The importance of an entrance theme cannot be overstated. It is the audience’s first introduction to a wrestler and consequently, immediately informs their perspective of that performer. Is this guy a fearsome brute? A mesmerizing high flyer? Or a career jobber? A lot can be gauged simply by how he or she makes their way to the ring.
A good entrance, in just thirty seconds, effectively communicates a wrestler’s gimmick, traits, and standing in the company. And the theme music is a critical ingredient in that entrance pie. It’s the raspberry jam in the Danish pastry. The custard filling in a fresh doughnut. The… what were we talking about?
Oh, right, entrance themes.
WWE can be criticized for many things in 2018, but outstanding theme music is not one of them. Whether it be the main roster or the company’s developmental brand, NXT, the promotion is flush with great wrestlers and excellent entrances. The type of excellent entrances worthy of being ranked in list form perhaps.
Well, if that’s the kind of thing you’re into then you’ve come to right place. In what follows, you’ll find the definitive ranking of the best entrance music in WWE today. Or not so definitive – there’s a lot of great entrance music out there, I can be swayed.
A point of clarification before we get started though. While there are many great songs out there, not all of them match the wrestler. To earn a place on this list, entrance theme and performer need to compliment one another. There must be a measure of synchronicity. So, for example, while Bobby Roode’s and Shinsuke’s themes may be absolutely Naka-glorious, they (at this point in time) are most certainly not and you therefore won’t find reference to either here.
So with that qualifier in mind, let’s roll on with the entrances that did cut the mustard. I really need to eat something.
10. SAnitY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w41bzlvSi4&t=62s
I struggled to justify a spot for this theme on the list, purely because SAnitY has been treated as little more than a joke since their debut on the main roster earlier this year. Ultimately though, I settled on assigning them the opening entry, simply by virtue of how great the song is and how well it matched the group during their NXT run.
The music is everything SAnitY represents in the ring: disorienting, chaotic and haunting. Plus it’s just downright unsettling. Don’t believe me? Imagine you’re alone at night, walking down a narrow, abandoned alleyway when suddenly this song starts playing… I bet you’ll be in a flat-out sprint by the time the first bit of haunting laughter rolls around.
9. Ember Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLZybc-xIKA
You know you’ve got some great entrance music when Triple H decides to have a live band play you down to the ring. And that’s exactly what happened to Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans in April this year.
Coupled with the smoke and ominous backlighting is the languid soundtrack accompanying Moon to the ring. While I’m still not entirely sure what her gimmick is exactly (it’s some sort of werewolf deal, right?), the theme neatly amplifies the mystery.
The former NXT Women’s Champion seemingly possesses everything it takes to be a star in WWE – cool music, a great look, in-ring ability and an awesome finisher. My only hope is that the company realises the gem it has on its hands and gives her the push she deserves. I’m not even set on a title shot, but maybe we could start with a storyline of sort. You know, baby steps.
8. Kevin Owens
This entrance has lost some of its luster since Owens transitioned from being the ‘Prize Fighter’ to becoming ‘the guy Braun Strowman tipped over in a portable toilet on live TV’. Nevertheless, it remains too good to be ignored.
From the opening riff to the crescendo of guitars and drums, you know this guy is a legitimate brawler who wants nothing more than a decent fight. The music is brash, aggressive and uncompromising – and, for a time, so was Owens.
7. Asuka
The continued popularity of Asuka since her win streak was unceremoniously ended by Charlotte at WrestleMania speaks volumes. Despite suffering the damaging loss and months of awful booking thereafter, the ‘Empress of Tomorrow’ remains a formidable force and perennial fan favorite.
This can in no small part be attributed to her talent between the ropes of course, but also her unforgettable entrance. Strutting to the ring adorned in a colorful mask and flashy robe (don’t let Drake Maverick get his urine soaked hands on it!), Asuka’s entrance music suits her perfectly. The somewhat eccentric, energetic, electronic tune effectively mirrors her unpredictable and lethal style.
6. Brock Lesnar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koXgDhB5IyU&t=29s
Nothing announces the entrance of a monster badass quite like the sound of a drum set being smashed to pieces.
It’s the music that used to play in my head while marching to the principal’s office to explain why I had been kicked out of history class yet again. Now it’s what I hear whenever I claim a deductible on my tax return. Time claims all rebels, chaps.
My point is that you hear the primal, violent beat and know exactly what’s coming – an unrelenting, uncaring monster with bad intentions.
5. The Undertaker
Admittedly this list was meant to be confined to active wrestlers, and anyone who’s seen ‘Taker wrestle in the last year will be hard-pressed to describe his efforts as anything even remotely resembling “active”.
That said, he is still making appearances for the company and undeniably boasts one of the most iconic theme tunes of all time. And the fact that it’s such a banger is a blessing too, because it routinely takes the ‘Deadman’ several lifetimes to get to the ring. I could literally feel my beard grow during his last entrance at Crown Jewel.
Length aside though, the Phenom’s entrance remains as memorable today as it was 25 years ago. Eerie, dramatic and otherworldly, it’s impossible not to get excited whenever the Undertaker’s massive dong strikes. Just ask Michelle McCool.
4. Aleister Black
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cSZ3Vsugso
“No man is ever truly good. No man is ever truly evil.”
Are there any twelve words that more appropriately capture the moral ambivalence of the former NXT Champion? I mean, sure, you could go with “vengeful Dutchman with unnerving habit of separating people’s heads from their shoulders”. Or maybe “human-shaped ball of rage, wrapped in tattoos and a leather vest”. But they’re not nearly as catchy or easy to build music around.
So instead we’re left with this cracker of a tune for the ‘Ominous Man from Amsterdam’. The sedate opening, seamlessly giving way to the loud, angry roar once the lyrics kick in, perfectly mirror Black’s temperament. Just like the song, Aleister’s cool demeanor belies the dangerous assassin beneath.
3. Shayna Baszler
The ‘Queen of Spades’ is everything that WWE has failed to accomplish with Nia Jax and Tamina. An unflinching machine, hellbent on tearing her opponents apart, the first ever two-time NXT Women’s Champion is one dangerous and methodical force of nature.
Starting off with what I like to think is a malfunctioning dishwasher being dragged behind two horses, everything about this theme yells “woman you do not want to mess with”. It’s powerful, intimidating and absolutely awesome.
Particular shout-out to Mauro Ranallo for sealing Baszler’s essence with one of the best calls from last month’s NXT TakeOver WarGames II:
“There are 206 bones in an adult human skeleton. Baszler would take great pleasure in breaking every one.”
We salute you for your service, Mauro.
2. The Undisputed Era
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7k1fhZu7TQ&t=175s
Purposefully reminiscent of the NWO theme from the 90s – a faction they share many similarities with – the Undisputed Era’s entrance is about as good as they come.
Equal parts obnoxious, cool and unashamedly self-absorbed, you can’t help but get behind this team once the opening notes of their theme hits. The song is great, the group is terrific, Kyle O’Reilly is a treasure we aren’t worthy of – everything about this entrance is perfect.
And believe me when I say that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve nonchalantly pointed at yourself with your thumb while mouthing the word “boom”. Highly recommended at weddings and bar mitzvahs.
1. “The Demon” Finn Bálor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lV2HGLt2-E
This is an important distinction. I’m specifically talking about the ‘Demon’ entrance, and ONLY the ‘Demon’ entrance. Trust me, there’s a difference.
Whereas bog standard, ab-zilla Finn Bálor has become little more than a toothy mid-carder on Raw, his ‘Demon’ persona remains one of the most formidable competitors on the roster. Donning the body paint and serious look somehow transforms the Irishman into the second greatest wrestler on Earth right now… sorry Finn, maybe once Shane O’Mac hangs ’em up.
And it’s hard for anyone who’s witnessed the Demon’s entrance to argue that fact. As the lights dim and smoke fills the aisle, the regular, pulsating rhythm permeates the arena. Each flash of light is in lockstep with the sound of a heartbeat, slowly accelerating as the sense of anticipation builds. The room collectively inhales as a silhouette creeps through the smoke blanketing the ramp. And then the guitar riff kicks in.
It’s a truly awesome entrance, underpinned by a phenomenal theme that we only get to hear on special occasions. The electric opening, powerful melody, general rarity and compatibility with the character make this an easy choice at number one on the list.
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