As part of the Five Star Network’s series of looking at ‘Top Tens’ of subjects within wrestling, we asked our writer and wrestling theme connoisseur, The Ninety Fourth, to list his top ten entrance themes from the WWF during the 1990-95 period.
The early 1990s were an interesting period for the then-WWF. It was defined by strong characters and the focus and promotion of younger talent (hence why it is known as the “New Generation Era”). It is sandwiched between the famous “Rock n’ Wrestling” period of the 1980s, famous for its cartoon-like gimmicks, and the legendary “Attitude Era” of the latter half of the 90s, with its more realistic and grittier characters. Even though the early 90s aren’t as fondly remembered as what came before and after, there were still beloved wrestlers who rose to prominence within the federation during that period. Many of those names would become major players during the forthcoming “Monday Night Wars” and the Attitude Era on either side of the battle.
The “New Generation Era” also produced plenty of superb entrance themes. It was the start of the legendary composer Jim Johnston’s involvement in creating wrestling themes. This was an area he would become famous for throughout the decade and beyond. Whilst “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, more known for being in a prominent manager role on TV, was also still participating in the music creation process for certain individuals. The bombastic characters of the era needed equally big themes to match their psyches, and Johnston, Hart, et al, were certainly up to the task. Here is a list of my ten favourite entrance themes from that period of the WWE. They are not sorted by preference, but just in the order that the entrance themes popped out of my memory banks.
NOTE: There is one obvious song I could mention from this period of time, but I will not, and I shall not, say anything about that yellow and red-clad fool, brother.
i. Repo Man
One of the first themes I can remember from that period. Although it is not the most famous of Barry Darsow’s many gimmicks over the years, Repo Man’s theme seems to have stuck in my head. Someone repeatedly saying “Repo Man” in a deep, creepy voice backed by a heavy bassline makes it one of my favorite themes from the early 1990s. The repetitive rhythm emphasizes the character’s ratlike, crafty, and conniving personality. I still say “Repo Man” in the same style of voice on sporadic occasions for no reason. Wrestling can have that effect I guess? Just remind me not to repossess Macho Man’s hat…
ii. Jake “The Snake” Roberts
I chose Jake Roberts’ less-heralded heel theme for this. It is a slowed-down and more intense version of his 80s face version, with him calling out “Do ya trust me?” throughout. It is apt for the sinister yet charismatic character “The Snake” would have during his heel run in the early 1990s. A truly haunting and unsettling song and perfect for his then persona.
iii. “The Model” Rick Martel
Yes, this is a tune! The ‘Sound of Arrogance’. This lounge-style theme would be perfect for “The Model” to parade down the catwalk (or towards the ring). Plus, it is an excellent soundtrack to Rick Martel’s classic vignette adverts that advertised his male cologne, “Arrogance”, to the great unwashed. A classic theme that was so good, it was later remixed and used for Val Venis during the Attitude Era. Sadly, Val was not as refined as Martel, and he didn’t have a cool badge!
iv. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
The iconic laugh intro alone puts it on the list and makes it instantly recognizable. However, the “money, money, money, money, moneeeeeey” chorus ensures it is one of the absolute best entrance themes of all time in my opinion. Not to mention, MDM is one of my favorite wrestlers of all time, and the best heel of the era. Just check out his vignettes from that period to find out why he was so hated (and so loved by myself). Ted DiBiase often declared that “everybody’s got a price”, but this theme is truly priceless! Mwhahahaha!
v. Mr. Perfect
A perfect theme for a perfect wrestler. An orchestral theme that has an almost Olympic, gladiatorial quality to it. You knew a true champion and all-around athlete was coming to the ring when this music was played. It is made memorable through the iconic vignettes that showed Curt Hennig’s natural athletic ability. Even though this song came out in 1989, Mr. Perfect defined the early 1990s WWF scene for me and he is another of my favorites from that time period. The theme was later remixed for his son, Curtis Axel, during the mid-2010s, to banging results.
vi. The Legion of Doom
This guitar-riff-heavy song is perfect for one of the most popular tag teams in wrestling history. Hawk’s guttural and gruff “URRGGHHHH WHAT A RUSH!” at the start is just superb. You just knew that some poor so-and-sos were going to get their backsides handed to them by the Road Warriors. The guitar solo during the middle is reminiscent of a motorbike revving up. This was apt considering the tag team’s penchant for making their way to the ring on motorbikes long before Biker ‘Taker made it more famous as an entrance. Plus, their characters were based on the biker gangs from the film Mad Max 2.
vii. “The Narcissist” Lex Luger
This is a perfectly haunting theme for a person who was in love with his appearance. He just couldn’t help but flex in front of a mirror and admire his own chiseled physique before a match. The heel version of Lex Luger is the one I was first introduced to when I started watching wrestling. Therefore, I always prefer this theme over his ‘American hero’ theme and gimmick. Plus he had the appearance to make the character believable and hateable down perfectly. One of the best entrance songs for an arrogant heel!
viii. Bret “Hitman” Hart
That instantly recognizable guitar riff at the start, followed by that increasing drum sound before the song hits, is just iconic. The ideal theme for “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be”! Although it has been remixed over the decades for the future iterations of the Hart wrestling dynasty within the WWE, Bret Hart’s original theme is still clearly the best and stands the test of time!
ix. Razor Ramon
Hey, y’all! Scott Hall’s Scarface-inspired gimmick needed a cool entrance theme to match the man’s charisma, and Jim Johnston worked his magic to perfection once again. The song just oozes machismo with a salsa drum beat to reflect Razor Ramon’s Latino background. Interestingly, the car screech at the start of the song is the same sound sample used at the start of Mick Foley’s theme later on in the decade. One of the best themes of all time, chico!
x. Shawn Michaels
Probably the most famous wrestling theme song of all time and it originated from this period. It is so perfect that Shawn Michaels never changed it for nearly all of his solo career. Although his manager at the time, the WWE Hall of Famer Sensational Sherri, originally sang the song (also a superb version), you have to go with the version that the “Heartbreak Kid” sang himself. There’s something awesome and unique about a wrestler putting themselves on vocals to sing their own entrance theme. Plus you can still hear Sherri singing in the chorus and backing vocals. Magic!
So, do you agree with The Ninety Fourth’s Top 10 list or are there other WWF/E entrance themes from that period that you prefer? Please let us know your opinions, or suggestions that you would have in your top 10 for that period of the WWF, in the comments section below. Alternatively, contact us via our social media channels. We would love to read your suggestions!
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