a “I’m cocky and bad” attitude to back it up. His song is perfect for the character he played, and he gets bonus points for shooting a music video with Jimmy Hart in the background. Apparently the guy was quite the intercontinental champion too.
4. Jake the Snake – “Trust Me”
Jake had many different takes on his entrance music throughout his career in the business. After you check this one out, look me in the face and tell me it doesn’t sound like an Animal Collective b-side. I dare you. One of his other theme songs also sort of sounded like a lo-fi pop tune that might fit in well with the hipster blog world. Who knew Jake Roberts was such a trend setter? This crazy SOB brought pythons and cobras into the ring with him so it’s not like his theme music really needed to intimidate anybody.
3. The Macho Man Randy Savage – “Pomp and Circumstance” (Op. 39 March 1)
Easily one of the most entertaining individuals of all time, inside our outside of his character in wrestling. This choice of theme music is easily the ballsiest of all time. Macho Man decided to forgo cheesy “pump up” music and went instead with what most of know as the graduation march. I wish I knew what was going through Randy’s head when chose this one, but I hope it had something to do with taking his opponents to school. R.I.P. Macho Man.
2. The Ultimate Warrior – “Unstable”
I’m hoping that many of you have already clicked on the link above and are remembering the warrior sprinting his crazy ass down the tunnel and throwing himself into the ring. The guy was a ‘roided up, in your face character and his theme music conveyed that message perfectly. Once that opening guitar riff started, everyone in the arena knew the shit was about to hit the fan. The Ultimate Warrior was always my favorite as a kid so I apologize to him for what I’m about to do.
1. Hulk Hogan – “Real American”
As much as it pains me to say this, Hogan’s entrance music is and always will be the best. The song “Real American” was written and recorded by Rick Derringer who is likely the only real musician associated with wrestling. I was always a true Warrior fan and just a casual Hulkamaniac, but the man’s theme music can’t be denied. Even if you were never a WWF fan, you still know that this is Hogan’s song.
Honorable Mentions: The Undertaker’s was always creepy as hell. Hill Billy Jim’s was a nice change up. Mr. Perfect’s epic entrance was always great for his character as well.
On a related note, it seems that composer Jim Johnston is responsible for most of the WWF music and I feel he deserves a nod here. How do I get that job?
Disclaimer: I am highly under-qualified for this article as I haven’t watched professional wrestling since the 8th grade. Stone Cold was lame.
This was always a favorite of mine, haha. It makes me laugh just listening to it. “Hands off the merchandise!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w1mq6rAfMM&feature=related