WWE’s Internal Changes To Their Music Department

WWE has long been known for its iconic music, with entrance themes often becoming synonymous with a wrestler’s persona and even crossing over into popular culture. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the company’s approach to music production in recent years, and not all fans or wrestlers are happy about it.

Def Rebel, WWE’s current music production team, has faced significant criticism from fans. This backlash has stemmed from various factors, with opinions differing based on personal taste. According to a report from Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan, WWE is well aware of the negative feedback and is closely monitoring it. However, as of earlier this year, there were no plans to replace Def Rebel.

Recently, WWE posted a job listing for a “Director of Music Strategy and Operations,” but this role is not specifically tied to composing new entrance themes, like the one held by legendary WWE composer Jim Johnston. Instead, it appears to be more focused on overseeing music strategy within the company.

WWE posted a job listing looking to fill for “Director of Music Strategy and Operations.” The listing consists of more on the administrative side and the growth of the music division and streamlining the department, as well as coordinating live events and performances.

Several WWE talents who use Def Rebel’s themes have expressed dissatisfaction with their entrance music. Some have even gone as far as to say they strongly dislike their current songs. When asked whether they were given advance notice about changes to their music from the CFO$ era, one talent revealed they weren’t provided any explanation for the switch. Most of the wrestlers have never worked directly with Def Rebel.

Members of WWE’s production team have also voiced their desire for a new approach to entrance music. One talent humorously pointed out that several wrestlers, including The Judgment Day, Damage CTRL, and Seth Rollins, all had similar intros to their themes. Although Def Rebel created music for Damage CTRL and Rollins, Alter Bridge produced The Judgment Day’s theme. The talent joked, “For a few years, any one of a dozen people could have been coming out.”

“Sources that spoke to Sapp had not heard of any imminent plan to utilize more licensed music as theme songs, as had been speculated. There were a few wrestlers who inquired about those rumors and were told that long-term clearances were issues in some cases. Licensed music is still expected to be featured as WWE works to integrate more artists into their shows and PLEs.”

Despite the criticism, there are no immediate plans to incorporate more licensed music as entrance themes. WWE prefers to retain full control and avoid paying royalties for external artists’ work. Licensed music will continue to be used primarily at WWE Premium Live Events.

It’s worth noting that CFO$, WWE’s previous music producers, worked closely with wrestlers, often incorporating their input into the creation of entrance themes. While not confirmed, there have been rumors that WWE owns the publishing rights to themes created by Jim Johnston and Def Rebel, but only holds a 50 percent stake in CFO$ themes.