Creating a striking and unforgettable entrance is one of the quickest ways to establish a wrestler’s persona, though it doesn’t always guarantee success. However, iconic entrances have propelled wrestling careers for over a decade and even paved the way to the Hall of Fame. These wrestlers honed their craft over time, but their entrances remain what fans fondly recall.
Joe Hendry, a black belt in judo, once nearly signed a record deal with his band before wrestling. He is notable for being the first men’s TNA champion to compete in both the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Fans adore Hendry mainly for his catchy entrance music, which has become synonymous with his identity, though only time will tell if his in-ring achievements match his memorable entrance.
Fandango, trained by Killer Kowalski and debuting in NXT’s fourth season, gained significant attention when his entrance music became a viral hit on iTunes shortly after his main roster debut. At WrestleMania 29, his grand entrance helped him secure a surprising victory over Chris Jericho, and he brought ballroom dancing flair to WWE. Despite this, his dancing gimmick didn’t translate into a lasting wrestling legacy.
Al Snow, best known for his unique entrance carrying a mannequin head while chanting “What does everyone want?” during the Attitude Era, left a legacy that extends beyond wrestling due to his training and coaching efforts. He even teamed with Kane in Smoky Mountain Wrestling and now runs Ohio Valley Wrestling. Although his entrance was memorable, it was his off-ring contributions that solidified his place in wrestling history.
The Ultimate Warrior, trained by Rick Bassman and formerly part of World Class Wrestling, was the first superstar to cleanly defeat Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship. His iconic entrance featuring a drumbeat and Mohawk-like hairstyle helped build the anticipation and energy for his matches, making his arrival as electrifying as his in-ring persona.
Goldberg, an explosive powerhouse from Oklahoma, was known for his intense gladiator-like entrances with dramatic hymns and pyrotechnics. He only needed two moves to dominate his opponents, with his intimidating presence often enough to keep others at bay. Despite his similarities to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in appearance, Goldberg delivered a unique and powerful wrestling style.
Gangrel and The Brood made a lasting impression with their eerie vampire-themed entrances, which remain iconic despite the group’s brief tenure. Gangrel, who worked as a vampire warrior in USWA and appeared in multiple promotions, including WWE, ECW, and AEW, is best remembered for his haunting introduction that still resonates today, especially when Edge pays homage to it.
The Sandman, famous for holding the most ECW world titles with five reigns, had a raw and gritty entrance featuring one of Metallica’s greatest songs, enhancing his hardcore image. While he wasn’t the most skilled in the ring, his tough persona and memorable entrances earned deep respect from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Bobby Roode, who began his wrestling journey in 1998 and was trained by Scott D’Amore and Petey Williams, developed a strong fan following through his entrance theme, particularly in TNA where he became a star. However, upon joining WWE’s main roster, Roode’s in-ring prominence diminished, and despite retiring in 2024, he now serves as a WWE agent.
Fan Take: Entrance music and presentation remain crucial in shaping a wrestler’s career and fan connection, sometimes even outshining in-ring achievements. For WWE fans, these iconic entrances bring an emotional and nostalgic element that can elevate the storytelling and drama, making wrestling not just a sport but a captivating spectacle.
