Former WWE composer Jim Johnston believes both WWE and AEW have lost sight of the importance of entrance music, arguing that the lack of memorable themes has contributed to the industry’s failure to create new megastars.
Jim Johnston, who composed entrance music for WWE from 1985 until 2017, shared his views during an appearance on The False Face podcast. Reflecting on modern wrestling themes, Johnston said today’s entrance music lacks individuality and is no longer instantly recognisable.
“It just sounds like noise to me, and all the themes just sound generic,” Johnston said. “It used to be, whether it was my music or a Jimmy Hart theme or an outside band thing, you used to be able to be making dinner in the kitchen with the TV in the other room, and you’d know who was coming out.”
Johnston argued that memorable entrance music once played a major role in creating wrestling’s biggest stars, something he believes is missing today.
“For some reason, the powers that be have forgotten their roots or something, of how powerful music is in creating stars,” he said. “I further believe that’s why they’re not creating, either WWE or AEW. They’re not creating big stars anymore. There are no new Steve Austins. There are no Rocks around now. And it’s because everyone’s sort of in this layer of generic.”
He suggested that both companies have become comfortable with their current approach rather than continuing to innovate.
“I think that happens to a lot of corporations. They find what works. They’re making a lot of money. And, ‘Oh well, we must be doing it right.’ So don’t change anything.”
Jim Johnston Praised Vince McMahon For His Creativity
Jim Johnston also praised former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for constantly looking to evolve the company’s presentation, even if he did not always agree with every creative decision.
“He was always trying to push the envelope forward. Sometimes he pushed it places that I certainly didn’t agree with. But at least the guy was embracing progress and change, and how can we make the product even better than it was yesterday.”
Johnston said that willingness to innovate aligned with his own philosophy during his three decades composing some of WWE’s most iconic entrance themes.
