World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) recent Survivor Series event was not just a showcase of grappling prowess but also a focal point of a potentially significant change in sports entertainment culture. Randy Orton, a perennial figure in WWE, made a head-turning return to the ring, sparking widespread excitement. Yet, what captured backstage attention was the proposed alteration to Orton’s iconic entrance theme, “Voices” by Rev Theory. However, this idea was quickly put to rest, maintaining the auditory symbol that has become synonymous with Orton’s wrestling persona.
Originally, WWE had plans to rejuvenate Orton’s image by modifying his entrance music. This plan involved reintroducing him with his old theme, then transitioning to a newly crafted tune in subsequent appearances. The intent was to refresh his character while maintaining a nostalgic connection. The task of remixing “Voices” fell to Def Rebel, known for their contributions to the WWE’s musical repertoire. They aimed to modernize the theme while retaining its core elements that fans have long cherished.
Despite these efforts, the new theme was met with immediate reservation. During a critical listening session, key decision-makers including Randy Orton, Triple H, and Michael Hayes were present. As reported by Corey Brennan on the Fightful podcast, it took just 10 minutes of review before the consensus was reached. The trio determined that the new track did not align with the essence of Orton’s character nor did it resonate with the legacy that “Voices” had established over years of Orton’s career highs and lows.
Orton’s entrance theme is more than just background music; it is an integral part of his identity and connection with the audience. It is the auditory cue that signals his presence, setting the tone for his performances and evoking strong emotional responses from the crowd. Recognizing this, the decision-makers at WWE chose to prioritize fan experience and Orton’s established branding over the pursuit of change.
The swift rejection of the remix underscores a broader recognition within WWE of the profound connection between a wrestler’s theme song and their persona. In the world of professional wrestling, where characters and storylines can often change, entrance themes are a constant, creating a sense of continuity and familiarity for fans.
Randy Orton himself was instrumental in the decision-making process, illustrating the agency WWE performers can have in shaping their professional portrayals. This incident not only preserved a beloved theme song but also reinforced the collaborative nature of character development in wrestling, involving performers in decisions that impact their in-ring representation.
As WWE continues to evolve with new stars and stories, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining core elements that define its most cherished characters. It is a delicate balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that updates enhance the spectator experience without diluting established wrestler identities.
WWE’s decision to stick with Randy Orton’s original “Voices” theme song, despite considering a change, was met with a positive reception. It highlighted the organization’s understanding of the deep emotional connections that are fostered through the consistent elements of a wrestler’s presentation, proving that sometimes, tradition is worth maintaining.