AEW Acquires Rights To Iconic Hardy Boyz WWE Entrance Theme

Here's why Jeff Hardy was able to use the old WWE theme on last night's AEW Dynamite.

Hardy Boyz
AEW/WWE

If you were wondering why Jeff Hardy was able to come out to the classic Hardy Boyz WWE entrance theme on last night's episode of AEW Dynamite, it's because Tony Khan's promotion has secured the rights to the track.

Fightful Select reported prior to Dynamite that AEW was trying to license the song. Titled 'Loaded' and produced by Zack Tempest, the track was never owned by WWE, though it stands as one of the most enduring themes of the past few decades. Rather, it is stock music that has been used outwith wrestling before, including on Spike TV.

Later, Fightful confirmed that AEW has, indeed, secured the rights to 'Loaded'. The promotion also acquired the right to use the entire library the song is part of, which includes Crash and Hardcore Holly's old WWE theme too.

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Jeff reunited with brother Matt on last night's Dynamite, reforming the Hardy Boyz in a long-expected debut that concluded with an emotional embrace in the middle of the ring. The angle preceding this saw Matt kicked out of the Andrade Hardy Family Office by the group's remaining members.

Hearing a theme so closely associated with WWE on AEW television was a trip.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.