The dismissal of Jim Johnston in 2017 signaled the close of what many fans and insiders call the golden era of WWE entrance music, a legacy built over 32 years by one of wrestling’s most legendary composers. Johnston crafted some of the most iconic themes in WWE history—from The Rock’s electrifying anthem to The Undertaker’s haunting “Rest in Peace”—defining not only individual superstars but the very atmosphere of WWE programming[1][2][4].

Jim Johnston’s journey with WWE began in the mid-1980s after a chance meeting with WWE’s art director Brian Penry led to a contract with Vince McMahon[2]. Before Johnston, entrances were often accompanied only by crowd noise or generic music, but Johnston revolutionized this by creating tailor-made themes that embodied a wrestler’s persona, enhancing the storytelling and emotional engagement of the audience[2][3]. His process was meticulous and immersive: Johnston studied the wrestler’s character, size, and movement, often playing all the instruments himself to produce a wholly unique sound[4][5].

Johnston’s work helped define WWE’s Attitude Era and beyond, with themes that became virtually synonymous with the wrestlers themselves[4]. His themes were praised not just as catchy tunes, but as cinematic scores capable of capturing the emotional core of WWE’s characters, creating instant recognition and excitement for viewers[4]. Newsweek called his music “legendary,” while Vice described it as “cinematic scores that communicated the emotional makeup of your favourite wrestler clearer than any catchphrase ever could”[4].

However, in 2017, WWE parted ways with Johnston amid changing leadership priorities. Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon reportedly was not interested in renewing Johnston’s contract, though Johnston himself admitted in interviews that he was beginning to feel fatigued in his role after decades of service. Still, Johnston expressed disappointment in how the split occurred, telling the RRGB podcast: “It was time for me to go for me, so honestly, to some degree, he did me a favor. But still, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean you’re not disappointed”[1].

After Johnston’s departure, WWE hired the composing duo CFO$ to create entrance themes, and later Def Rebel. While CFO$ provided popular themes for certain superstars, many fans and critics felt the new music lacked the emotional depth and creative uniqueness that Johnston’s compositions possessed[1]. Def Rebel’s arrival further intensified backlash, with viewers publicly lamenting the “noise” quality of modern themes and pleading for Johnston’s return[1].

Former WWE composer Jim Johnston himself has voiced criticism of the current state of wrestling entrance music, arguing that much of today’s themes fail to connect with individual characters or elicit an emotional response from fans, instead serving as background noise without substance[1]. This sentiment resonates strongly across WWE’s fanbase, sparking debate on social media, podcasts, and wrestling forums about the decline in quality since Johnston’s firing.

Backstage WWE sources indicate that the company is “very aware” of the widespread criticism directed at Def Rebel and are exploring new approaches. According to reports early this year, WWE is considering hiring mainstream artists or producing more entrance music internally to recapture some of the originality and impact once emblematic of entrance themes[1]. However, no specific developments or new hires have yet been officially announced by WWE as of August 2025.

Despite rumors in 2021 that Johnston had shown interest in working with AEW on a lighter schedule, nothing concrete has materialized, and he remains mostly absent from mainstream wrestling music production[1]. This absence is felt keenly among fans who view his themes as an essential part of professional wrestling’s cultural fabric.

Jim Johnston’s legacy continues to live on in WWE’s extensive canon of classic entrance music, celebrated annually on WWE.com and through countless retrospectives. WWE even released compilations of his work, which charted and garnered critical acclaim[4][5]. His creative influence shaped how wrestling entrances are perceived, proving the power of music in building character and enhancing the spectacle of wrestling[2][4].

In summary:

• Jim Johnston served as WWE’s primary theme music composer for 32 years, authoring many of its most iconic wrestler entrance themes[1][2][4].
• His departure in 2017 marked a significant turning point, leading to widespread fan criticism over the quality and emotional resonance of subsequent WWE entrance music by CFO$ and Def Rebel[1].
• Johnston criticized modern themes as lacking character and emotion, aligning with fan sentiment that WWE lost its golden era of entrance music following his firing[1].
• WWE reportedly recognizes this issue and is exploring options to innovate its music offerings, possibly incorporating mainstream artists[1].
• Johnston remains a beloved figure in wrestling music history but is now largely inactive in wrestling production[1].

According to a WWE insider, “Jim Johnston’s exit left a creative void that’s been hard to fill. The company is actively searching for new ways to revive the impact that custom entrance music once had on connecting wrestlers to their fans.”

For WWE enthusiasts and music aficionados alike, Jim Johnston’s firing marks more than a personnel change—it signifies the end of an era where entrance themes were an art form, an indispensable element of wrestling’s spectacle and storytelling. The hope persists that WWE will one day recapture this magic, but until then, the echoes of Johnston’s work remain the benchmark to which all wrestling entrance music is measured.

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