During the late 90’s and into the year 2000, there was nothing I loved more than playing WWE Smackdown and listening to “The Slim Shady LP” or “The Marshall Mathers LP”. I’d get a rush and take out a lot of frustration and angst during those nights home from school.
As a professional wrestling fan, WWE in particular, “WWE Smackdown” and other incarnations of the games were video games we waited all year for to play. “Who’s going to be in it?” “What will the story mode be like?” “Will they get rid of those damn camera flashes during a Special/Finishing Move?” These were the questions that young fans asked about the game. However, the side of me that lived in a broken home and was picked on throughout Middle School, that side of me loved Eminem.
Throughout his career, Eminem a.k.a. Marshall Mathers, has been controversial (putting it mildly) commenting on American society, social and economic classes, racism, sexism, misogynistic views, even some masochistic beliefs just to name a few all through his music. Over time and after some demons that he needed to rid himself of in his personal life, Eminem’s music has actually taken a turn and become less offensive and less controversial which actually has made him BETTER.
Taking a walk down memory lane, I decided to compile a list of songs from Eminem that can actually be compared to WWE Superstars, both past and present. The criteria isn’t just song content, it can be as simple as a title that stuck out or it can contain both. This article may draw the ire of many fans, so I apologize in advance. I am a firm believer in the good that these men and women have done in their professional lives and I appreciate the art in which they create for all of the WWE Universe: Past, Present and Future.
“Kim” – Chris Benoit
Lets get this one out of the way now, shall we? Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 10 years, you know that former WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, killed his wife and son. No one knows why, however, some believe that because of his dependency on pain killers and other substances this may be what pushed Benoit over the edge. The song Kim is the fictional account of what it would be like if Eminem killed his real-life wife, Kim Mathers.
“You’re Never Over” – Mojo Rawley
“You’re Never Over” is actually a memorial of sorts to Eminem’s best friend, Proof, who was shot and killed. Some say that this is where Marshall Mathers lost control of his personal life. The term “over” in pro wrestling is one that means your character is relevant and you are someone that fans will actually pay money to see. It means that you’re a draw. Mojo Rawley is not a draw. Not now. Not ever.
“On Fire” – Kane
This was used just for the title, as WWE Superstar Kane, was “kayfabe” burned alive by his brother, The Undertaker (accidentally).
“Not Afraid” – John Cena
Many of Eminem’s songs about standing up against adversity can be applied to John Cena. Cena has been the most polarizing WWE Superstar for over 10 years. However, Cena still puts on great matches, still makes many Make A Wish visits and is still the company man and flag bearer for WWE. He never backs down from a challenge and always rises to the occasion.
“White America” – Michael Hayes
“White America” is a song that bashes the media. Eminem is pointing out that he is blamed for a lot of what’s wrong with American society and that if a parent blames him for their children acting up, he points the finger back at them for not taking responsibility for their own kids. Michael Hayes has been ridiculed for using the “N-word” backstage at a WWE live event to Mark Henry in some capacity, which drew the anger of many people. When referencing the WWE booking team as “racists”, Michael Hayes is often talked about.
“Love The Way You Lie” – Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman has been bashed and even lauded as one of the best promoters and bookers in professional wresting history. In his eyes, “The best bookers sometimes need to lie in order to get the very best from their talent.”
“Rap God” – Brock Lesnar
Rap God is 6 minutes and 3 seconds of Eminem proving that he is an absolute monster and one of the best, if not the absolute best rapper in hip-hop music. Sound like anyone familiar?
“Lose Yourself” – Adrian Neville
Lose Yourself is one of the more popular Eminem songs from the “8 Mile” movie soundtrack. It’s basically about a young man who is getting “the opportunity of a lifetime” to prove and show everyone what he can do. Adrian Neville is a WWE Superstar who recently made his main roster debut from NXT and absolutely killed it.
“Purple Pills” – Shawn Michaels
Purple Pills could actually be given to HBK or Scott Hall due to their use of drugs througout their lives and careers. Both men have made remarkable changes to their lives and have become professional as well as personally successful. But this song had to make this list, so here it is.
“Just Don’t Give a Fuck” – Randy Orton
Early on in Randy Orton’s career, he had many run-ins with WWE management as well as WWE Talent. Everything from Wellness Policy infractions to defecating in the purses of WWE Divas. Randy Orton is not the first to ever do these things, however, when you’re handpicked and your family is as famous and respected as are the Ortons’, then maybe you should care a bit more. Randy has for a long time changed things for himself and is one of the leaders of the WWE locker room.
“Talkin’ 2 Myself” – R-Truth
For awhile, R-Truth spoke to an imaginary child named “Lil’ Jimmy”, who was supposed to be a reference to all the children who love and support John Cena. That is all.
“Going Through Changes” – Chyna
First she was the bodyguard of Triple H and later Shawn Michaels. She then received breast implants and became a member of the legendary wrestling faction, Degeneration X. After she parted ways with the group, she became the first and only female WWE Intercontinental Champion as well as the first female participant in the Royal Rumble. Then, she became strung out on drugs and started a career in the porn industry. One thing I can say about Chyna or Joanie Laurer, is that she certainly has gone through some changes.
“Seduction” – Sunny
I picked this one because Sunny, or Tammy Sych, was known for her bubbly personality but also her good looks. Unfortunately, her life has spiraled out of control due to heavy drug use. Sytch has been rumored to have engaged in affairs with Shawn Michaels, The British Bulldog, Raven, Sabu among others while engaged to Pro Wrestler Chris Candido.
“So Bad” – Cameron
She sucks. So bad. Get it?
“Bad Guy” – Scott Hall
Scott Hall appeared in the WWF as Razor Ramon for many years. “The Bad Guy” was a former four time WWF Intercontinental Champion.
“Rhyme or Reason” – Lanny Poffo
“The Genius” Lanny Poffo has always been very gifted in the ring, but he is also a very talented poet. Rhyme or Reason is a song title that just fit this talent.
“Asshole” – CM Punk
This one is as obvious as it gets.
“Brain Damage” – Eugene
Eugene was one of the many lovable characters of WWE past as he always seemed a bit slower than most, but still very entertaining.
“W.T.P.” – The Wyatts
The characters of the Wyatt family is that of “White Trash Hillbillies” that are a part of a cult. This song explains what I feel a good time may be like for these guys.
“Under The Influence” – Rob Van Dam
Rob Van Dam was the first WWE Superstar to hold both the ECW and WWE Championship simultaneously. That is until he was arrested for driving “Under the Influence” of marijuana with real life best friend and former WWE Superstar, Sabu. WWE had him lose both titles in two shows and then he was shortly after suspended.
“Bitch Please II” – Ric Flair
This one is one of the harder to understand as Ric Flair is known as the “Limousine Ridin’, Jet Flyin, Kiss Stealin’, Wheelin’ Dealin’ Son of a gun! However, it seems every time you bat an eyelash, Ric Flair is getting a divorce. Poor Ric, some women don’t understand what it takes to be the “Nature Boy”.
“Remember Me?” – Rhyno
Rhyno has recently returned to WWE by way of NXT for almost a revitalization of his career or a way to put newer talent over.
“Say Goodbye Hollywood” – The Miz
The Miz’s character has been one that has become almost obsessed with Hollywood after completing the latest “Marine” sequel. This was a direct to dvd film, so I don’t know how many times a week “Hollywood” is calling him. Time to give up the dream, friend. Time to say “Goodbye to Hollywood”.
If you agree with this list and you like it, please feel free to comment. If you think you have some other ideas, please let us know. We’d love feedback from our readers. You can follow me on Twitter @DarioRTWC and let me know what you think. You can also listen to my weekly news podcast, The Outsiders Edge, which is part of the B+ Players Podcasting Network. Thanks again, Nerdfeathers!
