10 Mainstream Songs That Made Great Wrestling Entrance Themes
2. Cult Of Personality By Living Colour (CM Punk 11-14)
Very few performers have ever had WWE over a proverbial barrel like CM Punk did in the summer of 2011. Following the infamous Pipebomb promo, Punk and WWE entered heated contract negotiations with the emphasis on Punk becoming a more integral aspect of programming.
Ever the creative force, Punk had numerous caveats for returning and knew exactly how his character needed to be presented. One of the terms centered around Punk insisting that WWE purchase the rights for Living Colour's 1988 track Cult of Personality for use as his new theme.
Interestingly, WWE had recently used the song for a Stone Cold Steve Austin DVD release as well as the Rattlesnake's Hall of Fame induction. Licensing the song for more continuous use was understandably more costly and demonstrates how badly WWE needed Punk to resign.
The song is a counter culture anthem with a forceful riff surrounded by a barrage of heavy drums. The anti establishment, politically-laced lyrics beautifully mirrored Punk's Voice of the Voiceless persona and helped cement him as not only a force to be reckoned with but as someone who a disillusioned portion of the fan base could truly rally behind.
Punk had used the theme earlier in his career, but it was in WWE that he truly embodied its message.