Celebrating an Icon: Arkansas’ Jim Johnston and His Legendary Pro Wrestling Theme Songs
As the world turns its attention to Wrestlemania 41 this weekend at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, wrestling fans are also reflecting on the sounds that defined decades of sports entertainment. Behind many of those unforgettable musical moments is Arkansas native Jim Johnston, a man whose work played a huge role in shaping the identity and atmosphere of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for over three decades.
Johnston, who hails from Pocahontas, Arkansas, is the creative genius behind some of the most memorable entrance themes in pro wrestling history. As WWE’s longtime music director and composer, his work was more than just background music—it became the heartbeat of a global phenomenon. Johnston’s music wasn’t just heard; it was felt. His themes captured the energy, drama, and emotion of professional wrestling, amplifying the personas of wrestling’s biggest icons and creating moments that live on in fans’ memories.
Among the most legendary of Johnston’s compositions is the entrance theme for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Few themes in wrestling are as instantly recognizable or adrenaline-pumping as Austin’s. The glass-shattering intro, the aggressive guitar riffs, and the air of rebellion made it the perfect accompaniment for one of wrestling’s most defiant and beloved figures. Whenever fans heard that iconic shatter, they knew chaos was about to erupt in the arena.
Then there’s The Undertaker—a character shrouded in darkness, mystique, and terror. Johnston’s composition “Rest in Peace” mirrored that mystique with haunting tolls of a bell, crashing thunder, and dramatic pipe organ flourishes. This theme wasn’t just music; it was an atmosphere. It became an essential part of the character’s lore and helped elevate The Undertaker into a wrestling legend. The slow, eerie walk to the ring, enveloped in smoke and purple lighting, would not have had the same impact without Johnston’s chilling soundtrack.
Another major moment came in the late 1990s, when Shawn Michaels and Triple H teamed up to form the rebellious group D-Generation X. With their arrival came a bold new theme song, performed live at Wrestlemania XIV with Johnston himself on guitar. The DX theme encapsulated the brash, unapologetic attitude of the team and became a defining sound of WWE’s Attitude Era.
Arkansas had another connection to the WWE spotlight through Sid Eudy, also known as Sycho Sid, who made his mark in the company during the 1990s. Johnston composed a theme titled “Psycho-Dance” for Sid that matched his intimidating presence. The composition, with its dark orchestral flourishes and unsettling tempo changes, captured the intensity and volatility of Sid’s persona, further elevating his theatrical ring presence.
Johnston’s contributions were not limited to a few superstars—his music defined an entire generation of wrestling. Some of the many other wrestlers who had their personas amplified by his work include The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels (as a solo performer), Ken Shamrock, Kane, Edge and Christian as part of The Brood, the New Age Outlaws, Chris Jericho, the Ultimate Warrior, and Randy Orton. Each theme was carefully crafted to reflect the unique personality and story of the wrestler, creating a powerful audio signature that fans could instantly recognize.
Outside the squared circle, Johnston has also lent his musical talents to film and television. Over the years, he has composed scores for various film projects and worked with major television networks. His excellence in the craft has not gone unnoticed—he’s a 13-time BMI Film & TV Award winner, an impressive feat that highlights his influence beyond just the world of wrestling.
In addition to his work as a composer, Johnston also ventured into music production. One of his most notable achievements in that arena was producing the album “WWF The Music, Volume 3.” The compilation, featuring several of his iconic themes, was a commercial success. It was certified platinum in the United States, selling over 1.2 million copies—a testament to just how beloved his wrestling themes had become among fans.
Despite stepping away from WWE in 2017, Johnston’s legacy continues to live on every time a fan hums a theme song, replays a classic match, or hears the first note of a favorite entrance. His music created emotional connections between the performers and the audience, transforming scripted fights into dramatic, larger-than-life spectacles.
As Wrestlemania 41 draws in millions of viewers across the globe, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the artistry behind the spectacle. While the lights, the pyrotechnics, and the performances are key elements of the show, the music—especially the work of Jim Johnston—is what ties it all together. It fuels the anticipation, defines characters, and sets the stage for legendary moments. And for one native Arkansan, it’s a legacy carved into the very soul of professional wrestling.
