What Was the First WWE Theme Song?

If you are a wrestling fan, you know that entrance music is a crucial part of a wrestler’s persona. The right theme song can instantly get the crowd pumped up and create an unforgettable moment.

But have you ever wondered what the first WWE theme song was? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the origins of WWE entrance music.

The Birth of Entrance Music

In the early days of professional wrestling, there were no elaborate entrance themes. Wrestlers would simply make their way to the ring in silence or with generic background music playing.

However, everything changed in 1985 when the World Wrestling Federation (now known as World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE) released its first-ever theme album titled “The Wrestling Album. “

One of the standout tracks on this album was “Real American” by Rick Derringer. While it wasn’t explicitly created for a specific wrestler, it soon became associated with one of the biggest stars in wrestling history – Hulk Hogan.

Hulk Hogan and “Real American”

Hulk Hogan, with his larger-than-life personality and incredible charisma, quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in the ’80s. His entrance to “Real American” became iconic and synonymous with his character.

With its catchy guitar riffs and patriotic lyrics, “Real American” perfectly captured Hogan’s all-American hero persona. The song’s opening lines – “When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside” – signaled to fans that they were about to witness something special.

The Impact on Wrestling

The success of Hulk Hogan’s entrance music revolutionized professional wrestling. It showcased how an epic theme song could enhance a wrestler’s character and create an emotional connection with the audience. From that point on, theme songs became an integral part of WWE’s storytelling and marketing strategy.

Over the years, WWE has produced numerous iconic theme songs for its superstars. Songs like The Rock’s “Electrifying,” Stone Cold Steve Austin’s glass-shattering theme, and John Cena’s “The Time is Now” have become synonymous with their respective wrestlers.

The Evolution of Entrance Music

As WWE grew in popularity, the production value of entrance music skyrocketed. Today, each wrestler has their own unique theme song, carefully crafted to reflect their character and persona.

Some popular themes include:

“Glorious Domination” by Bobby Roode
“Shinsuke Nakamura’s Theme” by Shinsuke Nakamura
“The Game” by Triple H
“Cult of Personality” by Living Colour (used by CM Punk)

These songs not only serve as a way for wrestlers to make a grand entrance but also play a vital role in building anticipation and excitement among the fans.

In Conclusion

While “Real American” by Rick Derringer wasn’t originally created as a designated entrance theme, it became the catalyst for what is now an essential aspect of professional wrestling. The success of Hulk Hogan’s iconic entrance music paved the way for countless memorable themes that have become ingrained in the minds of wrestling fans worldwide.

So, the next time you hear your favorite wrestler’s theme song blaring through the speakers, remember that it all started with Hulk Hogan and “Real American.”