Hulkamaniacs will be able to run wild on the ‘Hulk HoganTrail’ in Clearwater, Florida. A two-mile stretch of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Trail on State Road 60 has been dedicated to Hogan, with a red and yellow sign in Hulk‘s likeness marking the path.
“The message of training, saying your prayers and eating your vitamins… that’s something that’s stuck with me,” Florida governor Ron DeSantissaid while commemorating the Hulk Hogan Trail at the late wrestler’s Clearwater bar. “It shows that, you know, his memory is going to live a long time. I mean, it was always said, ‘Hulkamania is gonna live forever.’”
The trail is a popular running and biking spot for residents of Clearwater, where Hogan lived for much of his life.
Jimmy Hart was also on hand to celebrate his longtime friend. “We’d always sit here and do karaoke,” Hart recalled. “The last thing he said to me, he said, ‘Jimmy Hart, I want you to do your song ‘Keep on Dancing’ for me.’”
“Clearwater was always home for him,” Hogan‘s son Nick added. “No matter how far he traveled around the world or where his career took him, he always was grounded here. He loved to inspire people to be the best version of themselves. So this trail isn’t just a dedication. This is a living legacy.”
Hogan died of complications from leukemia and heart disease in July of this year. The legendary wrestler’s family is currently exploring a malpractice lawsuit against several of Hogan‘s caretakers.
A classic piece of 1980s wrestling history is about to be more accessible than ever for WWE fans. This weekend, WWE will begin running episodes of the cult classic cartoon series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
Varietyreports the show, which originally aired from 1985-1986 and consists of 26 total episodes, will be released in batches of four every Saturday morning on the WWE Vault YouTube channel, beginning September 6. The episodes will air in chronological order and will drop at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. ET.
What Was Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling?
For those unfamiliar, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling was a Saturday morning cartoon that was a cornerstone of the company’s “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection” period, which saw the then-WWF merge with mainstream pop culture.
The series centered on the ongoing battle between the heroic Hulk Hogan and his team of fan-favorite wrestlers against the villainous antics of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and his faction of heels. Each episode featured the larger-than-life characters in various comedic situations, both inside and outside the ring, embodying the classic good versus evil dynamic that defined the era’s wrestling product.
The Surprising Voice Cast
A common misconception about the show is that the wrestlers provided their own voices. In reality, due to their demanding travel schedules, WWE hired a cast of professional voice actors to bring the characters to life. This led to a surprisingly star-studded lineup of voice talent.
The iconic voice of Hulk Hogan was provided by a pre-Everybody Loves RaymondBrad Garrett. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was voiced by veteran voice actor Charlie Adler, known for roles in shows like Tiny Toon Adventures. Perhaps most famously, the voice of Junkyard Dog was supplied by James Avery, who would go on to become a household name as Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Other notable voice actors included George DiCenzo as Captain Lou Albano and Aron Kincaid as The Iron Sheik. While the wrestlers appeared in live-action segments, the animated voices belonged to these talented professionals.
Of all the wild stories from the world of professional wrestling in the 1980s, this one might be the most unbelievable, and it comes from a very unlikely source: the daughter of Mr. T.
Comedian Erica Nicole Clark recently told a story during a stand-up set about the hazards of growing up as the daughter of the iconic actor and wrestler. The main challenge, as she explains it, was that nobody ever believed her. This disbelief from friends and even teachers led her to keep one of the wildest stories from that era to herself for years.
“Why The F*ck Else Is Your Black *ss Here?”
Clark opened her routine by stating, “My dad is Mr. T.” She immediately followed up by acknowledging the skepticism she has faced her entire life. “Most people think I’m lying when I say that, but I’m like, why would I pick him? Who the f*ck is lying about Mr. T?”
She explained that growing up in the 80s and 90s, reactions were polarized. In her wealthy neighborhood, everyone believed her because, as they put it, “Why the f*ck else is your black *ss here?” However, when she was a kid living on the South Side of Chicago and attending an all-black school, the reception was much different. Explaining to her friends that the reason they had never seen her dad was because he was “doing WrestleMania with Hulk Hogan” was met with universal disbelief. “Everybody was like, ‘Shut the f*ck up, Erica.’ Those were the teachers,” she joked.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOEgYiukvto/?hl=en
This constant doubt gave her a complex, causing her to rarely tell people who her father is. She then shared a story from her childhood that perfectly illustrates why.
A Hotel Room Brawl with Hogan and Piper
Clark recounted being a young child and attending the first WrestleMania event, where her father was teaming with Hulk Hogan. It was her first time seeing wrestling live, and her dad assured her not to worry because “it’s all fake.”
Things took a turn when Mr. T entered the ring with his opponent, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. “Immediately, Rowdy Roddy Piper flips my dad… and he cracks my dad’s ribs,” she said. Her father had to be taken to the emergency room.
The real chaos began back at the hotel. Clark described the scene: “He comes back to the hotel room, he’s all bandaged up, and Hulk Hogan‘s in our hotel room. And Hulk Hogan is doing lines of cocaine… and still has the yellow shorts on, right?”
She continued, describing an agitated Hogan vowing revenge. “He’s like, ‘T, I’m gonna f*ck him up when I see him. I swear to God, I’m gonna f*ck him up’.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, coming to apologize. “He goes, ‘Hey T, I’m real sorry about what happened’,” Clark recalled. Hulk Hogan, however, was not interested in the apology.
“And Hulk Hogan‘s like, ‘F*ck that!’ and grabs Roddy Piper and brings him into the hotel room, throws him against the wall, smashes the mirror. They’re beating him, my dad’s trying to break it up.”
The scene became even more surreal. “Hulk Hogan‘s wife, Linda, is there and she’s like, ‘Terry, stop!’” Clark said, pausing for comedic effect. “And I’m like, ‘Wow, that was his name,’ right?”
Back to School
After witnessing the hotel room get destroyed in a cocaine-fueled brawl between two of wrestling’s biggest stars, Clark and her family got on a plane and returned to Chicago. The absurdity of her weekend came crashing into reality when she went back to class.
“We’re sitting in a sharing circle, and the teacher’s like, ‘What’d you do this weekend?’ And I was like, ‘Not a f*ckin’ thing’.”
While Erica Nicole Clark tells the story from her authentic childhood perspective, the context of the time leads to some fascinating speculation. The first WrestleMania was an enormous financial gamble for Vince McMahon and the WWF. The entire success of the event hinged on mainstream media attention, which Mr. T‘s involvement guaranteed.
However, it was widely known that many old-school wrestlers, including “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, legitimately disliked an actor taking a top spot at their biggest show. There were persistent rumors that Mr. T was difficult to work with and was skeptical of the wrestling business, leading to very real fears that he might back out of the event.
Could the hotel room brawl have been an elaborate piece of theater for an audience of one? It is possible that Hulk Hogan, understanding what was at stake, staged the entire confrontation. By violently defending his partner’s honor against his on-screen rival, Hogan would have sent a powerful message to Mr. T: that he had his back and the animosity was real. This elaborate “work” could have been designed to solidify Mr. T‘s trust and ensure he wouldn’t walk away from the massive payday and historic event. While only the people in that room know for sure, it adds another layer to a legendary story where the line between reality and performance was spectacularly blurred.
A new report has surfaced suggesting that the recent death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan may have involved medical malpractice. Sources connected to the family have raised serious questions about a recent operation the legend underwent shortly before he passed away.
Hogan’s botched procedure
According to a report from TMZ Sports, the investigation into Hogan’s death has taken a sharp turn. The report alleges that an occupational therapist, who was present at Hogan’s home when he stopped breathing, informed police officers that a surgeon had “severed” Hogan’s phrenic nerve during a recent procedure.
This nerve is critical for controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing. This stunning claim adds a new, troubling layer to the circumstances surrounding his death.
These new details seem to align with recent concerns voiced by Hulk Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan. In a series of Instagram posts, Brooke revealed that she has been contacted by professionals who were with her father on the day he died.
She wrote, “I’ve 100% gotten legit calls from professionals- from police officials to nurses that were supposedly with my dad on the day of his death telling ME I need to see body cam footage and I need to get a hold of the 911 tapes because they supposedly contain information that could potentially shed enough light to change the narrative.”
Brooke also shared her frustration over her inability to take action, explaining that all post-mortem decisions are legally controlled by Hogan’s wife, Sky.
“The short of it is- it’s all up to my dad’s wife and I have zero control,” she stated. “I can not do anything, my hands are tied, and I have no say in anything regarding my dad – even as his daughter.”
Hulk Hogan’s widow, Sky, has since confirmed to TMZ Sports that the wrestling legend’s phrenic nerve was indeed “compromised” during one of his recent surgeries.
She also confirmed that an autopsy has been completed, but declined to share the results with the public at this time.
The Clearwater Police Department issued a statement confirming the investigation into Hulk Hogan’s death remains active. “We have been in communication with family members — including his son, Nick, and daughter, Brooke. The unique nature of this case has required us to interview multiple witnesses and seek medical records from a variety of providers, and our detectives continue to do that. All of this takes time.”
The Hollywood Reporter recently sparked a debate among wrestling and movie fans with its list of the best wrestlers who became actors. While the list features many iconic names, some of the rankings and omissions are certainly up for discussion.
According to their rankings, Dave Bautista has claimed the top spot as the best wrestler-turned-actor, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson coming in a close second. John Cena rounds out the top three, solidifying a trio of modern WWE superstars who have successfully transitioned to Hollywood.
Here is the full top ten list from The Hollywood Reporter:
Dave Bautista
Dwayne Johnson
John Cena
Roddy Piper
Adam Copeland
Kevin Nash
Hulk Hogan
Paul Wight
Jesse Ventura
Andre The Giant
Notable Omissions and Rankings
One of the biggest oversights is the absence of the most famous luchador in Mexican history, El Santo. A cultural icon, El Santo was a massive film star, appearing in over 50 movies. His exclusion is a significant miss for any list discussing wrestlers in cinema. You can see his extensive filmography on his IMDb page.
While I wouldn’t argue Batista being ranked over The Rock, in terms of quality of movies (certainly not box office), some of the rankings themselves are debatable. For instance, Jesse “The Body” Ventura at number nine feels far too low. With memorable roles in major films like Predator and The Running Man, Ventura made a significant impact in Hollywood and certainly has a case for a much higher position on the list. The same could be said for “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, whose leading role in the cult classic They Live is iconic. While the top four are strong contenders, there’s a compelling argument for both Ventura and Piper to be ranked higher.
Another point of contention is Andre The Giant‘s placement at number ten, below Hulk Hogan who is ranked at seven. The original article credits Hogan as being the first wrestler to break into movies, which is inaccurate. Wrestlers had been appearing in films for decades before Hogan’s first role. While Hogan had a run of films, Andre‘s role as Fezzik in The Princess Bride is beloved and has immense repeat value, a quality that many of Hogan‘s films lack. For that reason alone, Andre The Giant deserves to be ranked higher.
Ultimately, ranking artistic careers is a subjective exercise. While The Hollywood Reporter placed Bautista at the pinnacle, the list serves more as a conversation starter than a definitive final word. The debates over the placements of beloved figures like Ventura and Piper, and the complete omission of international stars like El Santo, show that every fan has their own unique top ten.
It’s no secret that Hulk Hogan was the purveyor of many tall tales throughout his life. The wrestling icon would often weave his own kayfabe cinematic universe, but there’s one thing we can ultimately confirm about Terry Gene Bollea — the man could play bass.
According to Hogan, he began playing guitar in junior high school. The future wrestler would eventually join a band, but after he was replaced by a more talented guitarist, Hulk switched over to bass and learned his chops.
Eventually, Hogan would end up playing bass in a Tampa band called Ruckus. “When I was in high school there were like five or six good bands,” Hogan told Noisey, “and I got all the good people out of these bands and into one band called Ruckus … All of a sudden, before I knew it, there was a bunch of wrestlers at our gigs.”
Music was an integral part of Hulk Hogan’s wrestling career from the very beginning. Story goes that Hogan broke into the business through the connections he made while playing Ruckus gigs.
No recordings of Ruckus have been unearthed, but photos do exist of the elusive band:
As Hogan became one of the biggest names in New Japan Pro Wrestling, he continued his musical pursuits with a group called Itch-Band. Hulk Hogan & Itch-Ban released an objectively horrible album in 1983, on which Hogan is credited on vocals and bass, though musician Masayoshi Kabe is also credited on bass.
The record was only issued in Japan, and it’s packed to the brim with nonsensical Japanese pop mixed with rock ’n’ roll and spoken-word lyrics. It’s honestly tough to recognize Hogan’s voice throughout the three-song EP.
Despite a lackluster music career thus far, Hulkamania would soon run wild in the WWE, turning Hulk Hogan into the biggest star in the history of pro wrestling.
WWE would eventually allude to Hogan’s rock ’n’ roll chops. At the 1987 Slammy Awards, Vince McMahon gave a truly cursed live performance of the original song “Stand Back.” Hogan brandished a yellow bass guitar during the performance, standing behind McMahon and his backup dancers while miming a slap style instead of actually playing live.
“Stand Back” saw an official release on Epic Records in 1987, acting as the b-side to Koko B. Ware’s “Piledriver.” WWE entrance music legend Jim Johnston has the only credit for “Stand Back,” so don’t expect to hear Hogan on the recorded version.
Fast-forward to 1993, Hogan tag-teamed with Green Jellÿ to record a cover of Gary Glitter’s “I’m the Leader of the Gang.” The track was actually a hit in the UK, reaching No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart.
It wouldn’t be until Hogan defected to WCW that we’d get another record from the Hulkster. In 1995, Hogan joined forces with Jimmy Hart, Hulk’s then-wife Linda Bollea and musician J.J. Maguire to form The Wrestling Boot Band. The group would unleash Hulk Rules upon the world — a 10-track, full-length album.
“Hulk played bass on it,” Hart recalled to Noisey. “Hulk and everybody else there just chipped in, sat around for a few weeks, and wrote ten songs. All of a sudden, we got a major record deal on Select Records.”
Breaking down Hulk Rules would take another article entirely, but one standout track that still resonates to this day is “Hulkster in Heaven,” apparently written about a Make-a-Wish kid who Hogan invited to sit ringside at a 1992 UK wrestling show.
As the legend goes, Hulk went out to the ring that night, and when he looked over to see his terminally ill fan, the seat reserved for him was empty. Hogan was later informed that the young fan had died before the match had begun.
Hogan never actually wrestled in the UK in 1992, but the song itself 100-percent does exist.
https://youtu.be/b9JfhANM9B0?si=xQ_uIz3ZTMY7ij3Y
Finally, Hogan attempted to resurrect his career in music by playing bass in both the Rolling Stones and Metallica.
“I was in the UK for some award show, and Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s old lady, was walking out with me to present this award,” Hogan recalled. “I heard her talking on the phone to Mick about, ‘Oh, you got to find a bass player and you’ve only got two different choices.’ I was like ‘Look, I used to play bass. I know all the Rolling Stones songs. Tell Mick if you guys need a bass player for the Rolling Stones, I swear to god I could show up. I could rehearse one day and play everything they play. Please tell Mick, please tell Mick.’ Never heard a word back.”
Despite never getting that audition for the Stones, the wrestling legend did put it into the press that he’d auditioned for Metallica after Jason Newsted left the band. The claim was laughed off by multiple members of Metallica, and Hogan did eventually admit to fabricating the story.
“I was hoping for a call from them but never got one,” Hogan claimed. “All the haters were like ‘You never auditioned for Metallica!’ Of course I didn’t—but I tried!”
The Rolling Stones and Metallica may not have called Hogan, but the ‘Real American’ did step onstage on a number of occasions to jam with real bands. Watch the Hulkster legitimately play bass at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a band called Diamondback.
Despite never quite making it in the music world, Hogan still left his indelible mark on American pop culture. He’ll forever be known as the man who launched WWE into the stratosphere, and he’ll forever be one of wrestling’s all-time great performers.
The proof is in the picture: Dolly Parton and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan arm-in-arm at the altar before he picks her up and whisks her through the ropes and off into a land of body slams and suplexes.
So what happened? Why isn’t she Mrs. Hulkster today?
Did Dolly Parton and Hulk Hogan Get Married?
Dolly Parton and Hulk Hogan did not get married in real life, but they did for a hilarious (if corny) TV sketch.
Parton wrote and recorded a song called “Headlock on My Heart” for a mid-’80s variety show.
The spoof song includes lyrics like: “He’s got a headlock on my heart / It was a take down from the start” and “I love the heart that beats beneath his massive golden chest” before spoken word gems like:
“I guess you could say he’s pinned me down for a lifetime.”
Even better than the pun-filled verses and chorus is Hogan’s name in the video. The WWF (as it was known then) must not have approved of the Hulk appearing, so Parton names him “Starlight Starbright.”
Andre the Giant would not have feared Starlight Starbright — this much is certain.
We first wrote about this throwback video in 2013, but with news of Hogan’s July 24, 2025 death, it felt worth revisiting.
Who Was Hulk Hogan’s Wife?
At the time of his death, Hogan was married to Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023. The couple have no children.
Prior to that, Hulkster was married to Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021 and Linda Hogan from 1983 to 2009.
The Hogans have two kids, Nick and Brooke.
How Did Hulk Hogan Die?
Hulk Hogan’s death was revealed by TMZ on Thursday, July 24. The wrestler went into cardiac arrest that morning, and despite efforts from Clearwater (Florida) Fire & Rescue, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The 71-year-old had undergone dozens of surgeries related to injuries suffered during his wrestling career.
Last fall, he said he’d undergone 10 back surgeries in 10 years. In denying he was on his death bed last month, Hogan’s team told E! News that he had undergone neck surgery recently, but there was no reason to panic.
It will take days or weeks for Hogan’s official cause of death to be revealed, but it appears to have been sudden. In sharing the news, TMZ forwarded part of a 911 call that resulted in several EMTs and police cars showing up to his Clearwater, Fla., home.
There will be a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Tributes to the iconic sports entertainment figure began pouring in on social media shortly after the announcement of his death.
On X (formerly Twitter), the WWE released an official statement mourning the loss of “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and extending condolences to Hogan’s family.
https://x.com/WWE/status/1948414335153230023
Fellow wrestling star Ric Flair called Hogan an “incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father,” adding: “Our friendship meant the world to me.”
The Death of Hulk Hogan and His Lasting Legacy on Pop Culture
Born Terrence Gene Bollea, the wrestler known as Hulk Hogan died at his Clearwater, Fla. home.
According to TMZ Sports, emergency responders were summoned early Thursday following a cardiac arrest event, and he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Hogan was a defining figure of ‘80s and ‘90s professional wrestling, celebrated for his electrifying charisma and slogans such as “say your prayers and eat your vitamins.” As a 12‑time world champion and headliner of multiple WrestleMania events, he played a pivotal role in transforming the WWE into a behemoth of global entertainment.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in films such as Rocky III and also had a reality TV show called Hogan Knows Best.
However, his legacy and impact was tarnished in recent years by his own behavior and history of making vile racist remarks, which led to his firing from the WWE in 2015.
Hogan’s health had recently stirred public concern. Just weeks earlier, his wife Sky Daily publicly dismissed rumors of serious complications following neck surgery.
He is survived by Daily as well as his two children, Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, from his previous marriage to Linda Hogan.
See reactions on social media to Hulk Hogan’s death, below.
Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. TMZ reported that the iconic superstar, whose real name is Terry Bollea, passed away this morning in his Clearwater, Florida home. Medics were reportedly called for a cardiac arrest.
For a generation of fans, Hulk Hogan was professional wrestling. His rise in the 1980s, under Vince McMahon in the WWE, created an unprecedented boom in the industry. “Hulkamania” was a cultural phenomenon, with Hogan, clad in his signature yellow and red, urging his “Hulkamaniacs” to train, say their prayers, and eat their vitamins. He was the quintessential American hero, overcoming monstrous villains and holding the WWE Championship for years.
In the mid-90s, Hogan shocked the world by leaving WWE for its rival, World Championship Wrestling (WCW). While his initial run as a babyface was met with diminishing returns, he orchestrated one of the most pivotal moments in wrestling history at Bash at the Beach 1996. He turned his back on the fans, revealing himself as the third man alongside The Outsiders, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, to form the New World Order (nWo). This villainous turn completely revitalized his career, created the industry’s hottest angle, and launched the “Monday Night Wars,” a ratings battle between WWE Raw and WCW Monday Nitro that is remembered as the second golden era of wrestling.
However, in his later years, Hogan’s heroic image was shattered. Leaked tapes captured him having sex with the wife of his then-best friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. Even more damaging were recordings from that tape where he was heard on an expletive-laden, racist tirade about his daughter Brooke Hogan‘s then-boyfriend, who was Black. He was quoted as saying, “I mean, I don’t have double standards. I mean, I am a racist, to a point, f—ing n—s,” adding shortly after, “I guess we’re all a little racist. F—ing n—er.”
In the aftermath, Hogan never issued a direct apology for the words themselves. Instead, he chose to focus his public statements on warning others about the dangers of being filmed without one’s consent, leading many to feel he never took full accountability for his bigoted language.
The publication of the footage by the website Gawker led to a monumental lawsuit that tested the boundaries of free speech and the right to privacy. Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy and ultimately won a staggering $140 million judgment that bankrupted the media company. In a stunning twist, it was later revealed that Hogan’s lawsuit had been secretly bankrolled by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel. Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, had a personal vendetta against Gawker after one of its subsidiary sites outed him as gay years prior. Thiel’s secret funding of the case was seen as a form of revenge, using Hogan’s suit to finally bring down the company that had wronged him.
Recently, Hogan had remained in the public eye. He was seen on the campaign trail for Donald Trump and was actively promoting his new “Real American Beer.” He had also just announced the formation of a new freestyle wrestling league.
The iconic nWo logo, a symbol of rebellion that defined an era in professional wrestling, was born not from months of creative meetings, but from a one-hour, shoestring-budget design session. The artist behind the revolutionary emblem, Jenni Sloan, a graphic designer for Turner Sports, remained completely unaware of its cultural impact for years, having been paid a mere few hundred dollars for a design that would generate millions.
“One of the things that I loved to do – at that time – was logo development,” Sloan revealed. “I really liked to dive into who a company was, what they were about kind of problem solve, [in my head], the best way to do a logo.”
“So I remember being called into a meeting and being told that we would be working with WCW,” she continued. “I was really not familiar with it… [although] my younger brother watched some of it way back in the day…with Hulk Hogan and all those guys. So that resonated with me…[plus] the fact that there was this sort of ‘breakaway group’ [with the New World Order].”
The project, however, came with severe limitations.
“I remember the day well,” Sloan said. “[On this particular day], they mentioned that WCW was asking for something on a ‘shoestring budget’. They said, ‘They can’t afford much…only an hour of time – that’s all they’re going to pay for.’”
“[Evidently], they couldn’t afford some of the more expensive equipment in my suite.”
“I thought, ‘Great. This is not how I want to do things…but…alright.’”
“They said to me, ‘This is going to have to be mass generated…but you’re going to have to do this logo in black-and-white.’”
“I thought, ‘Alright. Well…I’ll figure it out…’”
“I only had an hour to do the whole thing.”
With the clock ticking, Sloan received minimal direction.
“They said, ‘We want it to be rough…something with ‘ragged edges’…and I mean…that’s sort of all I had to go on. I don’t recall being shown anything else, except maybe some rough designs…[and those] weren’t based on anything else [really].”
Drawing on her own influences, the design began to take shape.
“In my head, when they were telling me what they wanted, I was thinking, ‘Okay, ‘80s…‘90s…’, I was thinking of going out in high school…when I was really attracted to things like new age…punk…things like that. I was thinking of like a Sid and Nancy type of [feeling]. In my mind, that’s how things were translating to me when they were explaining the concept.”
The initial version wasn’t quite right.
“I think it’s the quickest logo I’ve ever done in my life! It was really just down-and-dirty, super quick. There was a version that I did first, but [WCW producer] Rob Wright and [another WCW staffer] were like, ‘Uh-uh. It’s gotta be rougher.’ I specifically remember that.”
“They asked me to make it even more rough – really jagged – so I remember going in and hand-drawing some of the edges.”
In a final stroke of genius, Sloan stylized the group’s initials in a format that would become as famous as the group itself: nWo.
“I don’t remember the reason for that,” she shrugs, in reference to her creative decision, “other than I thought it looked cool!”
The immediate reaction to the finished product was lukewarm at best.
“The reaction I got was like, ‘Cool – thanks. That was great.’”
“It wasn’t like, ‘Woah – this is going to be amazing!’”
Shortly after, Sloan left the industry. She had no idea that her one-hour, black-and-white, “down-and-dirty” design would become the emblem for one of the most profitable stables in history, fronted by “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall. It wasn’t until years later that she learned the truth, famously asking, “So how many T-shirts did they sell of this logo?” Her story remains a fascinating, and somewhat cautionary, tale of creative contribution versus compensation in the world of professional wrestling.
The legendary WWF WrestleFest is officially making its comeback, now under the banner of WWE WrestleFest, thanks to Basic Fun! and their Retro Replay line.
For those who have fond memories of the arcade scene, WrestleFest often stands out.Originally unleashed in 1991 by the legendary Technōs Japan, the masterminds behind Double Dragon, this game captured the larger-than-life energy of the World Wrestling Federation at its peak. I certainly recall spending a significant portion of my allowance attempting to progress through the game. My preferred character was usually the Ultimate Warrior, and when playing with friends, we often teamed up as Demolition.
According to a press release from Basic Fun!, they are expanding their home arcade offerings, with WrestleFest being a key part of this initiative. The article indicates that Basic Fun! is “reimagining some of the most iconic arcade games in a new, 2/3-scale format that can be played on a tabletop or mounted to a wall.” This smaller scale seems practical for home use.
A crucial detail for purists is the commitment to authenticity in gameplay. Basic Fun! has confirmed that these machines will feature the arcade game’s original ROMs. This is a significant assurance, promising that the core gameplay – the moves, the AI, the very feel of the matches, will be the real deal, a faithful recreation of what made the game a quarter-munching legend. The cabinet itself is being constructed from “a mix of molded plastic and wood hybrids,” aiming for durability and a classic aesthetic. It will also feature “true micro-switch joysticks” for that authentic arcade responsiveness, “backlit marquees” to capture the arcade ambiance, and “high-resolution screens” for crisp visuals.
The aim is to provide “an authentic arcade experience at home” with “genuine gameplay, and nostalgic 디자인 (designs).” The new Retro Replay arcades will feature “real arcade controls and buttons,” which should contribute to a more accurate feel.
The roster remains as iconic as ever, featuring a lineup of wrestling titans from the era. Players can once again step into the digital boots of Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Big Boss Man, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Earthquake, Mr. Perfect, and Sgt. Slaughter. And, of course, the formidable tag team Demolition, represented by Smash and Crush in this iteration, are ready for action. Rounding out the cast are the non-playable boss tag team, The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal).
One detail worth noting is the replacement of the classic “WWF” logo with the retro “WWE” logo. While understandable due to branding updates, it’s a visual difference that might take some getting used to for those familiar with the original game. You can compare the differences in the above teaser with the below video of gameplay from the original version.
Despite this visual update, the rerelease offers an opportunity to revisit a well-regarded wrestling arcade game. It also presents a chance for those unfamiliar with the original to experience it in a home setting.
The press release mentions that Basic Fun!’s new home arcade line is scheduled to “hit retail this fall,” though a specific release date or price for WrestleFest was not provided. Those interested in reliving or discovering this classic game should keep an eye out for further announcements.
Ultimately, the return of WWE WrestleFest offers a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and a new gaming option for others. It will be interesting to see the final product and how it compares to the original arcade experience.
The music world, particularly the intersection of rock and professional wrestling, is mourning the loss of Rick Derringer, who passed away Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, at the age of 77, as announced by his caregiver, Tony Wilson. While Derringer’s extensive rock history is undeniable, his indelible mark on pro wrestling, particularly through his iconic theme songs, ensures his legacy will resonate with fans for generations.
Derringer’s career was a tapestry woven with rock and roll hits. He shot to fame at just 17 with The McCoys and their chart-topping “Hang On Sloopy” in 1965, even knocking The Beatles’ “Yesterday” from the top spot. He later found solo success with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” a track that recently enjoyed a resurgence thanks to Stranger Things. Beyond his own hits, Derringer was a sought-after producer and session musician, lending his talents to diverse artists like Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Kiss, and even earning a Grammy for producing “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album, which included the hit “Eat It.”
However, for many of us, Rick Derringer’s name is synonymous with the anthems that defined an era of professional wrestling. His foray into the squared circle began in 1985, thanks to his friendship with Cyndi Lauper, who was already collaborating with WWE. Vince McMahon brought Derringer on board to produce The Wrestling Album, a groundbreaking compilation designed to merge pro wrestlers with the rock ‘n’ roll world.
It was on The Wrestling Album that Derringer co-wrote and performed “Real American,” a song that would become one of the most recognizable tunes in wrestling history. Originally, “Real American” was the entrance music for The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo). But when they departed WWE and Hulk Hogan began his legendary feud with The Iron Sheik, “Real American” was transferred to Hogan, becoming the soundtrack to “Hulkamania” and an anthem that transcended wrestling itself. As Derringer himself once recounted, he and Bernard Kenny set out to write “the most patriotic song of all time,” and they knew they had a hit when it brought them to tears.
Derringer’s contributions to wrestling didn’t stop there. He also produced the 1987 follow-up, Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II, where he continued to shape the sound of the WWF. On this album, he composed and performed the equally awesome theme for the dominant WWF World Tag Team Champions, Demolition. And in a truly memorable moment, Derringer even teamed up with WWE personality “Mean” Gene Okerlund for a cover of “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” on Piledriver.
Rick Derringer’s passing leaves a void, but his music, both in rock and the wrestling world, will continue to inspire and entertain. His ability to craft songs that resonated deeply, whether on the radio or echoing through arenas, is a testament to his enduring talent. He will be deeply missed.
On a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal recalled the day he realized pro wrestling’s rivalries aren’t always what they seem.
The revelation came during a house party he hosted in Orlando, when several wrestling legends stopped by for snacks and small talk.
“So, I did a WWE event at my house in Orlando and said, ‘Hey, all the wrestlers come by.’ Hulk Hogan came in, a couple of other guys came in, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan… and Macho Man. And all these guys start eating my hors d’oeuvres and talking with each other. Growing up I always thought they hated each other.
You know what’s crazy? It actually was a sad day for me, because I thought—even though I’m a professional, make a whole bunch of money—I thought that wrestling was real.”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEfTUODgbMW/
For anyone unfamiliar, kayfabe is the long‑standing code of keeping the illusion alive. Wrestlers are expected to stay in character in public so fans never see sworn enemies acting friendly. Seeing Flair, Hogan, and Savage chatting like old pals in his living room shattered that illusion for Shaq on the spot.
The four‑time NBA champion still loves the business. He wrestled Big Show in a battle royal at WrestleMania 32 and later teamed with Jade Cargill and Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite. The broken kayfabe just gave him a peek behind the curtain he will never forget.
Shaq ended the story with a laugh, but you could hear a hint of the wide‑eyed kid who once believed every piledriver was life‑or‑death.
A few days after dropping a cryptic nWo-style promo teasing the arrival of a mysterious “third man,” Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff finally lifted the curtain—and it’s not what fans were expecting.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the duo revealed that the “third man” is not a wrestler, but world-renowned wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. The announcement comes alongside the launch of Real American Freestyle Wrestling, a new professional freestyle wrestling league set to debut this summer.
“This isn’t about body slams and steel chairs,” Bischoff told the AP. “This is real wrestling. Olympic-style. We’re shining a spotlight on the athletes who’ve dedicated their lives to the mat.”
Hogan echoed the sentiment, saying, “This is a real wrestling league with real athletes and real prize money. This is the real deal, brother.”
According to the AP, Real American Freestyle Wrestling is being positioned as the first of its kind—an attempt to bring the same energy and presentation style of pro wrestling to the world of amateur freestyle wrestling, elevating it to a broader audience with television production and live events.
“People love the action, the intensity, and the drama of wrestling,” Bischoff said. “We’re taking all of that, removing the scripts, and giving fans the purest form of combat sport.”
As for Martinez, he’s no stranger to building champions. A former Illinois assistant coach and founder of the IZZYSTYLE Wrestling club, he’s trained some of the top talents in amateur wrestling. “The platform we’re creating here is going to change the sport,” Martinez told AP. “We’re not just giving these athletes a spotlight—we’re giving them a future.”
For those who thought the Hogan/Bischoff teaser was leading to another wrestling nostalgia act or podcast, the pivot to a legitimate freestyle wrestling league is a curveball—but one that could shake up the combat sports landscape if it lands.
The league is set to kick off with its inaugural event this summer. Stay tuned—because according to Hogan, “It’s not about the past. It’s about the future of wrestling.”
Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are back together stirring up buzz, and this time it’s with a cryptic new teaser that immediately sparked memories of the early nWo days. Shot in the classic black-and-white style made famous by those groundbreaking 1996 nWo promos, the video seems intentionally designed to hint at a “new” New World Order.
The video opens with Hogan saying, “Why so serious? Because you know who I am,” before Bischoff jumps in, adding, “But you don’t know why he’s here,” making reference to Scott Hall’s infamous line that kicked off the nWo angle. Bischoff contiues “This is so badass. You people know who we are. You have no idea what we’re about. We’re back. Hulkster, we are so back.”
Hogan then hyped things up even further, declaring, “We changed the world one time, but now we’re here to wake them up. We’re here to slice and dice the world of wrestling, and you’re not going to know what hit you.” Bischoff continued to build the hype by teasing even more chaos: “It’s going to rock your world,” while also hinting at a mystery “third man” to soon be revealed. Hogan closed the promo by calling the unnamed recruit “a real, real badass,” with Bischoff signing off by saying, “We’re back. We’re better than ever. You can’t wait to see.”
Fans immediately started speculating online, guessing everything from a new wrestling promotion to a new brand of beer, or some kind of major wrestling-related launch.
Based on my own speculation, and the fact that Bischoff’s podcast 83 Weeks retweeted the video, along with promotion from his co-hostConrad Thompson, it feels likely that this could be a new podcast project featuring Hogan and Bischoff as co-hosts. But again, that’s purely speculation at this point. Update: I was wrong. It’s not a podcast, it’s a freestyle wrestling league.
Whatever it turns out to be, Hogan and Bischoff certainly know how to grab the wrestling world’s attention. We’ll likely find out more soon.
Hulk Hogan has added another colorful chapter to his long history of exaggerated storytelling. Appearing on the Try That in a Small Town podcast, the wrestling legend suggested that he was the one who introduced the concept of entrance music to professional wrestling.
Here’s Hogan’s full quote:
“But the cool thing about it was, they told me no music. So I went to the sound guy. I said, ‘The hell with this. Eye of The Tiger, crank it.’ I gave him 500 bucks. When that music started, that [hums guitar riff] the roof of the place blew off. Then I told Vince, I said, ‘Man, I’ve been selling merchandise, T-shirts, headbands, hats, koozies and wristbands and making a ton of money doing it, because nobody else is.’ Vince picked up on it real quick, and it just took off and then everybody wanted entrance music. So Jimmy Hart sat up all night, most nights, writing entrance music for all the wrestlers.”
While Hogan’s charisma and star power were undeniable during the peak of the Hulkamania era, the idea that he originated the use of entrance music doesn’t exactly hold up under scrutiny.
The use of entrance themes predates Hogan by several decades. Mildred Burke and Gorgeous George were using music for their entrances as far back as the 1950s. In WWE, it’s believed that Sgt. Slaughter was the first to consistently use entrance music in the late 1970s.
Even in Hogan’s own era, other wrestlers were already paving the way. The Road Warriors famously used Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” as their theme long before Hogan ever walked through the curtain to “Eye of the Tiger.” Over in WCCW, The Fabulous Freebirds were innovating with their self-produced anthem “Badstreet USA,” while the Von Erichs entered to songs by Rush.
As with many of Hogan’s stories, there’s a sliver of truth beneath the bluster. He did play a major role in popularizing entrance music on a national scale, and his association with “Real American” remains iconic. But inventing it? That’s a claim better left in the realm of Hulkster folklore.
WrestleMania IX has long been one of the strangest, most polarizing chapters in WWE history—and now it’s getting the documentary treatment. WWE and Peacock just announced “WrestleMania IX: Becoming a Spectacle”, which drops on Friday, April 11.
The doc will go behind the scenes of the 1993 event, which took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and featured full-on Roman cosplay, togas, and yes, of course, a camel. While the presentation was ambitious (and delightfully weird), most fans remember WrestleMania IX for ths twist ending with Hulk Hogan.
After Yokozuna beat Bret Hart for the WWF Championship, Hogan randomly showed up, challenged Yokozuna on the spot, and left with the title. It was chaotic, controversial, and a moment that’s still debated by fans 30 years later.
The documentary will feature new interviews with major players like Hogan, Hart, The Undertaker, and former WWE exec Basil DeVito, diving into what went into the booking decisions, the over-the-top production, and the lasting fallout from one of the most infamous Mania finishes of all time.
With WrestleMania 41 heading back to Las Vegas later this month, the timing couldn’t be better to revisit WWE’s first big swing in Sin City—where the presentation was unforgettable, even if the booking left people scratching their heads.
Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony just shared a classic rock-meets-wrestling story that’s almost too good to be true. In a new Instagram post, Anthony reminisced about the time he was supposed to confront Hulk Hogan on stage—until the Hulkster had to bail at the last minute.
Anthony posted a throwback clip sent to him by his brother Dennis, showing a younger version of himself donning full “Macho Man” Randy Savage gear. According to Anthony, fans used to tell him all the time that he looked just like legendary Slim Jim spokesperson. Word got back to Savage himself, and he decided to have a little fun with it.
As Anthony tells it, Randy Savage had Hulk Hogan bring one of his signature outfits to a Van Halen show in Irvine, CA, as a gift for Anthony. The plan was for Hogan to bring the gear on stage, and the two would goof around with a little wrestling segment in front of the crowd. Only problem? The Hulkster had to leave early, and Anthony ended up hitting the stage solo, decked out in full “Macho Man” gear.
A quick search turns up that the show in question happened on October 15, 1995 at the Irvine Meadows Ampitheatre, so this would be during Macho’s WCW era. You can see the setlist here. This was during Hogan’s brief dipping of his toes into a heel character before ultimately pulling the trigger in the summer of 1996 with the New World Order.
And the best part? Anthony says he still has the outfit somewhere, and he just might dust it off for Halloween. It’s likely a priceless antique based on recent auction sales.
Former Van Halen bandmate Sammy Hagar, who introduced Anthony in the clip, jumped into the comments, backing up the epic story: “A moment I will never forget. Classic Matt Anthony right there, classic.😂🔥🔥🔥🔥 Good find, Dennis. @mad_anthony_bassman I say break it out for the residency. 👊”
Watch the hilarious video below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG_ZLvqS4am/
The full set is available on Youtube. The Macho Man moment happens around 1:39:30:
Setlist
1. Right Now
2. Big Fat Money
3. Why Can’t This Be Love
4. Top of the world
5. Not Enough
6. Bass Solo
7. Seventh Seal
8. Amsterdam
9. Mine All Mine
10. Alex Solo
11. Can’t Stop Loving You
12. Feelin’
13. I Can’t Drive 55 (short)
14. Eagles Fly
15. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
16. Eddie Solo
17. Jump
18. There’s Only One Way to Rock
19. Dreams
20. Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
21. Panama
Wrestling and rock ‘n’ roll are a tag team made in spandex-clad heaven — and if any of you jabronis dare to disagree, we’ve got 35 examples strong enough to send you on a one-way trip to Suplex City.
1. Kiss Once Had Their Own Pro Wrestling Character
In 1999, WCW introduced the Demon, a Kiss-endorsed wrestling character who wore Gene Simmons‘ stage makeup. The idea didn’t catch on well enough to warrant the original plans of having a character for each member of the band, but it remains one of the more distinct stories in rock and wrestling history.
2. Motorhead / HHH: Game Recognizes Game Motorhead‘s Lemmy wrote not one, not two, but three different theme songs for one of modern-day wrestling’s best “love to hate him” heels, HHH. The band even played “The Game” live as Triple H made his WrestleMania 21 entrance.
3. Cyndi Lauper Helps Bring Wrestling to the Mainstream
There’s no overstating how important Cyndi Lauper was to pro wrestling’s mid-’80s mainstream breakthrough. Her storylines were crucial components in the lead-up to the first WrestleMania, and she helped bolster the reputation and legacy of the league’s women wrestlers. In fact, it’s a crime that she’s not already in the WWE Hall of Fame.
4. Ronda Rousey Shares Joan Jett’s ‘Bad Reputation’
When one of MMA’s most dominating and popular superstars made her long rumored WWE debut earlier this year, there was very little question which song she’d use on her march to the ring.
5. Alice Cooper Slithers Into WrestleMania III
“Everything about that was great,” Alice Cooper says of his experience accompanying Jake “The Snake” Roberts in front of 93,000 fans at Wrestlemania III — which culminated with Cooper using a live snake as a weapon. “Wrestling was showbiz,” he said. “These guys were bigger than life. … I respected it a hundred times more after being backstage.”
6. Lynyrd Skynyrd Help the Freebirds Take Flight
The Fabulous Freebirds, one of the most decorated tag teams / factions in wrestling history, took their name from Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s most famous song, and also shared the group’s proud love of southern culture.
https://youtu.be/0hJzT6Mr9iI
6a. ‘Freebird Road’
Inspired by “Brickyard Road,” Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Johnny Van Zant’s tribute to his departed brother Ronnie, Freebirds star Michael PS Hayes recorded his own musical memorial to his longtime wrestling partner Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy. “For some reason, that particular time I was listening to the song, I started to notice the parallels between what the song was saying about Ronnie and how I felt about Terry,” Hayes told WWE.com. “When I got home, I told my wife about the idea for the song and knowing I sometimes don’t follow through with them she finally said, ‘Why don’t you shut up and just do it?’”
7. The Sandman Gets a Big Metallica Boost
How’s this for good luck? On some special day about two years into his pro wrestling career, James “The Sandman” Fullington woke up to learn that Metallica‘s brand new breakthrough single was called “Enter Sandman.” Oh, and by the way, its dramatic opening made it absolutely perfect for use as ring-entrance music. He wisely took full advantage.
8. Rick Derringer Helps the Hulkster Raise the Flag
When wrestling’s ultimate babyface needed the perfect flag-waving theme song, he turned to Rick Derringer — and if the video is to be believed, the Hulkster even helped out on guitar.
https://youtu.be/RKM1AAzeRCg
9. Hulk Hogan’s Standing Next to a Mountain …
When forever good guy Hulk Hogan turned into super cool bad guy “Hollywood” Hogan, his entrance music changed into something more sinister: Jimi Hendrix‘s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”
10. The Police’s Sting May Not Be the World’s Coolest Sting
One is a world renowned musician and yoga enthusiast, the other is a baseball bat-wielding vigilante with eerie face paint who likes to hide in the rafters of hockey arenas. You be the judge.
https://youtu.be/l9u2-XdHn8Y
11. Chris Jericho – The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla
Y2J is the one-man embodiment of rock and wrestling — a multiple-times-over world champion who also fronts his own successful rock band, Fozzy. The band started as a cover act with a terrific backstory: They had been trapped in Japan for 20 years as the result of a bad record deal, forced to watch other acts get famous using their demos, which they were now reclaiming. They soon switched to a more serious image and all original material, and continue to grow more successful each year.
https://youtu.be/S3LionhO-U0
12. Welcome to Chris Colt’s Nightmare
You can’t hear it in this clip, but Chris Colt was one of the first wrestlers to use rock music as his entrance music — in this case, Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare.” As you can see, his eye makeup and general demeanor also seem to be heavily influenced by the theatrical rock pioneer.
13. The Road Warriors Meet Black Sabbath
The legendary and legitimately scary Road Warriors employed some of the best entrance music in wrestling history, striking justified fear in their opponents by blasting Black Sabbath‘s ‘Iron Man’ on their way to do battle.
https://youtu.be/EiwUMpbcigc
14. Rob Van Dam Walks With Pantera
There’s probably hundreds of wrestlers across the world who have used Pantera as their entrance music. But nobody makes it work quite as well as Mr. Monday Night.
https://youtu.be/cmpH9kDm4wQ
15. Marilyn Manson Makes ‘SmackDown’ Beautiful Again
Since his name, wardrobe and personality are all perfectly suited for pro wrestling, it was probably inevitable that one of Marilyn Manson‘s classic songs became the official theme for WWE SmackDown from 2001 to 2003.
16. Ted Nugent Helps the Von Erichs Lock in a ‘Stranglehold’
When you’re grooving on the hypnotic bass line and all that amazing guitar playing, it can be easy to forget how violent the imagery is in Ted Nugent‘s “Stranglehold.” In fact, as the famous Von Erich family stable realized, about the only place it makes sense … is in a wrestling ring.
17. Billy Corgan: Wrestling Promotion Owner
After starting his own Chicago-based Resistance Pro Wrestling promotion, and serving a brief stint as Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development for TNA, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan bought the rights to the legendary National Wrestling Alliance in 2017. After saying he’s seen the mistakes made by other companies trying to carve a space for themselves in a WWE-dominated industry, Corgan plans to take a “slow and steady wins the race” approach.
https://youtu.be/XwnhA2pT5aY
18. Husker Du’s Bob Mould: Wrestling Scriptwriter
After two decades of breaking new musical ground with Husker Du and Sugar and as a solo act, Bob Mould briefly took a job as a scriptwriter for the WCW. ”When they found out I’d been on the road for 20 years, living pretty hard and fast, the wrestlers realized my life was a lot like theirs,” he told Entertainment Weekly. ”The testosterone, the athleticism … It really is like a good rock show, isn’t it?”
19. Balls Mahoney Makes a Not-Shocking Choice of Entrance Music
If you’ve got the stones to call yourself Balls Mahoney, you’re not going to walk down the ramp to anything less than AC/DC‘s entendre-laden 1976 gem “Big Balls.”
20. Motley Crue’s ‘Bodyguard’ Becomes a Champion
In 1998, the WWF bravely handed over 12 uninterrupted minutes of airtime to Motley Crue, who in turn invited out the popular D-Generation X stable for a charming “Suck It” chant. The segment also marked the debut of the late Andrew “Test” Martin, who portrayed their bodyguard and eventually went on to win multiple championship titles.
21. ZZ Top Get Bad and Nationwide as WWE Hosts
That Little Ol’ Band from Texas just happen to be big wrestling fans. When they’re not on tour, they can regularly be seen in the front row enjoying the shows, and on July 20, 2009, they even had the honor to guest host an edition of Monday Night Raw. “One of our favorite things to do, besides playing loud rock ‘n’ roll,” Billy Gibbons explained, is “watching some wild and raucous shenanigans in the ring.”
23. Ozzy Osbourne – Prince of Darkness … and Wrestling
The Prince of Darkness has made multiple appearances for the WWE, appearing at WrestleMania II, as a guest host on Monday Night Raw and even performing on SmackDown. Too bad he’s never had a match — but then again, if the guy is crazy enough to bite the head off a bird, would you want to step in the ring with him? And how is Sharon Osbourne not a wrestling manager yet?
24. Give the Briscoe Brothers Back Their Bullets
Longtime Ring of Honor mainstays the Briscoe Brothers’ antics look even better when Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Gimme Back My Bullets” provides the soundtrack for their in-ring chaos.
25. Abdullah the Butcher’s Gonna Chop You Up
When he wasn’t carving people up with a fork, Abdullah the Butcher enjoyed relaxing to Pink Floyd. His wrestling theme during his time in Japan was their largely instrumental (and quite disturbing) “One of These Days.”
26. Rob Zombie Gets the Drop on Edge
Former WWE wrestler and noted metalhead Edge logically chose Rob Zombie’s “Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)” for his awesome entrance music. But when Zombie later turned up as guest host on an episode of Monday Night Raw, the two verbally sparred, and Zombie banned the high-flying heel from using his music.
27. Shane Douglas Remembers Deep Purple’s Name
Given that his nickname was “The Franchise,” it makes good sense that ECW’s Shane Douglas used a song from one of rock’s most enduring institutions, Deep Purple, as his entrance music.
28. Metallica Help Sting ‘Seek and Destroy’
Whatever happened to namesake loyalty? There’s plenty of Police songs Sting could have used as his entrance music: “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Roxa…” You know what? It was probably smart of him to just go with classic Metallica.
29. Kid Rock Helps Undertaker Awaken His Inner ‘American Badass’
When the Undertaker ditched his “Dead Man” gimmick for a motorcycle and bandanna, his old graveyard music just didn’t match. Luckily, Kid Rock was happy to help the new “American Bad Ass” kick off his ass-kickings on a suitable note.
30. Stacy Kiebler’s Got ‘Legs’
In terms of character development, Stacey Kiebler was never allowed to expand much past the lyrics of ZZ Top’s 1983 smash “Legs.” Heck, she couldn’t even get the Texas trio (or more likely, their publishing company) to let her use their version of the song. So once again it was Kid Rock to the rescue …
https://youtu.be/pX5nctPlJA0
31. Goldberg + Megadeth = Crush Brothers for Life
When Goldberg was plotting his return to the ring after a break from filming a Universal Soldier movie, he knew he needed backup. Enter Megadeth.
32. ‘Land of a 1000 Dances’
Words fail us.
33. The Extremely Short-Lived Tag Team of Phil Collins and Randy ‘The Viper’ Orton According to the dirt sheets, the duo wrestled only once, for the dark match of a non-televised house show, scoring a hard-fought victory over Batista and Jon Anderson.
WWE Publicity
34. Nita Strauss Plays Shinsuke Nakamura’s Theme at WrestleMania 34
Alice Cooper guitarist and solo performer Nita Strauss added extra flash to the already dazzling ring entrance of the “king of strong style” at 2018’s Wrestlemania. A few months later, she teamed up with Lizzy Hale to provide the opening for the first ever all-female Pay-Per-View event, Evolution.
https://youtu.be/nXbyN7casqs
[button href=”https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-stars-pro-wrestlers/” title=”Next: Rock Stars Who Would Make Great Pro Wrestlers” align=”center”]
![The Dolly Parton, Hulk Hogan Wedding You Never Knew Existed [Watch]](https://www.thestunner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/attachment-hulk-hogan-dolly-parton-1.jpg)
