advertisem*nt
Watch Video Play Trivia Watch on YouTube
VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman WRITTEN BY: George Pacheco
#10: “The Game” & “King of Kings”
Triple H
The world of the WWE has seen a number of talented composers run through their ranks. Jim Johnston in particular comes to mind, the architect of many classic wrestling theme songs. However, there’s just something special when an outside artist, especially a famous one, can be convinced to collaborate with a superstar. Motorhead was one of those bands, working with Triple H to craft his classic opening theme tune, “The Game.” Actually, they did it twice, as Hunter also used the band’s “King of Kings” song for his departure theme, often when working as part of The Authority. It doesn’t matter which song you choose, the heavy metal, rock ‘n roll vibes of Motorhead and Triple H just gel together in perfect symbiosis.
#9: “Walk Alone”
Batista
Batista’s theme was another opening track that was penned by an outside band, in this case the heavy rock act Saliva. The song plays heavily into the WWE’s connection with aggressive, testosterone-fueled nu-metal. This sound, for better or worse, largely defined the brand in the new millennium and beyond, although today the brand is much more diverse when it comes to music. Still, “Walk Alone” feels like a time and a place, a land of giants in which warriors like Batista prowled the square circle, looking for victims. The solo section in particular features a tasty, mid-paced riff that feels perfectly suited to Batista’s bruising in-ring style. The combination Saliva, Batista and “Walk Alone” definitely feels like kismet.
#8: “Break the Walls Down”
Chris Jericho
The arrival of Chris Jericho into the WWE was one that was met with one of the most iconic ovations in the company’s storied history. Of course, it helped that Jericho was aided by one of his most defining theme tunes, “Break the Walls Down.” Chris has redefined himself numerous times over the years, but this post-WCW iteration speaks to the man’s rock ‘n roll lifestyle and flamboyant, technically gifted pedigree. Jericho’s “Walls of Jericho '' finisher ties into the song lyrically, while the vocalist on the track also drops not-so-subtle references to heavy metal legends Judas Priest. It’s a perfect storm of attitude, swagger and riffa*ge to signal the entrance for one of pro wrestling’s GOATS.
#7: “Voices”
Randy Orton
Is there any theme tune that better suits the superstar making their way into the ring? Randy Orton’s “Voices” theme just feels slinky and serpentine, like “The Viper” himself, while at the same time feeling coiled and ready to strike. “Voices” makes its mark almost immediately with the declaration that Randy does indeed “hear voices” in his head, and that they “talk to him,” drawing him into wickedness. Then, as the song gradually increases in anger and intensity, “Voices” erupts with that sort of nu-metal crunch that defined so many vintage WWE themes. It’s a song we honestly can’t imagine being paired with any other superstar.
#6: “Are You Ready?”
D-Generation X
There were many WWF Attitude Era themes that helped define that commercial boom period in professional wrestling. This was one of them, a song that instantly transports you to a time and place, an era where anything could, and very often did, happen. “Are You Ready?” may ask a rhetorical question, but we already know the answer. Yes, fans were very much ready for D-Generation X to assault the boundaries and limits of good taste, and this sassy, slightly funky rock tune served as the perfect soundtrack. “Are You Ready?” almost feels like a bizarro Rage Against the Machine with its rap/rock attack, a neon green, cross-chopping call-to-arms for the bad guys to arrive.
#5: “No Chance in Hell”
Mr. McMahon
There’s a mellow intro to the opening to “No Chance in Hell,” the entrance theme for Mr. McMahon. Then, a funky groove announces that former WWE chairman Vince McMahon’s “evil boss” character had arrived, ready to kick ass and take names. The swagger in this theme tune is palpable, an audial representation of McMahon’s flailing, sauntering walk to the ring that feels perfectly in line with the character. The taunting lyrics also perfectly fit McMahon’s persona, while the chanting, screaming chorus of “NO CHANCE!” never fails to get an audience shouting along. McMahon may be gone, but his close-to-home fictional self will always exist in the minds of WWE faithful as one of the era’s most formidable villains.
#4: “The Time is Now”
John Cena
It’s never been out of the question for a wrestler to assist in performing their own theme song, but perhaps the most successful of them all remains John Cena. The Face that Runs the Place proved he actually had some decent flow when he took to rapping “The Time is Now,” while the boisterous production and bright energy fits perfectly with Cena’s colorful ring attire. “The Time is Now” may have had multiple songwriters behind the desk (including John’s cousin, Tha Trademark), but the end results are purely and undeniably Cena.
#3: “Electrifying”
The Rock
Let’s face it, The Rock’s “Electrifying” theme beats the hell out of his first WWF entrance music when he was the babyface Rocky Maivia. The tune is another that opens up with an immediate vocal, as The Rock shouts his catch phrase, announces to everyone that he’s here, and ready to open up a can of whoop-ass. Perhaps less celebrated is the song’s funky groove, a bass-driven head-bobber that feels a little soulful, a little heavy and a whole lot of awesome. If The Rock was The People’s Champion, then consider “Electrifying” to be The People’s Theme Song.
#2: “Real American”
Hulk Hogan
Rick Derringer is a guitar rock legend, working with artists as varied as Steely Dan, Johnny Winter and even “Weird” Al Yankovic. Derringer also made a big mark on pro wrestling with the most famous wrestling song of all time, “Real American.” The song would become synonymous with Hulk Hogan, the 1980s and the Rock ‘n Wrestling Connection, a feel-good anthem with true arena pomp and circ*mstance. It’s a shamelessly jingoistic throwback to a character that defined an era; a song with no-nonsense riffs and a soaring vocal with real purpose.
Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions!
“Rest in Peace,” The Undertaker
Never Fails to Give Us Goosebumps
“Metalingus,” Edge
Alter Bridge Rocks it Out
“Medal,” Kurt Angle
The WWE Universe’s Chants of “You Suck” Made this Theme Unforgettable
#1: “I Won’t Do What You Tell Me”
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
It’s obvious from the moment that glass shatters, it’s time to raise some hell. “I Won’t Do What You Tell Me” might sound like it belongs better as a theme for D-Generation X, but the heavy metal riffing and no-nonsense attitude immediately feel like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to a T. It’s actually difficult to listen to the song without picturing in our heads the imagery of Austin engaging in some kind of in-ring fracas. The vibe on the whole reminds us of that classically metallic, mid-80s WWF sound, similar to The Ultimate Warrior’s theme. It’s aggressive, but memorable; catchy but full of attitude. And it was perfectly suited for The Texas Rattlesnake. Oh, hell yeah.
