WWE Music Legend Jim Johnston Slams Current Themes, Calls Them “Noise”
Longtime WWE composer Jim Johnston, the man behind some of the most iconic entrance themes in pro wrestling history, isn’t exactly a fan of the current crop of themes filling WWE programming these days.
During a recent appearance on Podcast Heat with Conrad Thompson, Johnston shared his clear frustration about modern entrance music in wrestling.
"It’s almost a frustration to me, the few times I’m going through the cable stations and I land on one of these programs and just everything seems…I’m just shaking my head like what does this music have to do with anything. We’ve gone from a time when you could be cooking in the kitchen and the TV’s two rooms away and you could tell who’s coming out to the ring and now it’s…noise."
For decades, Johnston was the unsung hero behind the sound of WWE, composing themes that were instantly recognizable from the first note. Whether it was the glass shattering for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the haunting toll of The Undertaker's bell, or D-Generation X's rebellious anthem, Johnston had a knack for matching music to personality better than anyone in the game.
Johnston was unceremoniously let go from WWE in 2017, ending a legendary run that began all the way back in the mid-1980s. He was replaced by production duo CFO$, who themselves left the company in 2020. WWE’s current themes are largely produced by music group Def Rebel, whose work has been met with mixed reactions from fans online. Johnston’s comments certainly echo those criticisms, as many have argued that today’s entrance music lacks the distinct character and immediate punch that used to define a wrestler’s arrival. The decline has been especially noticeable during annual events like the Royal Rumble, where the excitement of surprise entrants has dulled in recent years because the music is so generic that fans can’t immediately tell who is coming out.
Listening to Johnston's frustration, it’s hard not to agree. His music didn’t just play in the background—it was a vital part of the spectacle. You heard the first note and instantly knew the mood. WWE’s current soundtrack feels far less distinct by comparison, and Johnston’s absence continues to be felt more than ever.