The definitive 10 best WrestleMania musical performances

WWE’s—keeping it a buck, the industry’s—biggest weekend is upon us and we’re all doing our best Jesse Spano impression. On that note, what’s a little wrestling without a little music? Many musicians blessed or cursed our ears over the years with hopes of adding their flavor to the Grandaddy of them all. I took it upon myself to list the best of the best; the 10 standout performances from *counts on fingers* thirty-seven years of WrestleMania.

The one rule? “America the Beautiful” performances do not count. If that was the case, Ray Charles or Aretha Franklin are easily vying for the top spot. And no diss to anyone on this list, but comparing them to either of those two legends is entirely unfair. A word of caution: videos aren’t available for all of these. Meaning for some of these performances, you have to take my word for it. But you’re here, so why wouldn’t you do that on principle?

Let’s get into it, shall we?

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1. Mark Crozer and the Rels - WrestleMania 30

Performance is more than just the song; it’s the entire package. Mark Crozer and the Rels go all out as they croon Bray Wyatt to the ring, complete with fire, dancing, and New Orleans flavor. Their live version is just as dope and twice as eerie as the theme we heard every week on WWE programming. And not for nothing, but they were in complete sync with the Wyatt Family. Mark and his boys enhanced Bray’s normal entrance, which was already a sight to behold.

2. Living Colour - WrestleMania 29

Remember everything I just said about enhancing an entrance? Yeah, all of that for the number two entry. Living Colour performed “Cult of Personality” when MetLife Stadium hosted Vince McMahon’s traveling circus. Any fan of the New York Jets or New York Giants will tell you it’s easily the best performance in that venue in a decade. As a supporter of the latter, it’s a pain I know all too well. But I digress.

Seeing these older cats bring the same amount of energy and skill in 2013 they would in 1988 is astounding. Also, is there any weirder juxtaposition than Paul Heyman walking out with a freaking urn while Living Colour gets their jam on? I think not.

3. Run-DMC - WrestleMania 5

The Kings of Rock proved there was no one higher at WrestleMania 5. No frills, no gimmicks, no big bands. Just one DJ and two rappers doing what they do best. They’re also the only people on this list doing an original song created for WrestleMania, the actual “WrestleMania Rap.”

One of the few times where WWE was actually a head of the curve, if only by a few feet. Run-DMC were a big deal in 1989 but not everyone in the crowd felt that way. But they solidified their relationship with WWE as the legendary group did their own rendition of the D-Generation X theme.

4. Chris Warren Band - WrestleMania 14

This is one of those where you have to take my word for it. Or just pull it up on WWE Network Peacock and witness this thing in all its glory. The Chris Warren Band, which included Jim Johnston, had the perfect energy for Shawn Michaels’ WrestleMania 14 entrance. The band felt defiant as they played the soon-to-be ex WWF World Heavyweight Champion to the ring while Michaels and Triple H got in on the action as well.

This performance personifies the Attitude Era. It’s loud, brash, and angry with more than a couple doses of fun sprinkled on top. For that alone, it’s top five.

5. Nita Strauss - WrestleMania 34

Nita Strauss killed this. It’s such a fantastic rendition of Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme. Forgive the pun, but Strauss and Nak make beautiful music together. Nakamura makes his traditional entrance but his star is eclipsed by Strauss and her guitar. The version is so dope, I’m a little sad they didn’t use it as a semi-permanent replacement for either one of Shinsuke’s themes.

WWE did provide the song in all its glory on YouTube. And in crystal clear quality.

6. Rev Theory - WrestleMania 30

Like any event worth its salt that takes place in New Orleans, WrestleMania 30 was filled with a lot of music. A far cry from Jazz, Rev Theory provided the...voices...for Randy Orton’s entrance for his match with Batista and Daniel Bryan. This was a big match and Rev Theory met the moment without missing a beat.

“Voices” illustrates Randy’s simmering intensity every time he comes to the ring. Having a live band behind him turns all of that to 11. And if you look hard enough, it even looks like Rev Theory’s lead singer and Organ Orton have matching tattoos. Adorable.

7. Salt-N-Pepa - WrestleMania 11

Another one you have to take my word for since WWE scrubbed this performance from their archives. Whether it’s WWE.com, Peacock, or an old Colosseum Home Video, Salt-N-Pepa’s performance is lost to time. The word on the street is WWE dubbed over their performance of “Whatta Man” to avoid paying Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella any royalties. Do with that what you will.

The trio rewrote their hit song featuring En Vogue and made it all about NFL legend Lawrence Taylor. Yes, kids, Lawrence Taylor wrestled Bam Bam Bigelow in the main event. The WrestleMania main event no less. 1995 was weird. Anyway, the trio did their thing and did it well, and it’s probably something we’ll never see the likes of ever again. Or even now, apparently, since WWE went all Men in Black on us.

8. Motörhead - WrestleMania 21

I watched this and three words came to mind:

This is dope.

Motörhead performed at WrestleMania 17 but this one feels different. Besides the fact Triple H was a bigger deal four years later, him getting to rise from the stage and interact with the band puts it over the top. It’s not the most elaborate Haitch entrance, but a little goes a long way. This one was a home run.

9. Snoop Dogg - WrestleMania 32

If I can be serious for a moment, Snoop’s rapping isn’t the best here. It’s adequate, sure, but not mind blowing. But the reason the man is an icon and continues to rock crowds for almost 30 years now, is because no one can match his presence and style.

Except possibly his little cousin.

Sasha Banks is larger than life and demands an equally sized entrance to the ring. Especially on the biggest stage in wrestling. The Doggfather’s performance, along with him escorting her to the ring, spoke volumes.

10. P.O.D.- WrestleMania 22

You know the boost the arena feels when Rey’s music hits? P.O.D. brings all of that to Mysterio’s WrestleMania 22 entrance. It’s just a shot of adrenaline and a completely different vibe than Mania performances we normally get.

What say you, Cagesiders? Anything you’d add to the list or remove from existence?