Jim Johnston Critiques Use of Commercial Tracks in WWE Themes

Jim Johnston, a former composer for WWE, recently criticized the practice of using commercial tracks as entrance themes for wrestlers during an interview on the All Axxess Podcast.

Johnston explained that he generally avoids collaborating with wrestlers on their theme music, as he believes they often lack understanding of the creative process. He emphasized that basing a theme on a commercial song is counterproductive, stating that it detracts from the wrestler's identity and emotional connection with the audience.

He further elaborated that when wrestlers persuade management to use commercial songs, it can lead to mixed associations for the audience, which undermines the intended impact of the entrance music. Johnston cited iconic wrestlers like Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin, noting that their themes evoke a singular focus on their personas rather than distracting memories associated with other songs.