In the world of professional wrestling, the music that sets the tone for each entrance is a crucial element. It's the soundtrack to the characters' grand entrances, and it can make or break the atmosphere in the arena. But what happens when the man behind the music, the composer, doesn't get along with the wrestlers? This is the intriguing story of Jim Johnston, a former WWE composer who had a unique approach to his craft. Personally, I find it fascinating how Johnston's experiences highlight the importance of understanding the art of storytelling through music in professional wrestling.
A Musical Mindset
Johnston's journey in WWE began with a simple task: creating theme songs for wrestlers. However, his approach to this task was unconventional. In his own words, he explains that he rarely interacted with the wrestlers, as he believed they lacked the musical understanding to appreciate the art. This is a surprising revelation, as one would expect a collaborative process between the composer and the wrestler to create a song that perfectly fits the character. But Johnston's perspective reveals a deeper issue within the industry.
The Misalignment of Interests
What makes Johnston's story particularly interesting is the reason behind his lack of interaction. He explains that wrestlers often had preconceived notions about what music should sound like, influenced by their personal tastes. For instance, a wrestler might request a Metallica-inspired tune or a Stone Cold-like attitude song. While these preferences might seem reasonable, Johnston points out the flaw in this approach. He argues that the music should enhance the character's story, not merely reflect the wrestler's favorite band or artist. This is where the disconnect between the composer and the wrestler becomes apparent.
The Impact of Johnston's Approach
Johnston's decision to avoid interacting with wrestlers had significant implications. By not engaging with the talent, he ensured that the music remained focused on the character's narrative. This approach allowed him to create some of the most iconic theme songs in wrestling history, such as those for The Undertaker, Triple H, and The Rock. These songs became an integral part of the characters' identities, and their absence from WWE's current lineup has been felt by many fans. The decline in the quality of theme songs since Johnston's departure is a testament to the importance of his work and the impact of his approach.
A Lost Era
The firing of Jim Johnston in 2017 marked the end of an era for WWE's entrance music. Many fans believe that the promotion's quality of theme songs has significantly declined since his departure. The introduction of the music group Def Rebel in 2019 further contributed to this perception. While Def Rebel's music might be enjoyable to some, it fails to capture the essence of the characters and their stories, as Johnston's music did. This raises a deeper question: Can WWE ever truly replicate the golden era of entrance music without Johnston's unique approach?
A Missed Opportunity
What many people don't realize is that Johnston's approach to composing theme songs was a missed opportunity for WWE. By not engaging with the wrestlers, he ensured that the music remained focused on the character's narrative. This allowed him to create songs that became an integral part of the characters' identities. In contrast, WWE's current approach, which seems to prioritize the wrestlers' preferences, has resulted in music that often falls flat. This raises a question: Can WWE ever truly capture the magic of Johnston's era without his unique perspective and approach?
Conclusion
Jim Johnston's story is a fascinating one, revealing the importance of understanding the art of storytelling through music in professional wrestling. His unconventional approach to composing theme songs highlights the disconnect between the composer and the wrestler, and the impact this can have on the final product. While WWE might never replicate the golden era of entrance music without Johnston's unique perspective, his work will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of professional wrestling's musical legacy.
