7 Elements of a Pro Wrestling Entrance

[@cijmo]

I always love that the music is so important. As a deaf person - I didn't even KNOW they had specific music for so long. I know it's music but had no idea it was signature. Especially when there's a run-in or promo interruption, I always ask my friend "who is it?" It could be the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy for all I know. I know it's important and even major parts (Cody's "Whoah!) So, it's kind of like my own little 'mystery box" for the first while.

[@RealSavageGent]

I just contracted AEW's own, Mikey Rukus, to create my fully customized entrance theme entitled 'Tiger Savage'. Which portrays my character to the tee and by far one of the best investments I have made! And he is still offering this service to Independent talent.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Love this!

[@juliusrage1987]

Oh, how would I get in touch with him!

[@Tornado_Christian_Winters]

Thank you, Ive always thought the entrance was one of the hardest things to come up with, between being creative and origanal.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You’re right. Coming up with something fresh in an age of over-saturation is tough!

[@horizoncomix]

My current theme that I’ve been using for almost 2 years now is Dust and Bone by Tim Hicks. My cue is at 6 sec into the song (the second repeat of the intro guitar lick) I give the audience a wink & squat from the 7sec mark until the beat drops at the 10am mark at which point I burst into my pose with the beat drop & shout my catchphrase followed by whichever city I’m in & proceed with a front row lap of high-fives into the first verse…wow I didn’t realize until now how meticulous my entrance was, haha!

[@AlvinFalcone]

My music is Holupwait by Lecrae and my cue is 12 seconds in! My trainer always emphasized the 4 second beauty shot so I always try to hit that!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Excellent! Who did you train with?

[@AlvinFalcone]

@@TilWeMakeIt Nick Dinsmore! I was one of his last guys before he stepped away from training!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@AlvinFalcone Oh! Did you go to his school in the Dakotas? I always wanted to drop in and see that place.

[@goatsy3111]

The theme that I want to use is Necessary Evil by Motionless In White I walk out 10 seconds in the song when it pops p.s I love how the first and last person they use in the beginning and end was Rhea “Mami” Ripley. She and the Judgement Day have my favorite entrances

[@krazydragonyt5811]

Late to the party, but if I had to pick a theme song for my entrance, it would have to be "Unstoppable" by Disturbed

[@themodelrailwayman5470]

Im finally getting to a stage of having to think about entrances and the like, so this video is really helpful! I havent got a theme song picked out yet, but considering the character im thinking something in the genre of Power Metal, as my character is very fantasy/D&D/LARP-based and that genre of music often fits well with fantasy

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Yes, I think Power Metal lends itself to that. Some orchestral stuff (think: epic soundtrack) might give you some inspiration too!

[@gregpaxton3473]

This is perfectly timed! I am currently in the process of recording my own entrance theme!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Nice! What do you play?

[@PureSolace]

My Theme would be 'Stuck In The Middle With You' by Stealers Wheel

[@TilWeMakeIt]

A classic! Does your character happen to have a "Reservoir Dogs" vibe?

[@DanielBotes]

I've recently changed my theme - my current one is Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar, but my old one was Neat Neat Neat by The Damned. Pretty similar in terms of genre (fast-tempo, upbeat), but Heartbreaker's a bit less harsh on the ears IMHO.

[@mrchowzilla]

Entrance is actually what ive always pictured in my head 😂 But it’s great that it covered most of the things you said in the video. My entrance theme is My Name - Guitarrista de Atena and my queue is 12 seconds in. Thanks for another great video Mike!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You bet @mrchowzilla!

[@IzakPhineasAbney]

My music is D.N.A. by the band BEEF. Which I happen to be brothers with the drummer/singer. His label white listed my use of the song. So if I end up on any kind of TV I can still use it.

[@ShawnPhoenix]

Really enjoyed this! I wrote all these down to make not of what to do for these 7 elements.. I found that 6 out of 7 I was already taught to do / learned to do... looks like I've got to work on my character ritual! Also, my cue for my entrance is exactly 14 seconds in..talk about cutting it close!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

I’m glad, Shawn! What’s your entrance theme?

[@ShawnPhoenix]

@TilWeMakeIt "27 club" by letlive. Admittedly, the lyrics have nothing to do with my overall gimmick of a pyromaniac, but I feel it fits with the overall aesthetic of what I present to the audience. Also, the band has allowed me to use it, and I've proudly kept the same music for 7 years now.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@ShawnPhoenix That's great! Are they wrestling fans, or just thought it would be cool to give you permission for it?

[@ShawnPhoenix]

@TilWeMakeIt far as I know I don't believe they are fans, but they're big believers in word of mouth to get their name out there, so when I asked, the lead singer was stoked

[@ShawnPhoenix]

Also! I forgot to ask, would you say that Kane's opening pyro when he's in the ring, 'takers arm raising - lights on, and triple h's water spit are rituals?

[@Tayworld5]

My theme song would be Don’t Die by Tory Lanez (instrumental of course)

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Memories Don't Die! Represent!

[@joshc1981]

Once i debut, i plan on using "swords of a thousand men" by tenpole Tudor and my cue is about 15 seconds in when the main beat kicks in, I want my charcter to be high energy, a bit rock and roll and happy to get in the dirt and slug it out with the opponent if it means i can win.

[@deepbeatsmusic]

I'm so early in training that it feels so far away into the future to think about entrance themes, but I love Maximize by Amaranthe. Always my go-to to start a workout or a journey somewhere, and I kinda think it has a bit of an anime feel to it which I dig. I envisage my cue being 17 seconds into the song. But hey, let's get more than a couple of training sessions under my belt first, eh! Thanks for making all these vids Mike, they're great to watch and take in when I get a rare quiet moment to chill and learn! 👍

[@Wickedred413]

In my opinion a lot of times a wrestler's entrance music can be based off something that they've listened to in any form of media regardless if it's movies, video games, any television show or something off their Spotify or iTunes playlist. For example my entrance theme would be vanity by mindless self indulgence. It's from a group that I'm a fan of and it's a unique song because no one else has ever came out to it.Hell i don't think a wrestler has ever come out to MSI at all which is absolutely surprising.As far as my queue i would come out right as the song begins.(13 seconds)

[@Seanatonin]

When I did a weekly radio show on a community radio station, I used Break it Down Again by Tears For Fears and Crank That Radio by Stan Bush among others. My personal theme for the past few years is From The Ashes by Stan Bush.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Sounds like a man of extremely good taste! Kudos!

[@Seanatonin]

My show was mostly 80s/early 90s music, classic rock/pop, rarities and an appearance of a Japanese song

[@scottconnor1373]

Workshop Way Maker

[@TERRONFBECKHAM]

THANK YOU FOR THE INSIGHT

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You're welcome!

[@OniNoSweeney]

My theme is "By The Time I Get To Arizona" by Public Enemy.... good bass, cool backing vocals in the beginning, gives a good slow beat to strut to.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

An oldie, but a goodie!

[@alignedwithalexis]

Well said👏🏼👏🏼 thank you for this!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You bet! How’s the change of scenery suiting you, Alexis?

[@alignedwithalexis]

@@TilWeMakeIt OMG, I love it so much & so grateful to be in my position. I am starting the Palmetto Wrestling Academy this August. I am excited to continue my wrestling journey, but I will always remember the first ring I ever stepped foot in at the Wrestle Factory. Always wishing you the best! 🫶🏼

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@alignedwithalexis I'm sure we will cross paths again sometime down the line! Best of luck in your training!

[@otaieb48]

I've always been interested in the business not just from a surface level, but also what goes beyond and I personally wanna thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart for all the effort. I have one question though and would love if you could help me understand, please, as this question is mainly focused about the WWE. I wonder why do some wrestlers who had appealing characters that connected through with the crowd, were not given a push for example like Dolph or Rusev? I understand that everyone plays their own role in the company, but I'd assume everyone's main goal is to reach the main event right? So the question would be, say you connected to the crowd with your delivery of promos, character, in ring talent, but management would still not pull the trigger on you, how can a wrestler overcome this?

[@TilWeMakeIt]

This is a great question you’re asking, and there is no definitive answer, unfortunately. Leaving for the competition, and showing you can succeed at a higher level worked for Cody. Become the shiny new toy, and eventually, WWE will start calling.

[@arbionneziri]

I have a question! What are the key things every pro wrestler must have before his pro debut like entrance theme,pro wrestling name,move set...?

[@Karah_Kay10]

I know i'm a bit late to the party, but i felt i should add a comment. I haven't really chosen a theme, but i have some options, since I'm indecisive. I think Custer by Slipknot will work since i want my character to be vicious and ruthless, like Rhea Ripley kinda, though i also suggested Neon Blade by Moondeity to sorta add an energetic side, since i have ADHD. I've been practicing with Masquerade ii by Souixxe, since i feel it adds a demonic side, (my cue is at around 3 to 6 seconds) but for a while i practiced with Limbo by Freddie Dredd, since it gives my character an opportunity to interact with the crowd. I want ask you, which one do you think i should pick? I don't know if you know these songs, but what do you think i should choose?

[@EverybodysFavoriteBadGuyTKR]

Hey Mike..its The Kiran Ridge! This vid was very informative and I aim to apply it in my wrestling career and steal the show! Thanks bro.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Right on, man! Looking forward to locking up with you next month!

[@TheSolXP]

I've gone back and forth with a lot of entrance themes in my head but to keep that under 60 second rule, I'm going to say "Futureblind" by Brighter Than 1000 Suns.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

I’m not familiar with the “under 60 second” rule, do tell!

[@transegg7780]

Thank you for the great video again Mike! Just asking, Do you have a video going deeper into the "camera work" (The character acknowledging the existance of cameras) ? It would be very helpful if the topic could be expanded on!

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You’re welcome! I don’t think I have a video on that (yet!) Can you give me a little detail about what you’d like to learn on that topic?

[@transegg7780]

@@TilWeMakeIt Thank you for the answer! Maybe i was a bit hyperspecific. Maybe some notes about how to make your character seem more "larger than life" than it already is. Like taking non-canon events into a promo to make it more heated... Using plants in the audience... Giving the camera death stares or speaking directly into it... Things like that. Those all make the action seem way more close than it is. If a heel throws a fans drink into their face 3 meters from me when im attending a house show as a fan, that makes me feel very uneasy and afraid of that character. If i can see a performers eyes on camera staring directly at me while they are cutting a promo, it feels more like they are airing out their frustrations to me than if they were speaking off to the side. Seeing MJF do solo-promos and his older entrances got me thinking about this quite a bit.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@transegg7780 Hmmm. I'll give this some thought. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@MorrisJoshua26]

My theme is Danse Macabre (modern version) by Tempus Quartet.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

I believe there’s an obscure Marvel character by that name…part of The Night Shift? Any chance you know who I mean?

[@JustCallMeRazzberryAzzyV1]

It would be Hall of the mounter king, but start off with the whistle from the movie M, which is the same song, but it would also set the mood. The whistle was also used in Emesiss Blue and by Mal is TDI

[@TilWeMakeIt]

This is all new information to me. What’s the movie M about?

[@JustCallMeRazzberryAzzyV1]

@@TilWeMakeIt It's an old German thriller crime movie, I just know it originates from that and from the other examples it's used to show someone has turned into there alter ego

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@JustCallMeRazzberryAzzyV1 Fascinating! I gotta check it out. thanks!

[@starshipjive411]

Okay my song would be AC/DC's Highway To Hell , my cue would be at 8 seconds, my gear would be a leather jacket with all sorts of graffiti and studs on it and my emotional offer is "I'm just here to start shit"

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Has any wrestler ever used Highway to Hell before? Seems like a great fit!

[@RazorX2.0]

My Entrance Theme is "Drop The Bombshell" by PowerMan 5000 My Entrance Gimmick is "I Believe No One is Better Than Me"

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Good stuff!

[@fatboilara]

Off topic from the video but how would you recommend a newer guy getting merch like t shirts made?

[@TilWeMakeIt]

I'd recommend going with small print runs if you are new. Most screen printers can do batches of 24 shirts at a reasonable price. You can probably Google up one near you and call for a quote. You may be able to save a few bucks with a DTG (direct to garment) alternative to authentic screen printing.

[@rileykazama3145]

I am considering a song called found and lost by survived the said prophet

[@TilWeMakeIt]

What do you like about that track?

[@rileykazama3145]

@@TilWeMakeIt the way the song starts out fast I am considering using it for my character it's a pro wrestling duck character I am doing that character to pay tribute to my pet duck heuy who passed away

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@rileykazama3145 When your first match rolls around, link me to it, Riley!

[@rileykazama3145]

@@TilWeMakeIt ok I will

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@rileykazama3145 👍

[@JackgarPrime]

I'm not on shows yet, but the song I have in mind for me eventually is "Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden. Problem is, the intro? 20 seconds long! Clearly way too long. Although parts of the intro are repeated a couple times. For something like that, do you think it might be a good idea to rig up a "shortened intro" version of a song for show use? Is that something people do?

[@TilWeMakeIt]

You read my mind. Get a sound savvy friend to edit it down for you. Do you know what chunk of the intro you want to cut?

[@JackgarPrime]

@@TilWeMakeIt Well there's a riff that runs about 4 (more like 3.5) times, I'd want to cut 2 of the loops out and leave the opening one and the one that transitions into the song proper. That would leave it as a 10 second intro total which I think would be reasonable. And since it's the same thing looped I think the edit could be fairly seamless with someone who knows what they're doing.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@JackgarPrime I bet you could find someone to edit/mix that for you on Fiverr.com or some other freelancing site, just by looking for people that do audio stuff.

[@JackgarPrime]

@@TilWeMakeIt Yeah I can't imagine it would be difficult or even particularly time-or-cost consuming to just get someone to cut 10 seconds out of a song. I might even know someone who'd be willing to do it for free, or by the age-old friend-to-friend cost of "I'll buy you lunch/dinner"

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@JackgarPrime Yeah, exactly. But if it makes the difference in how your entrance hits the crowd, well worth that investment.

[@maracujaizsrbije6738]

I've thought about this for a while even though I have no realistic means of becoming a wrestler. Slaves & Bulldozers by Soundgarden, my cue would be when the guitars start. I'd light a cigarette every time coming out and smoke it in my mouth walking slowly, with laid back arrogance to the ring. My gimmick would be a modern, sleazier cross between The Rock and Ric Flair (my two favorite personalities) with a little bit of Hollywood Hogan, so I'd wear unbuttoned flamboyant shirts, golden necklaces, watches, jewelry and flash them in people's faces. The cocky show-off has always been my favorite type of wrestler.'

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Something about this evoked The Sandman (from ECW) in my mind...which is interesting only because he's about the polar opposite of peak-era Ric Flair!

[@MrDazpetty]

My entrance theme is Hero by Weezer. My cue is at 14 seconds. I play the part of an "unlucky" superhero. A face who has still yet to win, but comes close every time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJWthGRneJ1_d5I As long as you ignore the lyrics after the first 45 seconds, it works well. The music tends to get cut before that point.

[@TilWeMakeIt]

I dig it!

[@luchads]

My que is twenty seconds.....but I make it work 😂

[@TilWeMakeIt]

20 seconds! What’s the song?

[@luchads]

@@TilWeMakeIt lucha by machingon

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@luchads Ah yes! I have heard that once or twice...

[@rxbynrxse]

My queue for my entrance theme is barely 5 seconds 😂

[@TilWeMakeIt]

That’s ideal! What song do you use?

[@rxbynrxse]

I use 50//50 by Vantage, people ive asked about it have said simply "It just fits"

[@TilWeMakeIt]

@@rxbynrxse If it fits...it fits!

[@RealAvariceJoe]

Voodoo-godsmack

[@TilWeMakeIt]

Outstanding!

[@Badbarbie777]

My entrance would be yung god by Russ

[@TilWeMakeIt]

That's a new one on me. Where is Russ from?

[@ArielSamuel-z1y]

U know I'm a simple Guy I just want to make things simple