Posted in: Doctor's Orders
Doctor's Orders: Greatest Theme Music of All-Time Tournament (Round 2)
By Dr. CMV1
Oct 27, 2010 - 12:02:18 PM

CMV1 Pre-Round 2 note – I continue to be fascinated by this tournament. All I really do is organize and throw out a thought or two, so the real driving force behind this tournament is the voters. I vehemently disagree with some of the choices being made, thus far, but I guess this wouldn’t be as much fun without some underdogs breaking through to the second round. I suppose we’ll see more of the same in this upcoming round 2. I will be looking for diversity from generations more so than anything. I hope for every Attitude era theme, we get something from the late 80’s. For every mid-90’s theme, we also get a current theme.

Leonard’s Pre-Round 2 Notes - May I just say that I have deduced that I am completely out of touch with what the average wrestling fan enjoys (which, dare I say, makes me just like Vince!). I was shocked to see the Fabulous Freebirds theme (an innovator in wrestling theme music), JBL’s beautifully orchestrated number, and Christian’s operatic theme (ranked number two in my personal seeding) to be knocked out in the first round. Nonetheless, I hope my viewpoints—no matter how out of touch—have been valuable and added a different “elitist’s” perspective to this tournament.

1 Hulk Hogan “Real American” defeated 32 CM Punk

-CMV1 note – I was thinking there was potential for an upset, here, but I’m starting to get a read on the current LOP forum fanbase. I’m not quite sure I’d be able to flat out tell you 1 theme that I favor over every other theme in history (thus, this tournament), but I’d definitely put Hogan’s in my top 3. See SOR’s comment below for my true feelings about the CM Punk theme potentially defeating the Hulk (although I do like Punk’s theme, all things considered)

-Leonard’s Notes - CM Punk’s heavy metal theme does the trick for the man, no doubt about it. Just the same as Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” worked wonders for Hogan for the better part of a decade (then after his return to the ‘E in 2002 also). So one must then look at the quality of the music. The punk music is pretty good, and draws a pretty good crowd reaction with the opening riff. Hogan’s music, however, is indicative of an entire generation of professional wrestling, and thus cannot be ignored. “Real American” is going to be a powerhouse here.

-“If this was 'what song do you prefer musically' it would be Punk by a landslide. An awesome Killswitch Engage song that ended up making a pretty awesome entrance theme for 'The Second City Saint'. As good a song it is however, we're talking the greatest entrance music of all time here, and it's pretty hard to find anything that tops Real American. Everything about 'Real American' reeks of pro-wrestling and always takes me back to a time when wrestling was bigger than life.” - SpookyTuesday

-“If Punk wins here, I may start banning people. There is no way one of the greatest themes of all time should lose here. Punk's music is generic Rock-Pop with vocals that sound like Cookie Monster getting the Heimlich. Besides, thanks to the trend that is the WWE, he'll be getting a new theme in 2 years, so it can't stand the test of time. Advantage: Agent Orange.” – Son of Repoman

-“Hogan’s theme might just be the all time greatest theme, can you think of any other theme that got its on MTV music video?” - MachoKing

2 Ric Flair defeated 31 Randy Savage

-Leonard’s Notes - Here we have two Classical-oriented themes going up against one another. I have been perfectly clear on my thoughts about Randy Savage’s use of Pomp and Circumstance, and how incredibly lame I think it was. I read in the forums though that the opening fanfare always seemed to draw a decent crowd reaction, and I can’t help but agree. However, it is also a picture perfect case of the man making the music, rather than complementing the performer. Flair should win here quite decisively.

-“Battle of the other theme. 2001 Space Odyssey for the gradation march. I pick Savage over Flair because while Flairs song fits him, Savage had the better song to get you excited and do what a wrestling theme should do. When you picture a face Flair winning the world title and celebrating to his theme does that get you as excited as Macho winning the title and celebrating with his theme?” - MachoKing

-“Ric Flair's is epic, pure and simple. That theme demands respect. I have always found Savage's theme really odd.” – Mr. Big Gulp

3 Ultimate Warrior defeated 35 Brock Lesnar “Here comes the pain”

-Leonard’s Notes - Brock’s broody theme, in sort of subdued intensity that you could only find in a theme for that man. It was very good, and very fitting. However, I just feel that the Warrior’s amped up theme just does the trick right away. Especially when one considers that the “Here Comes the Pain” theme does get quite repetitive quickly. The same could be said for the Warrior, but there is a layering of that theme that is consistent enough to give it my vote here.

-“Went with the warrior here because I don't consider Brock's a epic theme. Don't get me wrong, Brock was a monster, but I honestly think he falls into the category of Andre the Giant with theme music here. A phenomenal presence... but never got the right theme. And if anyone pulls out Andre's music from Japan as an example, I may cry.” – Son of Repoman

4 Triple H “Time to Play the Game” defeated 36 The Brood

-Leonard’s Notes - There’s really no contest here. The Brood’s theme was certainly a nice change of pace from the (mostly) generic rock that accompanied many of the Attitude Era wrestlers. Jim Johnston’s “Time to Play the Game” collaboration with Motorhead should be fantastic enough to knock the other theme out of the competition. The theme has become synonymous with Triple H, and will last him as long as Triple H needs a theme.

-“No explanation needed. Motorhead >>> / HHH has like the best line-up of themes out of anyone.” – Theghostofdokfreeez

5 DX defeated 37 Vince McMahon

-Leonard’s Notes - This one is actually closer than I would have initially thought. Mr. McMahon’s theme does suit him quite well, and its tempo lends itself to a perfect “Vince McMahon strut” pace. Degeneration X’s theme does very much of the same thing, and sets up the crowd for what should be an entertaining segment. Then the question arises as to which is simply a better piece of music. While McMahon’s theme does have some interesting sections, I really do believe that DX is a much more varied, well rounded piece of music.

-“Both themes are good. I remember secretly listening to Vince's theme on one of the WWE cds as a kid and thinking I was doing something bad because it said Hell. haha. But, DX's theme is one of those era defining themes. Takes you back to the Aditttude Era for sure.” – Mr. Big Gulp

-“At the peak of rap rock, this was used perfectly. Plus, it was the first theme performed live at a wrestlemania (Salt and Pepa don't count). It was marketing, but it also shows how well the song signified the group.” – PEN15

6 Chris Jericho “Break the Walls Down” defeated 27 Four Horsemen

-Leonard’s Notes - Jericho’s “Break the Walls Down” theme is one of the classics of the common era, and should prove to be a nice surprise in the tournament. The Horsemen theme, while good, does not carry the same weight, in my opinion. I might catch some flak for that, but I truly do believe that Jericho’s theme is much more impactful, both in terms of who it is attached to and in the composition itself.

-“One of the few songs where the lyrics make the theme better. This became the benchmark of themes, and still is. All wrestlers want classic themes, but Break the Walls down accomplished so much more by the way it fit Y2J, how it hyped the crowd, how it promoted Jericho, and so much more. Again, today's themes are more inspired by this song than any other, in my opinion.” – PEN15

26 Undertaker (Ministry) defeated 7 Mr. Perfect

-Leonard’s Notes - There are some very hard choices in this tournament, no doubt about it. The Undertaker’s “Ministry” theme was an interesting spin on the original Funeral March that escorted the Deadman to the ring. The guitar riffs throughout, as well as the hard rock feel throughout, made it a logical evolution that matched that of the Undertaker. However, that “Exodus” theme is hard to forget, and fit the man fantastically. While there are themes that fit Taker better, none do so for Mr. Perfect.

-CMV1 note – With 24 votes in the second round, Taker and Perfect tied at 12 votes apiece, leaving the tie-breaking vote to me. I went with Taker because I believe it to be the best of his long collection of entrance themes. Perfect’s was great for its time, but it never stood out to me. I had Taker’s Ministry theme ranked in my top 10 when this whole thing started, so I’m quite partial to it.

57 Stone Cold “Disturbed” defeated 40 Razor Ramon

-Leonard’s Notes - This is a hard choice for me for different reasons. I very much dislike both of these themes. If I had to pick, it would likely be Razor’s theme though I find both to be quite repetitive. Stone Cold’s “Disturbed” theme just seems unnecessary. Why change something that is so good (the original “Glass Shatters” theme)? It’s nonsensical in this musician’s opinion, and therefore the ultra-repetitive Ramon theme gets my vote.

-CMV1 note – How this atrocious excuse for an entrance theme continues to move through this tournament is beyond me. I hope it finally makes its exit in the Sweet 16. I’m tired of commenting on it.

-“Any theme song that Austin ever used other than the "Glass Shattering" entrance music was awful.” – Lunchbox1981

-“I nominated this theme, and I will stick with it. It was great and I will remember all my life the PPV in Philly when this theme debuted and Austin returned from neck surgery. Yes I was there live lol.” - MachoKing

9 Undertaker (traditional theme) defeated 41 Dusty Rhodes “American Dream”

-Leonard’s Notes - Campiness or legacy? Definitely legacy. The “American Dream” theme is quite fun, but I think that no other theme quite embodies the whole feel of the WWE like the Undertaker’s traditional theme does. If you ever have the chance to see an event with Taker live, do it. Without such a powerful piece of music, I’m not sure his entrance would have the same effect.

-CMV1 note – The American Dream made quite a run at it. I tallied the votes in order and Dusty jumped out to a sizeable lead, only to falter as more votes came in. I was quietly rooting for Taker to lose, as though I am a traditionalist, I don’t want too many traditional themes in the latter rounds. I want to see some variety.

-“American Dream is a great theme. Shame it got put up against one of the absolute very best of all time...” – Mr. Big Gulp

23 New World Order defeated 10 HBK

-Leonard’s Notes - Tough one here, as both certainly have their positive qualities. The New World Order’s theme had that traditional rock theme, typical of the era in which it was most popular. As I had stated in the last round, however, Shawn Michael’s HBK theme has done more than stood the test of time. In a strange way, it could be compared to Flair’s theme, in that it will be forever associated with that particular athlete in a way that not many entrance themes are. His HBK theme was part of his persona, and I’m not sure that he would have become the same entertainer had he come to the ring with different music.

-CMV1 note – I will not hide the fact that HBK is my all-time favorite performer, but I would’ve had a hard time giving his theme my vote over the New World Order’s. NWO had an awesome entrance song that routinely gets stuck in my head.

-“To vote against this outrageous!!” - charttoppers

11 Stone Cold “Glass Shatter” defeated 43 Sandman “Enter Sandman”

-Leonard’s Notes - It’s interesting that this match-up has come to be, especially since there are so many comparisons that can be drawn between the two characters. I still stand by my earlier comments that using Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” is absolutely lame (I’m sure I’ll catch a lot of flak for that too…). Stone Cold’s theme is one of the few that define a complete era, and while repetitive, is quite a good way to amp up a crowd. That glass shattering always got the crowd pumped.

-CMV1 note – The general consensus amongst the voters was that “Enter Sandman” was a better song, but not a better entrance theme. I second that overall sentiment, as Austin’s glass shattering entrance was one of the most engaging themes of all-time. At number 11 in the rankings, it has a chance to play spoiler to some of the higher ranked themes moving forward. It will be interesting to see how the voting plays out in the coming rounds, where this one is concerned.

-“I could easily see this being a quarterfinal match-up, so lets get my head in the game. Both Epic, Both defining, Both couldn't be used by anyone else. The difference maker... ambience. The Sandman NEEDS the beer, the cane, the cigarette, and the audience singing along to make this song. It's an experience. Similar to the one Al Snow had in ECW with "Breathe" So the song doesn't stand as an entrance on its own. "Glass shatters" on the other hand does. Steve Austin could run to the ring, slide under the rope, and all they need is the first 10 seconds of the song and the audience is hype.” – Son of Repoman

-“Obviously 'Enter Sandman' is classic, but it wasn't written for the Sandman, which is why I dock it points” – Ironslave

-“I am going with the actual wrestling theme, because having Metallica is not fair” – LWO4Life

12 Edge “Metalingus” defeated 21 LOD “What a Rush”

-Leonard’s Notes - The Road Warrior’s theme was a simple one, and never had problems getting a crowd going. But Edge’s “Metalingus” does beat out the LOD for originality. While simple, the LOD theme gets old quickly. Personally, I really enjoy the way Edge’s theme never seems to stay on one idea for too long, but waits to move on until exactly the right time. The opening off-beat guitar chords are what always win me over.

-CMV1 note – For the second time in round 2, we had a tie in the voting. I, holding the tie-breaker, could not believe that the modern theme did not win in a landslide, so I was happy to give Edge the nod. I think Edge has the best theme of the modern era and I will continue to be intrigued to see how it does against other traditional themes. If this round was any indication – barely squeaking by against a run of the mill early 90’s theme – “Metalingus” is in trouble…

-“If you didn't know, that song is by Alter Bridge, and they're hella dope. And LOD is just annoying.” - Theghostofdokfreeez

13 Evolution defeated 20 Randy Orton “Voices”

-Leonard’s Notes - My vote would go for the latter Randy Orton theme this time. I really enjoy Motorhead’s effort here, as I tend to think it mixes the best of Ric Flair (classic and grandiose in nature) and Triple H (it’s Motorhead, after all), but there’s not much merit to it beyond that. “Voices,” however, suits the character just a bit better in a sense that it feels very broody, as if a viper (or Orton himself) is about to strike. The infusion of tension-filled progressions, along with the tempo, make for a great fitting for RKO.

-CMV1 note – This was a close vote, with a lot of folks voting for Orton. Seeing as how both themes were pretty much used on Orton, though, I guess it’s safe to say that Orton – even if it be indirectly – still has a theme in the game. I’d have personally gone with “Voices,” but I can’t speak poorly of anyone that didn’t. Evolution is still on my iPod.

-“Neither of these has much chance of advancing past the next round in my opinion, but of the two, Randy has pulled ahead.” – Bad Medicine

-“Most modern themes aren't very good. Most don't fit the wrestler, or are too mainstream sounding (looking at you Miz). But "Voices" is a modern rock song that is still atypical from a band that plays typical modern rock. It might be hard to separate the maturity and evolution of the Randy Orton character, and maybe that lends itself to how effective this song is. While Line in the Sand was a great theme that fit Orton's character at the time, today Voices is just was fitting, and Orton's character is strong. Maybe that helps strengthen the effect of the theme. Either way, probably the best modern theme today.” – PEN15

-“I hate that you make me choose this one” - Mizfan

14 Bret Hart defeated 19 Goldberg

-Leonard’s Notes - Myself, I’m not crazy about Goldberg’s theme, but not surprised to see it beat out the Honky Tonk Man’s cheesy number. However, it should not even be in the same league as Bret Hart’s theme, even though it is a clear case of the man making the theme great instead of the theme being able to stand on its own. Several have alluded to the fact that 90’s themes have been underrepresented in this tournament, but this should be the one from that era to make it far in the series. Goldberg’s theme, in my opinion, just doesn’t hold a candle to it.

-CMV1 note – No real big surprise, here, as the Hitman’s theme is holding the New Generation era themes up all by itself after a round that saw the rest of them get eliminated.

-“The Drums! The Drums! That beat just gets you amped up to kick a messenger into a pit and scream "This is Sparta!" Bret's theme is iconic, but Bill's theme is just that damn BADASS!” – Son of Repoman

15 Million Dollar Man defeated 18 Triple H “My Time”

-Leonard’s Notes - Yet another tough one for me to comment upon. I really enjoy Ted Dibaise’s quasi-rapping in his WWF theme from the late 80’s and early 90’s. The “My Time” theme, on the other hand, was the theme that ushered Triple H into his new attitude, as well as his first WWF Championship way back in 1999. One cannot be denied the impactful moments that H’s theme has been associated with. The repetitive, yet constantly changing, texture of the piece is quite interesting as well, which is more than can be said for the Million Dollar Man’s anthem.

-CMV1 note – Although I’m happy with the result, I’m a little bit surprised by it. I had “My Time” pegged as an upset special. Trips has always had great, character fitting themes and that one was no exception. Dibiase moves forward into the Sweet 16, but I’m not sure I 100% agree with it. It’s great and all, but better than “My Time?” That’s a price I wouldn’t have been willing to pay…

-“I really liked Triple H's theme during this period, but MDM's theme still outclasses it as iconic.” – Bad Medicine

16 The Rock defeated 17 Kurt Angle

-Leonard’s Notes - The Rock’s theme is very energetic, and an alright piece in general. I do believe that Kurt Angle’s theme is so simplistic that it is infectious. It does a good job of amping up the crowd (whether they are for or against Kurt), and it says something about the piece when, after trying to find someone to stick the theme to for years (including The Patriot…remember him?!), it stuck to Kurt so well. I have a marching band arrangement of this theme that is just fantastic, too. My own personal bias is not completely waivered here.

-CMV1 note – For much of the early voting, it seemed like the Angle theme was going to win pretty easily, but The Rock had a late surge in the latter half of the voting that allowed his theme to move through. I personally have always found the Rock’s themes to be top notch. It has that song-opening catchphrase that set off the crowd one way or another and then it follows through with a catchy beat throughout.

-“The toughest choice of this round.” – Lunchbox1981

-“Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of this song. It's just better than Kurt Angle's, which wasn't even Kurt's. Both the Patriot and Sgt. Slaughter used it first. Rock's is ok, but what works for me is the remix/evolution of the theme from the old Nation of Domination theme. I appreciate how little they sound alike until you really compare. Being as I was a fan back then, I heard every version until the Rock's theme became what it was. But I could still sing over the Rock's theme ‘hit your knees and start praying’” – PEN15


Round 2 Wrap-Up

-CMV1 note – Who’d have thought that the theme ranked 57th by two long-time wrestling fans would wind up still around as of the Sweet 16? Certainly not I. As of this moment, we’re looking at 5 traditional themes from the 80’s/early 90’s, 6 entrance songs from the Attitude/Monday Night War era, one from the WWF New Generation, and four that are current or that were used predominantly after 2001. So, there is some variety. I’m hoping that trend continues as we move into the rounds of 8, 4, and 2. Hogan is on upset alert for me in round 3, as “Real American” goes up against The Rock. Meanwhile, could we end up with 2 Taker themes in the final 8? Hopefully his traditional theme can knock out the Disturbed version of Austin’s theme. Jericho vs. Austin’s glass shatter entrance music should be the closest vote of the round.


The Road to Wrestlemania is Coming