How important is a great theme?

[Maluco]

There will probably be a lot of people who look at this title and shrug, and think, well its cool to have a great theme but whatever. I think it can be argued that it makes a massive difference in many ways.

A massive example I can think of is Edge, he had that horrendous "never gonna stop me" theme for a while and it sucked. It is about audience perception, when he got his most recent them, I remember thinking, OK, now this guy is legit, he has arrived.

Triple H too, the whole presentation with the motorhead theme. You couldn't argue anymore that this guy wasn't the top guy with the whole set-up he got coming to the ring.

Even midcard guys like Shamrock, you heard that theme and it immediately got a pop. It was intense and went with his character so well.

A great theme can even further a character or define a storyline. I remember being in awe of ministry Taker because the theme was so badass, I immediately bought him as the top guy and looked forward to him coming out on any given night. I still remember a Raw with a ministry beat down where the theme just kept playing and I was totally into it, it made the whole thing seem out of control and unpredictable.

My two top guys at the moment would be Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. Their whole personas feel legit and I was buying them as top stars. Their themes play a big part in that presentation. They are distinctive and help them stand out. I can't explain it, but every time Owens theme hits, I feel like this is going to be special. It has an epic feel to it.

On the other hand there are guys like Cesaro who just can't seem to get a break with themes. It would be one of the first things I would change when he comes back. Give him something that says, this guy is the man. I really believe that a theme can send a whole lot of messages to fans about who this guy is and what he's about. It's not going to make a dud a world champion, but it could give someone's character a big push in the right direction..



This thread can serve for 3 things...

1. Discuss how important you think a good theme song is.

2. Argue who could be helped by having a legit theme as part of their presentation

3. Suggest guys you felt got help getting over from their themes.

[Shisen Kopf]

Owens theme reminds me of a house band trying to cover Pantera

[Maluco]

Owens theme reminds me of a house band trying to cover Pantera

Haha, I love it, think it goes with his whole prizefighter/scrapped his way to WWE mentality. I think that's the key, finding a theme that helps define the character.

Also, when I saw that this was the first reply, was slightly disappointed that it wasn't a post heralding Tatanka's theme...

[DAMN iNATOR]

If there were a poll with 10 options, 1 being the least and 10 being the most, I'd say a definite 10. A wrestler's theme song tells all about who they are in the ring, their character, gimmick, maybe even their heritage.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Also, @Maluco - screw you, Edge's "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy [Black Cat Crossing Mix]) kicks copious amounts of ass!

[Lock Jaw]

On the other hand, I felt that Cesaro's theme finally "clicked" with me and I really liked it, and the "presentation" and "mood" it created for him. Sure, it isn't a theme that you would listen to on your "iPod", but when you heard it hit it was like "stand back, Cesaro's coming to uppercut somebody's face off"

[DAMN iNATOR]

On the other hand, I felt that Cesaro's theme finally "clicked" with me and I really liked it, and the "presentation" and "mood" it created for him. Sure, it isn't a theme that you would listen to on your "iPod", but when you heard it hit it was like "stand back, Cesaro's coming to uppercut somebody's face off"

Do not like the European ambulance SFX. My only gripe with his theme.

[Theo Dious]

It's a very important part of a good overall presentstion. The Shield theme was a perfect example of a theme that just capped off an already great presentation. Same with the Wyatts. CM Punk's "This Fire Burns" theme was a sack of CAW-esque crap & his whole presensation improved drastically when they let him use Cult of Personality. And as much as I've never been a huge Warrior or Hogan fan I have to admit that the opening of their themes are stirring at least.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I must admit, Daniel Bryan's last version of "Ride of the Valkyries" always got me amped up and excited for his matches.

[DrCrawford]

A good theme is important, and can shape a wrestler.

Cesaro has had the worst luck with themes, and I think it is one of the major things holding him back

[Simple Fan]

Also, @Maluco - screw you, Edge's "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy [Black Cat Crossing Mix]) kicks copious amounts of ass!

This and Cesaro needs a new theme. Can't stand the European sirens. If they just took them out his theme would be fine.

[Maluco]

No way lads!! Are you talking about that "dorango, something 95" theme??? That was a disgrace!

Main event badass Edge arrived with Metalingus!!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A good theme needs to have an immediate, recognizable hook for when the wrestler does a surprise run-in or interrupts somebody's promo.</font>

[Damndirty]

I love those themes that end up being stuck in your head, like Rikishi and Too Cool's Are You Fly Today, NWO's Rockhouse, or the 2nd theme for the Nation of Domination.

[Emperor Smeat]

Feel its more important for the song to have something catchy to get the crowd pumped than the quality of the song itself.

Lots of songs are better than Stone Cold's theme but don't have the same impact as a simple glass shattering has with his song.

The Shield's theme is pretty basic but crowds would pop once the group would start appearing in the crowd since that was its most memorable moment. Reigns not having anything unique done to the theme when he took ownership might explain why his pop goes away very quickly when its played. People liked the theme as a group way more than they do for a single guy.

[KaosDarksol]

They need a hook. A superstars theme needs to be recognizable and unique. We have too many generic sounding themes right now with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and probably plenty of other. It's pretty ironic that all three members of the shield have generic music when the shield music was pretty damn good.

[Shadrick]

They need a hook. A superstars theme needs to be recognizable and unique. We have too many generic sounding themes right now with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and probably plenty of other. It's pretty ironic that all three members of the shield have generic music when the shield music was pretty damn good.

the shield music was "pretty damn good" but romans music is "generic sounding?"

[DAMN iNATOR]

I love those themes that end up being stuck in your head, like Rikishi and Too Cool's Are You Fly Today, NWO's Rockhouse, or the 2nd theme for the Nation of Domination.

The name of Rikishi and Too Cool's theme was actually "You Look Fly Today". :)

Kane's debut theme was way more awesome than any that followed it...legitimately made you think "OH SHIT, SOMEBODY'S FUCKED!" when it hit...Finger Eleven's "Slow Chemical" was pretty awesome, too, but didn't seem quite as menacing.

[KIRA]

The name of Rikishi and Too Cool's theme was actually "You Look Fly Today". :)

Kane's debut theme was way more awesome than any that followed it...legitimately made you think "OH SHIT, SOMEBODY'S FUCKED!" when it hit...Finger Eleven's "Slow Chemical" was pretty awesome, too, but didn't seem quite as menacing.

Kanes finger eleven theme was amazing when combined with his unmasked look and ....oh fuck it just look

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z5lMOIFAJVI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In so many cases themes really do matter.Sheamus needs to step his game up to go with the sheer badassery of his theme.

And I know it sounds weird but Cesaro shouldve been allowed to keep Swaggers theme.

[DAMN iNATOR]

HAHAHA Best entrance ever...hyperbole much?! :lol::lol::lol: Here's the REAL best Kane entrance ever:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ASmdxXaOzd4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[KIRA]

Ah memories they telegraphed the hell out of Kane showing up hell, the promo for the match was less about Michaels v Taker and more about Kane.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Ehh...none the it-s still an awesome moment that fans look back on fondly, and rightfully so. :)

[Damian Rey]

I think of how over and fresh Kane became once he was unmasked and feel like they missed the boat on pushing him as an unstoppable monster champion that the whole locker room had to rally against.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Cesaro's theme is the reason he can't get over.

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO.

:n:

[Lock Jaw]

:heart: Cesaro's theme. Was really helping him to get over and create an "aura" and "presence" around himself. Too bad he got injured at the worst possible time for him.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I think of how over and fresh Kane became once he was unmasked and feel like they missed the boat on pushing him as an unstoppable monster champion that the whole locker room had to rally against.

Yeah, but did I ever enjoy his weekly promos on SD! with the mood music and lighting in the background during his 2010 WHC reign.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6czHP6rzmkA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DAMN iNATOR]

Cesaro's theme is the reason he can't get over.

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO

WEE WOO.

:n:

You are correct.

[Lock Jaw]

Listening to Cesaro's theme right now because y'all making me think about how much I am going to miss hearing it....

[Nicky Fives]

Very important. No matter the type/genre of music, the viewers/fans need to know within the first 2 seconds who is coming out and should have an immediate reaction to hearing it (positive/negative)

[mrwalty]

That moment you hear 'somebody's gonna get their ass kicked' you know its time for Henry to job.

[DAMN iNATOR]

That moment you hear 'somebody's gonna get their ass kicked' you know its time for Henry to job.

Same could be said more often than not these days for Big Show, the rare times he's utilized.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Sabu's "Huka Blues" theme from WWECW is SOOOOO GOOD!:
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[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rIRV_sIOHso" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Neither would be hurt and they'd still be the tag team champions if they used this theme instead.

[Big Vic]

Kaval had an awesome theme... nuff said.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Feel its more important for the song to have something catchy to get the crowd pumped than the quality of the song itself.

Lots of songs are better than Stone Cold's theme but don't have the same impact as a simple glass shattering has with his song.

The Shield's theme is pretty basic but crowds would pop once the group would start appearing in the crowd since that was its most memorable moment. Reigns not having anything unique done to the theme when he took ownership might explain why his pop goes away very quickly when its played. People liked the theme as a group way more than they do for a single guy.

The Shield theme loses impact also with the "Sierra Hotel...etc." at the beginning. As soon as you heard those words, you knew some shit was about to pop off.

Even though we're used to it and hate it now, once The Miz got "I Came to Play", it felt like he had finally transitioned into stardom.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cesaro should have used Tyson Kidd's theme once Kidd got hurt as a tribute.

[ClockShot]

Entrance themes gotta have a feel to them. When you hear the glass break with Stone Cold, you just know someone's gotta get their ass kicked. Same with the APA. Someone hires them up to be tag team partners when someone needs them.

Also, you just can't change them up or give them a remix. The best ones are the ones that last forever. Triple H's themes are cool. But you can't got back and forth between Motorhead's "King of Kings" or "The Game" just because you feel you need to change it up every few months.

[KIRA]

Entrance themes gotta have a feel to them. When you hear the glass break with Stone Cold, you just know someone's gotta get their ass kicked. Same with the APA. Someone hires them up to be tag team partners when someone needs them.

Also, you just can't change them up or give them a remix. The best ones are the ones that last forever. Triple H's themes are cool. But you can't got back and forth between Motorhead's "King of Kings" or "The Game" just because you feel you need to change it up every few months.

My understanding is he uses "King of Kings" when he's doing his COO thing and "The Game" When he is competing.As to why HHH gets to have two themes I guess its another way for WWE to show him as being important.

Then again Finn Balor has two ring entrances so...

[The Condor]

The theme is the first steps in establishing the character, the attitude and even the match style of a wrestler, which is why some are still revered today, and rightfully so. Ultimate Warrior, Mr. Perfect, Goldust, Sycho Sid, the Mounty, Sable, the Godfather, ECW Taz, Shamrock, Austin, HHH's "My Time", and especially the intro/outro for Mankind spring to mind as defining the wrestlers before they even picked up a mic or stepped through the ropes.

An underrated aspect of themes, I feel, is the change with face/heel alignments. Think Owen Hart's switch to the iconic Nation version, the aforementioned change in UT's theme during the Ministry era, and Michaels switching from "Sexy Boy" to the DX theme for his revolutionary heel run. Too often, guys have the same music today regardless of who their character has become or what their motivations are.

One guy who I feel gets slagged in the theme department, currently, is Barrett. Dude hs been dealt shit hands in this regard, and has just as much promise as Cesaro.

In short, the themes today are mostly generic and do not inspire the fans at all. The character of the music ought to evoke the character of the wrestler, otherwise the first steps in establishing a performer is botched.

Also, I would like to nominate Dan Severn's theme for most badass of all-time.

[KIRA]

Undertakers theme is just awesome just that opening tolling bell is enough but then its followed by epic sounding, sweeping, music (in his dark incarnations)

Brock Lesnars theme says everything about the man you are about to fac..er.. try to survive.

Stings theme why oh why does the WWE insist on changing awesome themes to generic shite? Its one of the things that WCW got right the first time.

They changed Goldbergs theme to an underwhelming rip-off
And I remember being really really mad when they replaced Ravens WCW "come as you are" rip off (because it fit him to a T honestly (and he admits it is his favorite)

Themes can honestly make or break a wrestler.

and Honestly a lot of the themes nowadays are a bit samey

CFO$ IS NOWHERE NEAR as good as Johnston...where is that guy?