Top 10 Entrance Themes of 2015
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty
I never really cared for the athleticism of professional wrestling when I was a kid—and I think that's probably consistent for most members of the WWE Universe under a certain age. It's the characters and storylines that first draw you in, and by the time you're immersed in the atmosphere, you begin to take a closer look at the technical side of the sport. Entrance themes play a pivotal role in a performer's persona; a catchy tune might work wonders while a stupid song can inevitably spell doom for someone's career. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and I'm counting down the TOP TEN ENTRANCE THEMES OF 2015.
Honorable Mention
Rappongi Vice – "Rappongi Vice" by Rocky Romero & Trent Berretta
Right off the bat I'd like to issue an Honorable Mention to Rocky Romero and Trent Berretta for their insanely appealing hip hop stylings in the brand new song "Rappongi Vice"—the combination of "Miami Vice" and Rappongi Tokyo that helps describe the duo of Romero and Berretta. While this is perhaps my favorite wrestling theme in the world at the moment, I can't include it on the countdown because it's only about a month old. Rocky debuted the song on his weekly podcast "Talkin' Shop," so go give them a listen and enjoy the boisterous beats of "Rappongi Vice."
10. Jack Swagger – "Patriot" by Jim Johnston
When Jack Swagger entered the WWE, he did so with a Rage Against the Machine-sound-a-like that ordered opponents to "get down on their knees." But nowadays the "All American-American" is a REAL AMERICAN alongside Dutch Mantell AKA Zeb Colter. Zeb debuted on WWE television in 2013 and it was around that time that Swagger switched to his current theme—"Patriot"—performed by Jim Johnston. This was also the entrance theme for Antonio Cesaro while he was a member of the "Real Americans"; unfortunately for Cesaro, he split from the faction and now walks the aisle to a jazzier version of the "Right to Censor" theme.
9. Shinsuke Nakamura – "Subconscious" by The Score
Shinsuke Nakamura is arguably the most charismatic wrestler in the world, and is escorted to ringside by the sounds of "Subconscious" by The Score. To those of us with western ears, "Subconscious" sounds more like a song from Street Fighter than an entrance theme. Nakamura's entrance at the 2014 Tokyo Dome show dubbed "Wrestle Kingdom 8," was without question the most ABSURD spectacle in all of pro wrestling entrances—and I'm writing this after having seen Triple H as the Terminator. He had flames, pole dancers, contortionists and—most notably—Marty Friedman of Megadeth, playing him to the ring. If you haven't had a chance to check out "Subconscious," then what are you waiting for?
8. Finn Balor – "Catch Your Breath" by CFO$
Finn Balor was the leader of the Bullet Club—a stable of wrestling superstars with an awesome theme all their own. So when the former Prince Devitt debuted for the WWE, it was imperative that he have an unpredictable entrance anthem to reflect this extraordinary caliber of performer. The music alone is enough to keep the fans on their feet, but combined with Balor's theatrics, "Catch Your Breath" is quickly becoming the most recognizable tune in the WWE Music Library.
7. Sami Zayn – "Worlds Apart" by CFO$
Sami Zayn is one of the most thrilling competitors in all of the WWE, and his entrance is an equally exciting few moments of riveting guitar riffs mixed with harmonious horns. "Worlds Apart" by the CFO$ really captures the essence of BOTH Sami Zayn and the former El Generico. As fans sang, "Ole," it was clear that Sami was poised to be a household name, and was deserving of an entrance theme appropriate to this character. My writing partner and co-host of the "B+ Players Podcast," Gary Mastriano is in a SKA band called "The Backyard Superheroes," so it's not surprising that our seventh song is his cell phone ring tone.
6. Michael Elgin – "Anarchy's Son" by Color Blind
The former Ring of Honor World Champion Michael Elgin has become one of the most intimidating members of the ROH Roster. He struts to the ring wearing the uniform of a prize-fighter, to the anthem of a certified outlaw. "Anarchy's Son" by Color Blind is that sort of Southern Rock Grit-Rap that was defined by artists such as Kid Rock, and represents the most dangerous members of society. Michael Elgin might be a bland-performer to some, but his entrance music might be the best in Ring of Honor.
5. Ethan Carter III – "Trouble" by Dale Oliver
The only person on our countdown currently receiving a paycheck from TNA is the Kayfabe nephew of Impact-owner Dixie Carter. Ethan Carter III—or EC3 as he likes to be called—debuted in TNA after a stint as Derrick Bateman on one of WWE's early incarnations of NXT. Since arriving on Impact, Carter has been just what his song suggests: "trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble." Carter's theme song is destined to be remembered as one of the most iconic in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling history.
4. The Bullet Club – "Shot �Em" by [Q]Brick
The Bullet Club is the most popular wrestling stable since Hulk Hogan turned on WCW to form the New World Order in 1996. However—unlike the NWO—the Bullet Club is two years old and hasn't yet jumped the shark; they have not added every member of the NJPW roster to their ranks, and low-and-behold, they have not splintered into various sister-factions, I.E. the "Latino Bullet Club." "Shot �Em" by [Q]Brick is the second entrance theme used by the "Good Brothers," and incorporates all elements most commonly associated with a crew of dudes that are "Just Too Sweet."
3. Bayley – "Turn it Up" by CFO$
The NXT Women's Division is on fire, thanks to future-WWE Divas such as Bayley. I am so high on Bayley that I'll shoot with you, rather than fluff the article with fancy words. She is such a likeable person, and appeals to a dramatic cross-section of individuals, from 28-year old men like me—to 9-year old girls in the Orlando area. I truly believe that Bayley could be the John Cena of the Diva's Division, in terms of both merchandising, as well as "Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect." Her theme music is a reflection of who Bayley is and invites fans to get on their feet and celebrate LIFE.
2. Bray Wyatt – "Live in Fear" by Mark Crozer
Bray Wyatt has made only two appearances at WrestleMania since debuting on the WWE main roster—both of which included startling entrances accompanied by "Live in Fear," by Mark Crozer. This year's show in Santa Clara featured an ensemble of Scarecrows, but the "Eater of Worlds" �Mania debut in New Orleans saw singer Crozer perform the tune LIVE. Bray Wyatt's theme is provocative and sends shivers across the skin of both his opponents, and the spectators in attendance. Could Bray Wyatt truly be the "New Face of Fear" in the WWE? If his entrance music is any indication, I'd say yes.
1. AJ Styles – "Demi-Gods" by Lab Rats
When the music hits and the soulful tones revert to mind-bending rhyme, audiences around the world know they're about to see the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion—AJ Styles. The "Phenomenal One" has found unprecedented success since embarking on life outside TNA in 2014. He has become a force to be reckoned with on the United States independent circuit as well as in New Japan, alongside his fellow Geijin, the Bullet Club. The theme is titled "Demi-Gods," which accurately describes AJ Styles inside the squared circle; there's no question in my mind that AJ Styles has the number one entrance theme of 2015.
Thank you for joining me for another fun-filled countdown. Remember to check out my weekly newscast with Dario Rivera titled "The Insider's Edge" every single Sunday morning, as well as the flagship show for the "B+ Player Podcasting Network," released each Monday afternoon. You can follow me via social media at the B+ Player Facebook page or on Twitter: @TapeTraderz. Until next time this has been Mark Adam Haggerty, reminding you to keep it here at Cheap-Heat.com for all the latest and greatest in professional wrestling.
