No feature about entrance music can begin without a tip of the bright, red cowboy hat to Michael “P.S.” Hayes. Back before the leader of The Fabulous Freebirds convinced promoters to pop a tape of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird” into the P.A. system to accompany Hayes and his flock of rebels to the ring, most pro wrestlers didn’t have themes.

Hayes’ coolest contemporaries followed suit — The Junkyard Dog with Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” Kerry Von Erich with Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” — and a new level of theatrics was introduced to sports-entertainment. In the early ’80s, when Mr. McMahon tightened the bond between adults who wore spandex with the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection,” the entrance theme became an integral part of the presentation as WWE’s Chairman began to produce original songs for the Superstars on his roster.

WWE fans have rocked out to hundreds of awesome entrance themes since then, but which 50 were the very best? Sit back, put on your headphones and play this feature loud, because WWE.com has created the ultimate playlist, presented by Guitar Hero Live.

Too Cool — “U Look Fly 2 Day”

 

When “Too Hot” Scott Taylor and “Too Sexy” Brian Christopher abandoned their Too Much personas for something a little funkier, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmasta Sexay instantly became the flyest duo in WWE.

With their hip-hop makeover came a brand-new theme that sounded like something straight off a Coolio record. The tune helped Scotty and Sexay find their calling as fun-loving fan favorites as they rocketed up the charts. Fans got in on the act, too, dancing in arenas across the country. The theme even convinced the no-nonsense Rikishi to get down and boogie. — ZACH LINDER

Tazz — “13”

 

Tazz’s 2000 entry into WWE as a surprise opponent for Kurt Angle was meant to be a shock to the members of the WWE  Universe crammed into Madison Square Garden. But the moment his yet-unheard entrance theme hit — with its pulses of synthetic bass, deliberate snare drum and the ominous electronica of a flatlining heart monitor — the always-in-the-know New York City faithful immediately recognized it as the arrival of the most rotten man in all five boroughs.

Some WWE followers may have been unfamiliar with the particular brand of mayhem The Human Suplex Machine wreaked in ECW, but his hard-charging theme instantly identified him as a Superstar that you sat up and watched. — RYAN MURPHY

The Prime Time Players — "Making Moves"

 

The staccato drums matched with the undeniable charisma of Sugar Tongue Slim — the Atlanta MC who WWE composer Jim Johnston worked with on the theme — created a dynamic hip hop beat for the entrance of The Prime Time Players. It’s hard not to mimic Darren Young and Titus O’Neil’s signature moves as the track pulsates throughout an arena.

“I looked at these guys and knew what I wanted to do and knew the tempo,” Johnston said.

The Prime Time Players are certainly making moves and their theme perfectly complements their brash but fun-loving personas. — ZACH LINDER

Ken Shamrock — “The Ultimate”

 

A legend in the MMA world, Ken Shamrock was one of the most intense Superstars ever to set foot inside the squared circle. Thus, it’s far from surprising that The World’s Most Dangerous Man’s entrance was highlighted by a powerful, pulsating guitar riff that was complemented by an ominous ringing bell — all symbolizing the controlled rage flowing through Ken Shamrock’s veins. The theme was unmistakable, as was the former Intercontinental Champion’s focused and methodical march to the ring. The WWE Universe could only wonder what was going on inside his head. — KEVIN POWERS

Drew McIntyre — "Broken Dreams"

 

Before he channeled Poison’s Bret Michaels as an air-guitaring goofball with 3MB, Drew McIntyre was a callous rogue with a dangerous mean streak and a stamp of approval from Mr. McMahon himself. The former Intercontinental Champion’s icy appeal was apparent in a stylized, slow burn entrance that saw him methodically approach the ring to the haunting opening chords of Shaman Harvest’s “Broken Dreams.” Where other Superstars favored bombast to grab the audience’s attention, the so-called “Chosen One's" theme created an uneasy sense of menace to ensure they couldn’t look away. — RYAN MURPHY

The Oddities — "Oddities"

 

After breaking free of the maniacal Jackyl’s grasp, The Oddities needed the perfect song to show the WWE Universe that they loved to have fun. The towering trio enlisted controversial rappers, Insane Clown Posse, to create the right tune.

Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope’s rhymes were the ultimate match for the dancing giants. With lyrics that let WWE fans know that The Oddities were comfortable being a little bit different, the theme turned Kurrgan, Golga and Giant Silva into beloved Superstars. Every time ICP came blaring over arena speakers, a dance party was sure to break out. — BOBBY MELOK

Vader — “Mastodon”

 

If you’ve ever seen “Beyond the Mat,” then you’ve seen the thought process that WWE composer Jim Johnston put into Vader’s entrance music. He watched footage of the monstrous Superstar, taking notice of the way he stomped to the ring.

Johnston’s creation fit Vader perfectly. After The Mastodon declared that it was indeed “Vader time!,” the driving guitars and thumping beat set the tone for what the big man did in the squared circle. The heavy entrance music let the poor sap facing the monster know exactly what was ahead for him: complete and utter destruction. — BOBBY MELOK

Steve Blackman — “Drums in the Night”

 

Crossing paths with a martial arts expert like Steve Blackman would be enough to send anyone’s pulse spiking and heart pounding. Hearing his theme at the same time may make your heart explode in fear. A man of few words with devastating abilities, “The Lethal Weapon” entered arenas with an intimidating fighting stick display while his pulsing theme, “Drums in the Night,” kicked adrenaline into overdrive. By the time Blackman hit the ring to physically decimate his opponent, the dude was already beaten mentally. — KEVIN POWERS

The Miz — “I Came to Play”

 

There isn’t a lot about The Miz that’s understated. He’s loud, he’s cocky and he’s been craving the limelight since his days as a reality television star. His hard-rock entrance theme — a collaboration between WWE composer Jim Johnston and Downstait — appropriately sums up the irreverent attitude of The Awesome One, who has gone from locker-room pariah to one of the most talked-about Superstars today. With the boastful theme heralding his arrival in true “all eyes on me” fashion, The Miz has gone on to garner attention as a WWE Champion, talk show host and even a movie star. As the song states, he’s here to stay, best get out of his way. — JAMES WORTMAN

Maven — “Tattoo”

 

When the riff to Big Mother Thruster’s “Tattoo” hit and Maven — the first winner of “Tough Enough” — bounced to the ring at the No. 11 spot in the 2002 Royal Rumble Match, you could hear the WWE Universe’s collective chuckle. Those laughs quickly turned into gasps, though, when the young upstart eliminated The Undertaker, making “Tattoo” an anthem for dreamers in the process.

The theme spoke about wanting to see a fantasy come to fruition so badly that you’re blind to anything else. It was an inspiration to anyone who aspired to exceed expectations, even if it meant getting on The Deadman’s bad side. — JEFF LABOON

Sami Zayn — “Worlds Apart"

 

Do you like ska? We mean, really like ska? Sami Zayn does. And even if you have no idea what “skanking” is, you’ll be on board with the punk-rock subculture after a single pass through the former NXT Champion’s bouncy entrance theme, “Worlds Apart.” Trust us: If the rumbling guitar doesn’t get you, the soaring blast of brass that makes up the song’s hook will. And if your cold, cold heart can resist that avalanche of joy, then clearly you are a Kevin Owens fan. But for the rest of us? Ole! — ANTHONY BENIGNO

Jake "The Snake" Roberts — “Snake Bit”

 

For opponents of Jake “The Snake” Roberts, the earliest signs of danger could be detected in the pulsating chords that open “Snake Bit.” With a cool and unshakeable concentration — not to mention a bagged serpent inevitably slung over his shoulder — the WWE Legend stepped to the ring with the ideal instrumental accompaniment: a foreboding, slithering beat that builds gradually before bursting open into a slicing, synth-heavy melody, the musical equivalent of Roberts’ famed DDT that so often punctuated his methodical ring style. After reaching its crescendo, “Snake Bit” recoils back into the weeds, like a snake awaiting its next victim. — JOHN CLAPP

Sheamus — "Written in My Face"

 

When Sheamus debuted in WWE in 2009, the aggressive Irishman arrived with the rage and fury of a warrior, ready to stare down — and destroy — any challenge. That unbridled intensity was perfectly captured in “Written in My Face,” the bombastic entrance theme that has served as The Celtic Warrior’s call to battle. Although some WWE fans have misheard the song’s vocals as “lobster head” and “too many limes,” the real lyrics — including the particularly threatening, “A careless man could wind up dead” — better suit the first-born Irish WWE World Heavyweight Champion on his way to war. — KEVIN POWERS

CM Punk — “Cult of Personality”

 

Aptly titled “Cult of Personality,” the quintessential late-1980s rocker by Living Colour was the perfect song to bring CM Punk into arenas the world over.

A rabble-rouser by nature, The Voice of the Voiceless cultivated his own cult of personality with explosive mic moments, like the landscape-altering Raw pipe bomb of June 27, 2011. But Punk was a leader not just because of what he said, but because of how he followed those words up inside the ring — which was exactly why Living Colour’s most famous song was such a good fit for the Chicago-born grappler.

Splicing examples of famous speeches into the tune, few songs (and, for that matter, song titles) have ever so appropriately encompassed what a Superstar was all about. — ALEX GIANNINI

Christian — “At Last"

 

Christian learned early that he would need to make a big statement if he ever hoped to step out of the shadow of Edge. After cutting ties with his longtime friend in 2001, he introduced an entrance theme to define him as a singular Superstar. To hammer home the point, the Canadian competitor employed a choir in his signature song to proclaim, “At last, you’re on your own!”

The tune shifts suddenly to heavy metal riffs, reminding the WWE Universe to take Christian seriously. Yet, the song leaves a haunting final impression when a maniacal opera singer screams, “Il mondo è mio!” — an Italian credo that translates to “The world is mine!” and fit Christian perfectly. — MATTHEW ARTUS

Goldberg — “Invasion”

 

If you ever need motivation for an important meeting or a big test, turn on Goldberg’s army march-inspired theme and success will be all but guaranteed. Goldberg owned one of the most intimidating entrances in WWE history as he stood steady in an explosion of burning pyro, but his theme brought the finishing touch of coercion.

With a drumbeat that encouraged a monotone “Gold. Berg.” chant from the crowd, “The Man” stomped to the ring in a way that makes us wonder why anyone would be foolish enough to await the inevitable whooping they were going to receive. — JEFF LABOON

Brock Lesnar — “Next Big Thing”

 

Few things can wreak havoc with a WWE Superstar’s “fight or flight” instincts like the eerie opening guitar riff of Brock Lesnar’s entrance music — a theme that could just as easily score a Japanese monster movie or a gruesome slasher flick. Loud and unrelenting, WWE composer Jim Johnston’s ode to The Anomaly expertly captures the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion’s unmatched ferocity, letting the WWE Universe know that destruction isn’t just imminent … it’s gonna get ugly. As this chilling track reverberates throughout the arena, only one thought immediately comes to mind: “Here comes the pain!” — JAMES WORTMAN

The Shield — "Special Op"

 

The voices of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns filled the arena, crackling through military walkie-talkies as they called out seemingly random terms: “Sierra. Hotel. India. Echo. Lima. Delta.” Anyone who ever did a stint in the Boy Scouts immediately recognized the phonetic alphabet spelling of the word Shield, but by that time it was already too late. The punishing crunch of militant guitars had kicked in and The Hounds of Justice had encircled their yard — the ring — ready to devour their latest prey. — JOEY STYLES

Legion of Doom — “What a Rush”

 

Hawk & Animal may have burst onto the national wrestling scene stalking to the ring while Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” blared over the sound system, but it’s their WWE theme that most fans will associate with The Road Warriors.

Kicking off with Hawk bellowing, “Oh, what a rush!,” the entrance music had distorted guitars that would blow out most speakers. The song exuded danger — a perfect fit for two massive guys in face paint and spiked shoulder pads who claimed to snack on it. — BOBBY MELOK

Mankind — “Wreck”

 

When the deranged Mankind arrived in WWE, he had not one, but two themes — a creepy orchestral hymn for his entrance and a calming piano ballad for his victories. But his next theme, which debuted after Mick finally became a lovable WWE Champion, was quintessential Foley.

As soon as that car crash echoes through an arena, The Hardcore Legend comes ambling out to the ring, red flannel and all. The tune is a catchy guitar riff in a happy, bubblegum key, forcing a smile on fans’ faces. And perhaps most appropriately, it has the one element that Foley has heard plenty of in his career: handclaps. — ZACH LINDER

Booker T — “Rap Sheet”

 

An entrance song becomes truly iconic when it stands the test of time. Such is the case with Booker T’s theme. It’s not so much the unique beat and simple, “Ice , ice, ice / Cold, cold, cold” lyrics that make the track a classic. Rather, it’s the fact that it has been the WWE Hall of Famer’s trademark music for more than two decades. Although he used a different theme while competing as King Booker, the former World Heavyweight Champion’s distinctive entrance dates all the way back to his time in WCW as a member of Harlem Heat. Can you dig it? — KEVIN POWERS

The Wyatt Family — "Live in Fear"

 

Bray Wyatt certainly seems insane, but there’s an undeniable groove to his madness, man, and The Eater of Worlds’ entrance music is as appropriately seductive and ominous as the man himself. Powered by a skulking bass riff and bursts of guitar that plume like bayou lily pads, Mark Crozer’s eerie theme tells of a man “broken out in love.” The song is entrancing and terrifying in equal measure, and by the time the showstopping guitar solo strikes at the bridge, listeners are compelled to either heed Wyatt’s famous warning — “run” — or surrender in full to the man himself. Obedience or flight. There is no in-between. — ANTHONY BENIGNO

Big Show — “Crank it Up”

 

In case the sound of The World’s Largest Footsteps wasn’t a dead giveaway, the opening line of his entrance theme makes it clear that he’s on his way. “Wellll, it’s the Big Show!” kicks off a hard-hitting track that doesn’t mess around with metaphor; its message of “Stand up to me / Then I'll plant you in the ground!” is apparent. The music behind the theme is fitting for the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The guitar riffs are heavy and deliberate, as if each strike of the chords was a massive fist in the face from The World’s Largest Athlete. — KEVIN POWERS

Honky Tonk Man — “Cool, Cocky, Bad”

 

The swaggering shake, rattle and roll of The Honky Tonk Man was put into musical form by “Colonel” Jimmy Hart in the rockabilly swing of “Cool, Cocky, Bad.” Performed by The Honky Tonk Man himself, the rollicking ode flatters the former Intercontinental Champion’s sideburns and ducktail hairdo while dissing The King with the sinful refrain of “Elvis who?” It may have been incendiary, but the song’s undeniably good time rock ‘n’ roll feel transcended the “cool, cocky and bad” persona that was exhibited both in and out of the ring by the Memphis native. — HOWARD FINKEL

Evolution — "Line in the Sand"

 

Motörhead is known for their hard-hitting heavy metal anthems, so it was a little surprising to see Lemmy belting out a slower tune for Evolution. With many people seeing Triple H and his crew of Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair as a modern twist on The Four Horsemen, Evolution needed a tune that exuded cool and confidence.

Lemmy and his band had no problem cranking out a song that was beyond cool while still retaining Motörhead’s trademark edge. If you close your eyes and listen to “Line in the Sand,” you can probably picture four suave bros getting out of a helicopter and into a limo to go party at the hottest club in the city. — BOBBY MELOK

John Cena — “Basic Thuganomics”

 

Before he fully embraced his role as WWE’s public face, John Cena swaggered to the ring to the buzzing violins and stutter step beat of “Basic Thuganomics." The dripping-with-arrogance hip-hop anthem announced the newcomer to the WWE Universe as a streetwise tough who was as dangerous with 16 bars as he was with armbars. With the supremely confident upstart laying down the vocals to his own entrance music, Cena set himself apart from the pack, turning what could have been a generic banger into his own persona defining war cry. As he warned on the track, “My theme song hits / Get your reinforcements.” — RYAN MURPHY

Goldust — “Gold Lust”

 

Every great piece of cinema deserves an equally arresting score, and the same was true of WWE’s most theatrical Superstar, Goldust.  Fortunately, the three-time Intercontinental Champion was gifted with just such an anthem, the provocative “Gold Lust.” The song’s harp-and-percussion opening gives way to an eerily soothing intro and then, with a dramatic rush of cymbals, the song settles into a looping, yet haunting tune that vacillates between menacing and triumphant hues. All the while, the theme boasts an undeniably mysterious tone that matched Goldust’s enigmatic persona. “Gold Lust” was a soundtrack so fitting it’d make John Williams proud. — JOHN CLAPP

Batista — “I Walk Alone”

 

Following his departure from Evolution and subsequent World Heavyweight Title Match against Triple H at WrestleMania 21, Batista’s entrance theme was re-imagined by the band Saliva. The title of the track, “I Walk Alone,” perfectly captured Batista’s new attitude and outlook. No longer did he need a faction to watch his back as he had stepped out from the shadow of The Game on his own. The theme was unique to The Animal and its opening riff always drove the WWE Universe to their feet in anticipation for his arrival. — KEVIN POWERS

Mr. Perfect — “Perfection”

 

“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig exuded confidence in everything that he did, a boundless self-assurance that was translated perfectly (forgive the pun) in his entrance theme. Taking a cue from the “Theme from Exodus” — the title song to a classic 1960 war film — the music’s soaring strings and grandiose cymbal crashes were a clear indicator that someone important was on his way. These rich, majestic sounds were tailor-made for the multitalented WWE Hall of Famer, but Hennig did not make a show of his entrance. He simply walked out in nondescript blue tights with a towel in his hand, and let his work in the ring be the show. — HOWARD FINKEL

CM Punk — “This Fire Burns”

 

Killswitch Engage's anthem properly asserted The Best in the World's fiery quest to the top, from his debut in 2006 to June 2011, when "This Fire Burns" became the official theme song for the first half of the infamous "Summer of Punk."

The song suited CM Punk perfectly — far better than Randy Orton, who'd actually sampled the song as his new entrance theme for two short weeks prior to WrestleMania 22. It was also too cool for just a single use as the event song for Judgment Day 2006.

The ballad's riffs, metal yells and impassioned lyrics that told a very genuine story, ensuring this song, like its title suggested, burned among the hottest entrance themes in WWE. — CRAIG TELLO

Dusty Rhodes — “Common Man Boogie”

 

There was no one in sports-entertainment quite like Dusty Rhodes. The American Dream had many facets to his colorful personality. From the “son of a plumber” grit to the blue-eyed soul that captivated fans around the world, The Dream’s multilayered persona made it difficult to capture him in one song.

WWE’s composers nailed it with “Common Man Boogie.” When Rhodes arrived on the WWE scene in 1989, a cowbell signaled his debut, followed by a groove that allowed Dusty to get funky like a monkey on his way to ringside. A few Bionic Elbows later, and it was time for The American Dream to boogie once again. — BOBBY MELOK

Mark Henry — “Some Bodies Gonna Get It”

 

Try waiting in the ring for your 400-pound strongman opponent while "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" forecasts your immediate future. The painfully honest and explicit lyrics by Three 6 Mafia — along with its ominous, thumping rhythm — make this street beat one of the more intimidating tunes for any Superstar on the WWE roster.

The rap anthem feels natural for Mark Henry's slow saunter, allowing the song's promise to sink in, well before the fearless behemoth even scuffs the ring steps with his massive boots. He's come a long way from Harlem, N.Y., to beat up bodies, split wigs and ensure that "somebody's gon' get they ass kicked." — CRAIG TELLO

D-Generation X — “Are You Ready?”

 

The opening moments of one of The Attitude Era’s most influential entrance themes didn’t just announce the impending arrival of D-Generation X. When The DX Band asked “Are you ready?” and the dual drumbeats hit the PA system, the WWE Universe knew immediately that the anti-corporate phenomenon would engulf the ring and anyone standing in it.

As the black-and-green clad band of misfits, including Triple H, Shawn Michaels and The New Age Outlaws, rallied The DX Army into formation, the rap-rock blend of the squared-circle protest anthem captured the energy and essence of this renegade outfit. Bow down to the masters. — MATTHEW ARTUS

Chris Jericho — “Break the Walls Down”

 

Chris Jericho’s 1999 WWE debut began with a foreboding countdown. Appropriately, the very same countdown heralding his arrival became the most identifiable element of “Break the Walls Down” — Y2J’s unmistakable entrance song. For more than a decade, Jericho’s theme has remained relatively the same and has come to impeccably fit The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla. Of course, the title itself is, perhaps, the best way to describe the actions of WWE’s first-ever Undisputed Champion. When he left WCW for WWE, he certainly broke the walls down, proving that he was ready for the main event. — KEVIN POWERS

Ultimate Warrior — “Unstable”

 

Sure, Ultimate Warrior's face paint, colorful ring gear and unhinged attitude made him an unmistakable personality, but it was the icon's blistering entrance theme that completed the package. The driving rhythm of a fast and frantic guitar riff seemed to propel Warrior toward victory.

“The match between him and that theme was perfect,” WWE composer Jim Johnston said. “When that thing hit and that guy shot out of the back like a cannonball, the energy in the room went up by 500 degrees.” — KEVIN POWERS

Randy Savage — “Pomp and Circumstance”

 

Anticipation swelled in arenas across the globe when the beginning notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” played. The rising horns of English composer Sir Edward Elgar’s stirring march signaled the impending arrival of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. This entrance theme — once favored by archetypal wrestling villain Gorgeous George — fit Savage like a sequined cowboy hat, and he loved every note of it. The “Macho Man” played up to the music’s peaks, climbing to the top rope to acknowledge the plaudits of the adoring WWE Universe while waving a pointed finger in the air, as if conducting some imaginary orchestra. Epic? Ooh yeah! — HOWARD FINKEL

Kurt Angle — "Medal"

 

As the only Olympic gold medalist in WWE history, Kurt Angle deserved an anthem befitting an American hero. No surprise then that his entrance theme was an updated version of a song that once belonged to WWE’s all-American superhero, The Patriot. Capturing the pride and competitive spirit that defined the “Wrestling Machine,” the theme was a great fit, but it ended up turning on Angle, as his arrogance led WWE fans to chant “You suck!” in time with the rhythm. Still, you know that you have some of the best music around when the WWE Universe takes your entrance theme and creates an entirely new entity. — KEVIN POWERS

John Cena — “The Time is Now”

 

Recorded by John Cena and his cousin, Tha Trademarc, in 2005, “The Time Is Now” has not only remained Cena’s anthem for eight years running, but is one of the most instantly recognizable entrance themes of the modern era.  With a catchy horn hook and a driving hip-hop beat that elicits an impassioned response from any WWE crowd — either positive or negative — the track’s best moments actually come courtesy of Cena’s impressive lyricism. For example, it’s pretty impossible not to love this line: “If they hate, let ’em hate / I’ll drop your whole clan / Lay yo’ a** down for the three-second tan.” — JAMES WORTMAN

The Million Dollar Man — “It’s All About the Money”

 

The Million Dollar Man’s unmistakable cackle opened a theme song that served as an infuriating reminder of the golden rule — as in the guy with the gold makes the rules. Sung by the Million Dollar Champion himself, the entrance theme told members of the WWE Universe everything they needed to know about the greedy Superstar. Specifically, “Everybody’s got a price / Everybody’s going to pay / Because The Million Dollar Man / Always gets his way.” It may have been an enraging anthem, but that’s only because every word of it was true. — KEVIN POWERS

Kane — “Burned”

 

The Undertaker inspires gloom and doom of the highest order, but how to convey the menace of his younger brother, Kane, in musical form? Jim Johnston’s inaugural theme for The Big Red Monster encapsulated his fiery rage and mystique in full. A “Phantom of the Opera”-style overture set the proper mood for a masked man as the arena plunged into darkness. Then, suddenly, a burst of fire gave way to a demonic wah-wah riff that sounded as if it was shredded by Lucifer himself on a Les Paul made of human bones. Save yourselves, if you can. — ANTHONY BENIGNO

Mr. McMahon — "No Chance in Hell"

 

When Mr. McMahon made the transformation from mild-mannered announcer to ruthless tyrant, he needed to let the world know that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. The WWE Chairman had to let his foes realize that they had no chance in hell of getting one over on him.

His infamous entrance music did exactly that. With a guitar riff that exudes swagger, “No Chance in Hell” matches up perfectly with Mr. McMahon’s inimitable strut. As soon as it hits their eardrums, members of the WWE Universe know that someone is going to face The Chairman’s wrath. — BOBBY MELOK

The Brood — “Blood”

 

With their affinity for pirate shirts and a stylized entrance that saw the trio rise up through a ring of fire as if they’d just taken an elevator from hell, Edge, Christian and Gangrel brought a gothic cool to WWE at a time when Hot Topic stores still seemed kinda dangerous. But it was the trio's theme — with its lurching church organ and moaning wah-wah guitars — that pulled the whole thing together. Stalking to the ring in time with the music, the creeping Brood in red-stained clothing nearly convinced audiences that “Blood” was the last thing they’d ever hear. — RYAN MURPHY

Randy Orton — “Voices”

 

Telling a tale about the motivations and reckless nature of a man who earned the moniker The Viper, Rev Theory's "Voices" melodically cuts as deep and strikes just as hard as Randy Orton himself.

The words detail what makes a predator tick, depicting a realm of wicked thoughts coiling throughout his brain. There's a discussion and exchange encouraging malevolence and bloodlust. It's the story of a relentless madman, but set to a super-catchy, albeit "screamo" refrain that gives way to badass rock. Plus, it makes one hell of a soundtrack for a beat-timed RKO video compilation. — CRAIG TELLO

Shawn Michaels — "Sexy Boy"

 

Few entrance themes encompassed the essence of a Superstar like “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels’ "Sexy Boy." The ego-infused tune not only greatly professed the love that the ladies had for The Showstopper, but he himself got behind the microphone to record it.

Written by WWE Hall of Famer "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart and WWE composer Jim Johnston, HBK’s monument to self-adoration was originally belted out by his one-time manager, “Sensational” Sherri Martel. His eventual takeover of the lead vocals stands as just another testament to a larger-than-life persona that would skyrocket into legend. — MICHAEL BURDICK

Triple H — "The Game"

 

Few WWE Superstars come to the ring accompanied by anthems composed and performed by world-renowned musicians. Thirteen-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and WWE COO Triple H is one of those few.

“The Game” is the third entrance theme written for, well, The Game, by Motörhead, the rock gods who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during the past 37 years. The song’s ripping guitar line shakes the rafters, but it’s the gravel voice of lead singer — and the only consistent Motörhead member — Ian “Lemmy” Kilmster — who makes each of Triple H’s unfortunate opponents realize that they are in for the fight of their lives. — JOEY STYLES

Ric Flair — “Also sprach Zarathustra”

 

Some Superstar's have entrance themes automatically recognizable to wrestling fans that leave an indelible mark in their minds. Such is the case with Ric Flair. From the first “Woooo,” you know that “The Nature Boy” is on his way. The entrance theme has the punch that signifies greatness, and puts the stamp on one of the all-time best in our industry. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer has utilized his theme for three decades plus, and has taken a wonderful “odyssey” with it. — HOWARD FINKEL

The Rock — “Electrifying”

 

A pulse of electricity shoots through the air, hairs stand on end and men, women and children alike go weak in the knees as The Rock’s voice booms through the loudspeakers: “IF YA SMEEELLLLLLL …” The famous slogan gives way to a bombastic guitar/synth combo that could only befit a man such as the jabroni-beatin’, pie-eatin’, trailblazin’, eyebrow-raisin’ People’s Champ THE ROCK. Frankly, if this song doesn’t compel you to splurge on a $5,000 Rolex and the kind of electrifying Coogi sweater that would make The Notorious B.I.G. jealous, a re-examination of priorities and, indeed, life in general, is necessary. — ANTHONY BENIGNO

The Undertaker — "Graveyard Symphony"

 

For the past 25 years, The Deadman’s entrance theme has become one of sports-entertainment’s most iconic pieces of music.

"I sat at the piano and wrote this incredibly delicate piano theme thinking it was a funeral dirge,” WWE composer Jim Johnston said. “But what if this Superstar was being buried at St. Patrick’s Cathedral? They’d probably play the theme on some gigantic organ and there would probably be a chorus and bells.”

The orchestration has stuck as The Phenom’s longtime theme, which has varied slightly in the two decades since.

“It became an opus,” Johnston said. “And that guy’s had a career that deserves an opus.” — ZACH LINDER

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin — "Hell Frozen Over"

 

No other theme could have more perfectly captured “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s charge to the squared circle. His solid black boots seemed to punctuate each and every heart-pounding guitar chord. The riffs followed Austin as he rose to each turnbuckle, saluting the thousands in attendance. But that famous shattering of glass that signaled The Texas Rattlesnake’s arrival wasn’t easy to create for WWE’s composer, Jim Johnston.

“I had difficulty creating a glass break that felt violent enough,” Johnston said. “[It] ended up being a combination of three different glass breaks, someone falling downstairs and a car crash all mixed together.”

Sounds about right for “Stone Cold.” — ZACH LINDER

Edge — “Metalingus”

 

From the repeating “You think you know me?” at the song’s outset to the chorus of “On this day …”, Alter Bridge’s “Metallingus” is so identifiable as distinctly WWE that it’s become virtually inseparable from the Superstar it ushers into the ring, WWE Hall of Famer Edge.

Transcendent in that it is no longer just a hard-rock anthem, the tune has become so closely associated with The Rated-R Superstar that it’s hard to imagine Alter Bridge playing the driving chords of “Metallingus” to a live audience and not seeing Edge bust through the curtain.

A timeless WWE tune for a timeless WWE Superstar, “Metallingus” — and Edge — will live on forever in WWE lore. — ALEX GIANNINI