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/E during the enthralling and historic ‘Attitude Era’ period.
The “Attitude Era” is the most famous and influential period of WWE’s illustrious history. It is the period between November 1997 and May 2002, when the WWF shifted its focus to more adult-orientated content in terms of storylines and match types. Whereas its characters became grittier and more realistic. A stark contrast to the cartoonish and over-the-top nature of the 1980s and early 1990s. This change in philosophy was a result of the “Monday Night Wars”. They saw WWF’s flagship show Raw in fierce competition with WCW’s Nitro for ratings every Monday night.
Naturally, the WWF were the sole survivor of the war. Alas, for a long period, they were constantly losing the ratings battle against their opponent. Resultantly, to appeal to their core 16-30 demographic, they needed to become ‘edgier’, as were the tastes at that time, and so the Attitude Era was organically formed. It also helped the company possess generational talents like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, Mankind, Triple H, et al, at their peak or establishing themselves as top talents, which helped them ultimately win the conflict.
The Attitude Era was also a goldmine was some of the finest entrance themes of all time. Legendary composer Jim Johnston was in his absolute prime during this period, creating a multitude of songs that will be forever adored by wrestling fans. Because of Johnston’s stellar body of work, it was a very difficult task to narrow down my selection to just ten. I appreciate that there are perhaps some obvious omissions within my list, such as the themes for Austin, The Rock, etc. Nonetheless, I wanted to choose ten songs that I just loved (and still enjoy) listening to regardless of that wrestler’s status within the company during the Attitude Era.
As with the previous Top Ten list, my selection is not sorted by preference, but just in the order that the entrance themes popped out of my memory banks.
[READ: Top Ten: 1990-95 WWF Entrance Themes]
i. The Brood / New Brood / Gangrel
The first choice on this list is one of the entrance themes that I always remember and enjoy from that period of WWF/E. It was initially used by The Brood (Gangrel, Edge, and Christian). Later it was used by The New Brood (with Matt and Jeff Hardy replacing Edge & Christian). Finally, it was just used by the group’s leader when the vampiric wrestler went on a solo run. The spooky, gothic introduction with the creepy ethereal voices is perfect for the gimmick, before the guitar kicks in and makes it epic. Combine it with the group’s appearance as they rose through a circle of fire, and it’s one of the most iconic entrances during the Attitude Era. The ideal song to listen to while consuming an overflowing goblet of ‘red, viscous liquid’…
ii. Edge
The second appearance of a Brood member on this list. “You think you know me?” – one of the most iconic lines of any entrance theme originates from Edge’s debut song. The lyric was later used as an intro to his more beloved theme songs. But I always preferred this version from his career. The music from the third iteration is even better when combined with the related Titantron. The best part is Edge just randomly running down a Toronto street toward the camera in a red or blue, and black filter.
iii. Christian
The best entrance theme of all time! THE BEST! To be fair to Christian (Cage), he has had fantastic songs throughout his career in the WWE, TNA, and now AEW. However, none of them come close to the third Brood member’s first solo theme. The operatic singing of “CHRISTIAAAAAAAN!” at the start, and throughout the song, with a guitar rhythm that truly slaps, is pure perfection. I will never tire of listening to this. The magnum opus of entrance themes! “At last, you’re on your owwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnn!”
iv. Hardy Boyz
The Hardys’ ‘Loaded’ theme is quite unique for WWE themes because it seems to have been a royalty-free song. There have been many occasions when I have recognized its usage in other television programs throughout the years. Nonetheless, it is still one of the best from the Attitude Era and a perfect fit for Team Xtreme. A high-energy song for a high-energy team. That drumbeat introduction before going into the guitar solo is awesome.
v. Test
“This is a Test. This IS a Test…” – I would say this line every single time I ever had a test in school or university, and then hum the theme song afterward. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME! Even though the rest of the lyrics seem to be absolute gibberish and the late Canadian superstar’s Titantron was one of the worst with him either just walking, flicking his hair, or harumphing through it, this song is still a banger!
vi. Triple H
“One, two… Is this on?” ‘My Time’ was the perfect song for that point in his career. A song with swagger and cockiness that exuded Hunter’s character. This blaring in the background with him wearing the leather jacket, sunglasses, and backward leather flat cap is absolute peak Triple H in my opinion! Mötorhead would later use the bassline to this song for ‘The Game’.
vii. Chris Jericho
Whatever you think of Y2J as a wrestler or person nowadays, his theme songs have always been decent throughout his career. Naturally, his WWE entrance song goes onto this list. However, I have chosen the version he had on his debut (which is still one of my favorite debuts of all time) without the countdown intro. I just prefer this grittier version of ‘Break The Walls Down’, with the added rap lyrics than the future, cleaned-up version of it for some reason.
viii. D’Lo Brown
Just like the man himself, the song is an underrated selection from the Attitude Era. It became one of my favorites mainly through playing Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth and Here Comes The Pain religiously in my youth, and always coming up against him during my career modes playthroughs. Even though he’d frustrate me in the gaming world, it was one hell of a hip-hop theme that you just couldn’t help but shake your head to it. “You’re looking at the real deal now! WOO-OOOOOOOH!”
ix. Taka Michinoku
I had to include Taka’s theme even though he’s practically used it for the vast majority of his legendary career. Obviously, I have chosen the WWE-endorsed, Kaientai-era, non-cuss word version of his ‘Yamato Suite Part 4’ theme. There’s no way Vince would have allowed “TAKA. Is. Coming!…Muthaf**ka!” as an introduction, haha! Just a really cool song with the shamisen intro and traditional Japanese instrument vibe being punctuated with a brilliant heavy guitar melody throughout. No wonder he kept using it!
x. Dan Severn
A badass theme for a legit badass guy! Dan “The Beast” Severn was one of the first high-profile, former MMA fighters to switch to the WWE. He utilized his MMA background in his move set making him unique to other wrestlers at that period, and somewhat ahead of his time. When coming down to the ring with a multitude of titles and having the best damn mustache in the business, you need a theme that displays the danger this man is. This song certainly fulfills that brief and more. One of my absolute favorites of all time!
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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