From repetition to innovation: How WWE’s embrace of unique music transforms presentation

Entrance music has long been a key element of professional wrestling, helping to define a wrestler’s persona and set them apart. Would John Cena be the same without his iconic theme songs, in which he raps himself to the ring? Could CM Punk’s identity be separated from the crowd’s enthusiastic singalong to Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality?” Simply put, a wrestler’s entrance music matters — whether they kick off the show, compete in a dark match or headline with a world title win.

Recently, however, WWE's entrance music has faced criticism. The shift began when WWE hired Def Rebel to replace CFO$, the duo who had previously succeeded legendary wrestling producer Jim Johnston. Since Def Rebel took over, fans have noted a decline in the quality and uniqueness of the entrance themes. The 2024 Royal Rumble highlighted the issue, with several generic songs failing to signal which wrestler was entering the ring. Often, these themes were only distinguishable by a brief soundbite at the start, announcing the wrestler's name or featuring a catchphrase. This lack of creativity left fans longing for the days of better original themes or licensed music from outside artists.

That trend may change for the better very soon. On the USA Network premiere of WWE SmackDown, fans were treated to a brand new show opening and theme song: Megan Thee Stallion and RM’s ‘Neva Play,’ immediately showcasing WWE's newfound ability to branch outside their usual wheelhouse for music. While this opening and song received mixed reactions from WWE fans, it was nevertheless a welcome change from the generic music and undifferentiable soundbites that plagued WWE screens and speakers for the last five years.

While some may say that wrestling and hip-hop do not mix, that could not be further from the truth. If wrestling and hip-hop did not mix, perhaps the greatest wrestler of all time, John Cena, would not have a platinum-selling rap album. If wrestling and hip-hop did not mix, Three Six Mafia would not have played Mark Henry to the ring for 16 years, even performing live on SmackDown once in 2006. Long story short, wrestling and hip-hop have been intertwined for decades, and the switch to a hip-hop song for SmackDown's new presentation is just a sign of the evolving times.

The importance of entrance music cannot be overstated. Even wrestlers who didn’t achieve main-event success, like Maven or Heath Slater, are remembered for their themes. Additionally, music can just as easily ruin a wrestler's presentation and make them indistinguishable. One of the biggest examples is pre-Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. Oftentimes criticized for being a relic of The Shield during his babyface run, long after the group disbanded, Reigns' theme music being a copy of The Shield's iconic track, minus the opening soundbite, did not help his case and often made fans groan once "The Truth Reigns" blared through speakers. It wasn’t until Reigns adopted a new theme — one of Def Rebel’s rare standout tracks — that he was fully embraced as a main event talent.

As WWE enters a new era under Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the company seems to be placing renewed emphasis on the power of music. Levesque, a former wrestler and world champion, understands this firsthand, having been played to the ring by Motörhead for much of his career. Fan complaints have seemingly been heard, and WWE is looking to improve its overall presentation. The shift in music direction may be just the start of those efforts.

With a bigger focus on music, WWE is signaling a change that could reinvigorate its shows and give wrestlers the unique presentation they deserve.