With Hook debuting a new entrance theme on AEW Dynamite, many fans are only now realizing the “Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil” has been competing without music for months. AEW was incredibly sly in its presentation, often having Hook attack opponents from behind or walk out with a partner, masking the absence of his popular theme, “The Chairman’s Intent” by Action Bronson. Now that a new song has arrived, the story behind the quiet disappearance of his old one is coming to light.

As reported by Fightful Select, the switch from Action Bronson‘s track was not a simple licensing issue but was also tied to some backstage controversy. The report notes that Bronson made some critical remarks about the AEW environment last year, which did not go over well with many within the company. This ultimately led to the decision to find a new sound for Hook.

The rights to “The Chairman’s Intent” officially expired in January. Astute fans may have noticed that around this time, AEW began using creative ways to get Hook on screen, often having him attack opponents from behind or accompany others to the ring, cleverly masking the absence of an entrance theme while they worked on a replacement.

A New Era and a New Sound

On a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Hook made his entrance to a brand new theme: ‘So Tell The Girls That I Am Back In Town’ by . The moody and atmospheric track provides a distinctly different vibe from his previous hard-hitting hip-hop anthem, signaling a new chapter for the second-generation star.

Who is Jay-Jay Johanson?

For those unfamiliar with the artist, Jay-Jay Johanson (born Jäje Folke Andreas Johansson) is a Swedish singer-songwriter who first emerged on the music scene in the mid-1990s. Known for his melancholic and distinctive vocals, his music is often described as a blend of trip-hop, synth-pop, and jazz with a cinematic, film noir quality. He has released over a dozen studio albums and has cultivated a dedicated following, particularly in Europe.

The Popularity of the Track

‘So Tell The Girls That I Am Back In Town’ was featured on Johanson’s 1996 debut album, Whiskey. The album was released during the height of the trip-hop genre’s popularity, a style made famous by artists like Massive Attack and Portishead. While the song may not have been a mainstream chart-topper globally, it was a key track in establishing Johanson‘s signature sound and became a staple for fans of the downtempo, atmospheric electronic music scene of the 90s. The choice provides a unique, almost cinematic feel to Hook‘s entrance, setting him apart from the rest of the AEW roster.

https://x.com/AEW/status/1959410693096063251

[carbongallery id=”686557aceb6eaf0dd96edede”]