Over the decades, there have been many wrestlers who have graced the ring. While many have been forgotten, some have stood the test of time. So, what separates random pro-wrestlers from legends? Is it limited to just their in-ring ability? Or is it something more? Well, the answer is ‘the complete package’.
Even before they fight, a wrestler has to make his or her entrance and walk toward the ring. This is accompanied by entrance music. Almost all the legends of the pro-wrestling industry have entrance music that is memorable and synonymous with the wrestlers. For example, if you hear a glass shatter during a wrestler’s entrance, you immediately know it is Stone Cold Steve Austin. Similarly, even before Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson makes his physical entrance, fans know it’s him as his iconic catchphrase- “If you can smell what The Rock is cooking” precedes his entry.
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The man who has composed these iconic themes- Jim Johnston- has recently revealed that he had offered WWE’s rival AEW his services. Wrestling fans were thrilled as soon as they found out and urged AEW owner Tony Khan to hire the iconic composer.
Fans reckon Jim Johnston’s composition can uplift AEW wrestlers’ entrances
During his three-decade-long collaboration with Vince McMahon‘s WWE, Johnston aided several wrestlers with his music, some of which achieved cult status, like The Undertaker’s iconic entrance. So it wasn’t a surprise that fans wanted the musician to weave some of his magic for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Jim Johnston offered to do entrance music for AEW https://t.co/2WkRBTpCXl
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) April 5, 2023
A Twitter user asked Khan to sign Johnston. “@TonyKhan @AEW if this is true… HIRE THIS MAN. He only created the most iconic wrestling themes in history…” the tweet read.
@TonyKhan @AEW if this is true… HIRE THIS MAN. He only created the most iconic wrestling themes in history…
— Kevin (@ShadowofGodjira) April 5, 2023
Another said, “Do It!! Please for the love of God do it!! None of AEWs theme songs are on the level of Johnston’s work.”
Do It!! Please for the love of God do it!! None of AEWs theme songs are on the level of Johnston's work
— Kev 🌪️ (For the Pricefield) (@breakingdead1) April 5, 2023
Other reactions:
Yes please. They could desperately use someone who can create an alternative sound to what AEW showcases now. Feel like quite a few talent have suffered due to subpar theme music.
— Muddy Waters. (@basedinmud) April 5, 2023
Please I hope he takes it he’s the godfather of wrestling music
— Technoid (@Technoid12) April 5, 2023
Some of the AEW themes are decent, but there are so few that are instantly identifiable. Just adding a sound or quote before the music hits would be nice like the glass with stone cold or the “If you smell” with the Rock. Something that grabs within a few notes or syllables.
— SAu (@H3artOfAu) April 5, 2023
It is something majorly needed for them. It is certainly the one area they fall flat on. When you listen to the majority of their roster entrances, nothing sounds special. It sounds even worse when you hear the best entrances in the industry from New Japan talent on the show.
— Unofficial NJPW Fan Club – North American Chapter (@NJPWFanClubNA) April 5, 2023
Johnston, 64, spoke about his offer to AEW during a recent interview on Conversations with Conrad.
Meanwhile, not all the fans were happy with Johnston’s offer and suggested he stayed away.
Mikey Rukus is doing more than a good job
Jim was great but WWE need him a lot more desperately than AEW do
— winsDANlossesMatter STARDOM STATS (@winsDANlosses) April 5, 2023
Rukus has done a great job with AEW entrance themes. Jim had a good run with WWE in late 90's and early 00's but he is not needed.
— gifadamus (@istomatoafruit) April 5, 2023
Johnston was released by the Stamford-based promotion in 2017, marking an end to their 32-year-old collaboration. During the interview, he said he would be happy to write these songs for WWE, but would not be as immersed as he was earlier.
Jim Johnston wanted to collaborate with AEW earlier as well
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This is not the first time the composer has spoken about his desire to work with Tony Khan’s promotion. Earlier in 2021, he had said that the AEW might have missed a trick by failing to ask him to join them.
Read More: Fans Show Anger at Triple H and Vince McMahon via WWE’s YouTube Channel Following WrestleMania 39
Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Johnston said the AEW should have reached out to him, just to rib the WWE. During the interview, he also spoke about the falling quality of entrance music within the industry and said it impacted the development of talents.
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What do you think about the present state of entrance music? Do you think it was better back in the day? Do let us know in the comments.
