Making an entrance: cue the driving music, start the flashing lights, and ignite the pyro, these are the 10 best entrances in wrestling today

Wrestling Digest, Feb, 2003 by Kevin Eck

IN THE OCTOBER 2002 ISSUE OF WRESTLING DIGEST, we selected the 10 best finishing moves in wrestling today. For certain, a strong finisher is one of the necessary ingredients for any successful wrestler. Just as important as the ending of the match, however, is what happens before the match even begins.

From Gorgeous George coming to the ring to "Pomp and Circumstance," to the Fabulous Freebirds strutting down "Badstreet," to Hulk Hogan electrifying the crowd to "Eye of the Tiger" and "Real American," making a good entrance has been a staple of pro wrestling for decades.

Distinctive music, videos, and pyrotechnics all are part of a wrestler's entrance, and, just like a good finishing maneuver, a splashy entrance can help a wrestler get over with fans. Imagine, for instance, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin without the breaking of the glass or Goldberg without the elaborate pyro. In fact, some entrances get bigger pops from the crowd than the action in the ring.

Here's a look at the 10 best current entrances in wrestling.

1. CHRIS JERICHO

During the summer of 1999, a cryptic graphic would appear out of nowhere each week on WWE television that counted down the hours, minutes, and seconds to "The Millennium."

Finally, after several weeks of piquing the fans' curiosity, the countdown again appeared on the video wall--right in the middle of a promo by the Rock. As the counter hit zero, the lights went out, hard rock music blared over the sound system, there was an explosion, and a lone figure, standing with his back to the crowd and his arms outstretched in a Christ-like pose appeared on the stage as the lights came back on. Talk about making a grand entrance.

Jericho, who dubbed himself "Y2J," WWE's man for the millennium, had arrived. Ever since that dramatic debut, Jericho's entrance has continued to bring the fans to their feet, eager to see the entertaining exploits of the "King of the World."

2. KURT ANGLE

It may seem to be the case, but Angle's entrance music wasn't composed with the idea that fans would rhythmically chant "You suck." In fact, the music wasn't even originally intended for Angle.

The Patriot (remember him?) used the same theme during his stint in WWE in 1997. No one ever chanted "You suck" at the Patriot, probably because they were too busy running to the concession stands as soon as the music started.

The music, though, is perfectly suited for Angle, because it has an "Olympic" feel and it also comes across a bit overbearing--just like our Olympic hero. The over-the-top pyro also helps convey the feeling that Angle is a guy who's very full of himself. The fans can't wait to let Angle know what they think of him, and those two words--"You suck"--just seem to fit perfectly with the music.

3. REY MYSTERIO

A high-flying wrestler who does spectacular things in the ring like Mysterio needs a spectacular entrance, and WWE has been up to the task, creating a spectacular one.

The diminutive luchador comes up through the floor of the stage and launches high into the air, setting the tone for the fast-paced action that is about to take place. The Latin-flavored, hip-hop music is reminiscent of his entrance music with the Filthy Animals in WCW and reflects Mysterio's personality.

As far as Mysterio's look, WWE had the right idea by putting him back under a mask and having him wear the unusual-looking contacts. It sure beats those ridiculous horns Mysterio used to wear in WCW.

4. CHRISTIAN

Perhaps we're in the minority, but it sure appeared that Christian was getting over more than Edge when the successful "brother" tag team broke up last year, even though WWE sees more potential in Edge because of his look and size.

Part of the reason Christian was getting noticed by the fans was his entertaining entrance. A lot of the humor with Edge and Christian was inspired by "Wayne's World," so it made perfect sense that Christian's music would be a takeoff of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." From the falsetto vocals to the rocking guitars and pyro, Christian's entrance totally reeks of awesomeness.

There's just one thing that doesn't make sense, however. If the driving force behind Christian's character is that he wants the spotlight to himself, hence the entrance music's opening line of "Christian, at last you're on your own," why does he keep forming tag teams? Just wondering.

5. KANE

"The Big Red Machine" has evolved over the years, as has his entrance. When he debuted, Kane was an emotionless monster right out of a slasher flick, and his entrance---with menacing music, jump-out-of-your-seat explosions, and pyro shooting from the ting posts--certainly set the proper mood of foreboding.

Kane has since transformed into a "cool freak" who cuts promos, has a sense of humor, and is even a bit of a ladies man (please, no necrophilia jokes).

In adding layers to what was a one-dimensional character, WWE also tweaked his entrance. Lyrics have been added to the music, which now has more an edge to it. Of course, the best part of the presentation--the pyro and explosions--have remained intact, which is why this continues to be one smoking hot entrance.