5. WrestleMania XIV: The DX Band Performs "America, the Beautiful" And "The Star Spangled Banner"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=entOf3-gbbw The DX band, fronted by Chris Warren, is responsible for two of the greatest theme songs in WWE history in D-Generation X's "Break It Down" and Triple H's "My Time." Both of those themes are iconic and immediately recognizable. At WrestleMania XIV, they memorably played both Triple H and WWE champion Shawn Michaels to the ring for their matches against Owen Hart and Steve Austin, respectively. But their appearance at the 1998 also produced the worst rendition of "America, the Beautiful" and "The Star Spangled Banner" in company history. Described as a new wave version of the songs by ring announcer Howard Finkel, the band played several minutes of terrible music meant to pay tribute to the United States. As one could imagine, the band was greeted with a loud chorus of boos when they finished playing, and rightfully so. In their defense, however, it certainly fit the attitude of the show. It was rebellious and it was edgy. It bucked tradition and announced that WrestleMania XIV would not be the lighthearted show fans had become accustomed to. No, it would be an in-your-face, high octane event that changed the business forever. With that said, the playing of the national anthem or "America, the Beautiful" has and should always been the classiest part of any show. No matter what happens throughout the remainder of the show, it is the one moment where everyone from fans to crew members shows respect for the country and sadly, that moment was missing from an otherwise outstanding WrestleMania XIV.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.