9-24-00
Writer's Block, at eWCenter
By: Andy Bloxham

"If you smeeeeeell . . . . . "

"Break the walls down . . . . "

"X-paaaaccccc . . . . . "

"Is this on . . . . . "

" *shattering glass* "

" *the wrecking of a car* "

What do all of these quotes have in common? If you guessed "WWF entrance themes," then you're on the right track. But how is it that you know that those are entrance themes? I only gave you a fragment or excerpt of a sentence for each of them. Was that enough to know exactly who and what I was talking about? Let's indulge in this, so you can see where I am heading with these.

Part one of this column…

Themes in wrestling are sometimes an overlooked, but key aspect, in a wrestler's package. In some eyes, they are the world to the wrestler, but in general, they are just a clip of music that signals the entrance cue for a wrestler. But whether or not someone is a big follower of the themes, they always know who is coming out by merely recognizing the theme. And a key aspect to that theme, is how well and unique it is to that wrestler. Sometimes, all it takes is just the opening line of it.

How does this relate to e-wrestling? Simple. Can you name me ten characters who you would either know or recognize the themes of? Even worse, can you name me a song or two that more than one wrestler uses inside of a particular circle of feds? I'm sure you will be able to.

One day, go look at the profiles of some wrestlers. Take note of the themes they use. You will notice that some are real wrestler's themes, converted into an opening for their e-wrestler. "Walk" by Pantera, is a prime example. I've seen so many e-wrestlers use that theme, it's more of a just a second thought, until passing off that handler as someone who lacks in originality. I mean, "Walk" could be a good entrance for a character. But when someone thinks of "Walk," they think of RVD, not "Super Joe" in fed X. So why not think of something different?

Other scenarios pose this option. A quick scan of profiles will yield results, usually almost half of the time, of theme songs that, in reality, are no more than a month old to the mainstream. Something that MTV over saturates into the bending mind of today's youth, and suddenly, a handler has to change their wrestler's theme, again, to whatever the pick of the month is. And again, I pose the question "Why not think of something different."

Originality, for most at least, is a key and very high factor in e-wrestling. Themes seem to slip through that factor, though. Why not, if you are a handler who strives to make their character "their own, personal creation," dig deep for a few days. Download various mp3's. Search, hunt, and locate a song that might not be particularly chart topping this month, but is something that would be unique to your character alone. The initial results will be gradual at first, but a lot better than being a flavor of the month as far as musical tastes goes. The end results, though, will prove to be an easier recognition of your character's theme, because someone can associate that theme with YOUR character, not as generic theme #5 for run of the mill wrestler.

Let's head into part two…

And that is . . . finding a theme that FITS your character. Again, just because a song is the chart topper this week, does not mean that it fits your character. In fact, changing themes real often with your character can actually hurt your character.

How come, when you hear the shattering of glass, you know SCSA is coming out? It's because that theme FITS the character. And because of that, WWF has not changed it (a case can be made that he has a new theme, but actually, it's more of just a slightly modified theme, with the basis of what his theme is, still being there).

Did anyone notice when Al Snow changed his theme during his "heel run"? People's interest and participation with him dropped. His "head" theme fit him so well, that, when he changed it, it altered and changed people's attitude towards him. No, it wasn't because he was trying on the heel clothes. It was because of the shift in themes. Unfortunately, he has underwent another theme change, which can only hurt him more for right now.

Back to the point at hand. A theme makes a character. It sets the persona, the intensity, and the attitude of the character. And usually, there's always that perfect song for a character, with a few more of those "this will kinda work" themes for him. You need to search for that perfect song. Even if it takes a few days interruption before finally sending in that app, it's highly important to make sure that the theme you choose will be a perfect representation of the character.

What makes a perfect theme? You have to look at a few factors. First, decide what musical genre your character would fall into. If he's a thug, then one would obviously think rap. If he's a fast paced, crazy guy, then one would assume that a charging punk rock song would be key for him. If he's a sadistic brawler, then look towards more of a crunchy, slower paced metal song. In actuality, you have to look at the character, and translate it into how it would look walking out to a certain theme. The pace and mannerisms of the character's entrance should be in sync with the actual song itself.

Another thing to look at is the lyrics to the song. Having a happy go lucky comedy character, but with theme lyrics such as "I hate you, I have the government, so fuck you," would be a polar clash, even if the musical mood of the song fit the character. You have to get onto band sites, get out that cd booklet, or any other way possible to obtain lyrics, and see exactly what the lyrics' mood represents. Because, the lyrics to the song should be a direct relation with the gimmick of your character. They go hand in hand.

So basically, what this all boils down to is, it's hard to be unique. It's even harder to be unique and correct. But, once the three pieces (originality, mood, and lyrics) all click with the character, you're set.

Have fun with your character. Finding the theme shouldn't be a task, but actually a fun game that you should want to participate in, so it will help make your character the best overall that he can be.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Andy Bloxham