Written by
Alex Hunt• Published 29th July 2024
Sonny Sandoval, the lead vocalist of nu metal band P.O.D., has elaborated on the conversations the band had with WWE in regards to Rey Mysterio’s entrance theme.
Debuting his new theme at WrestleMania 22 complete with a live performance from the band, the song Booyaka 619 has been used by the Hall of Famer in WWE ever since. Although the band wrote the song almost 2 decades ago and has been featured at some of the biggest shows in the history of the company, they never have received any money for it or any of their songs used on WWE programming.
While speaking on the Drinks with Johnny podcast, Sandoval stated that P.O.D. has been approached by the company and how they were not paid financially but instead were told that the publicity would be great for them:
Sometimes, we’ve done stuff with WWE and because WWE is so huge, they’re so powerful of an empire, even back then. But they can say, ‘Can we use your music?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Okay. We’re not gonna pay you for it. But because we’re WWE, you’re gonna get so much press’ and you know what I mean? ‘And get so much hype’ and at some point, you’re like, ‘Dang, okay.’ I guess so.
Because even now, I still hear it when Rey comes out. Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania… You’re like, ‘Dude, they’re still playing our jam.’ Big shout out to Mad One. It’s like, they’re still playing our tune but we ain’t seeing none of that… It’s a game bro. It’s a game.
Sandoval continued, stating that he has known Mysterio for years and that the former World Champion and the company have always treated them really well:
Rey (Mysterio) is actually one of our good boys from here in the south so we went to the same school together. We would tinker around with music and he was crossing the border and wrestling down in T.J., lucha libre and you know, we kind of found a little success at the same time.
We connected on some other things, but then he already had the song, his walkout song with another local Chicano rapper here in San Diego called Mad One and then so the WWE had done — at the time, they wanted to do a lot of their remixes, their walkout song remixes and kind of add maybe like a little metal flare to it or rock and roll flare to it.
So, I’m pretty sure it was Rey that put in the word for us and said, ‘Well, if we’re gonna pick a rock band, I’m going to pick POD. Those are my boys.’ So, we got the call and it was a no-brainer. It was like, alright. All we had to do is kind of remix it with some guitars and bass and drums, you know? Add some extra vocals and I mean, it’s been a pleasure and honor ever since. We actually did the WrestleMania in Chicago when Rey got the belt, and so, we’ve been able to be a part of that.
Every time they come through San Diego, if I want, I hit up the homie and get the hookup and say, ‘Hey, I want to bring my kids through’ and they always so gracious. Even to come out and meet my kids and stuff so, they’ve been good to us. So, I think just recently when they did WrestleMania, we have a friend, he’s a DJ. This kid who’s coming up and we’re trying to get him to remix one of our songs, you know?
And I guess he said, ‘Oh dude, I’m going to WrestleMania’ and I was like, ‘Hold on. Let me put you in contact with my boy. Maybe he could,’ you know? It’s WrestleMania. He might not have a shot but, we’ll see. So, at least they got in contact and he told him, ‘Hey, whenever we come through the area, you can just hit me up.’ So, yeah, they’ve been good to us.
Rey Mysterio Continues To Make History
With multiple World Championship reigns, a Royal Rumble victory and many WrestleMania moments, Mysterio will be remembered as one of the all-time greats for his accolades, longevity and being one of the best underdog babyfaces in wrestling history. Still competing today, Rey Mysterio recently set a new record.
Despite being the constant babyface in WWE, Rey Mysterio recently discussed scrapped plans for a heel turn.
H/t to Post Wrestling.
