How Heavy Metal Music and Wrestling Go Together
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Contents
While metalheads and wrestlers might not seem like the most likely of allies, they actually have quite a lot in common. From their DIY attitudes to their love of theatrics, there are plenty of reasons why these two groups go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Introduction
Wrestling and heavy metal music have a lot in common. They are both aggressive, physical, and often extreme. They both have a passionate fan base that is sometimes misunderstood by the mainstream. And they both have a rich history full of colorful characters and larger-than-life personalities.
Heavy metal music and wrestling have been intertwined since the early days of both genres. Metal legends like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax have all written songs about wrestling, and many metal bands have contributed songs to wrestling events and pay-per-views. Wrestling stars like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H have all been inspired by metal music, and some have even gone on to release their own albums.
The connection between heavy metal music and wrestling is not always easy to explain, but it is clear that these two forms of entertainment share a lot of common ground. So whether you are a fan of both or just one, there is no denying the impact that these two genres have had on each other over the years.
A Brief History of Metal
Metal music has its origins in the 1960s and ’70s, with bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin pioneers of the genre. In the 1980s, metal evolved with the advent of thrash metal, a heavier and more aggressive subgenre characterized by bands like Metallica and Megadeth. Today, metal continues to change and evolve, with new subgenres emerging all the time.
Wrestling has also been around for centuries, with its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. In the early 20th century, professional wrestling began to take shape in the United States, with promotions like the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) forming in 1948. The 1980s saw the rise of Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which would go on to dominate the professional wrestling landscape for decades.
So how did these two seemingly disparate worlds come together? It all started with one man: “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
How Metal and Wrestling Are Connected
Heavy metal music and professional wrestling have been connected since the early days of both genres. Many pioneering metal bands wrote songs about wrestling, and early metal concerts often featured wrestling matches. In the 1980s, the connection between metal and wrestling became even stronger, as many wrestlers began using metal songs as their entrance music. Today, metal bands and wrestlers continue to collaborate and cross-promote each other.
There are many similarities between heavy metal music and professional wrestling. Both are aggressive, intense, and often confrontational. Both attract passionate fans who are fiercely loyal to their favorite bands or wrestlers. And both Metal and wrestling often provoke strong reactions from those who don’t understand them.
Many heavy metal bands have written songs about professional wrestling, including Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and Slipknot. Some of these songs are serious odes to the sport, while others are tongue-in-cheek tributes (or spoofs). Either way, they show the strong connection between metal and wrestling.
In the 1980s, many wrestlers began using heavy metal songs as their entrance music. This was perfect for wrestlers who wanted to project an edgy, tough image. It also helped introducemetal to a whole new audience. Some of the most popular wrestler/metal pairings include Hulk Hogan with “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Real American” by Rick Derringer; The Ultimate Warrior with Queen’s “We Will Rock You”; Stone Cold Steve Austin with “I Won’t Do What You Tell Me” by Eddie Vedder; Triple H with Motörhead’s “The Game”; and The Undertaker with “Rollin” by Limp Bizkit.
Today, the connection between metal and wrestling remains strong. Manymetal bands continue to write songs about wrestling, and wrestlers continue to use metal as their entrance music. In addition,metal bands often perform at WWE events, and wrestlers sometimes appear inmetal videos. This mutual admiration helps both genres reach new audiences and grow in popularity.
The Metal Scene Today
The metal scene today is vibrant and exciting, with new bands and styles constantly emerging. But it wasn’t always this way. In the early days of metal, the music was often thought of as being dark, angry and full of negativity. This was especially true when it came to metal’s relationship with professional wrestling.
While there are still some groups that lean into this image (e.g., Slipknot), the majority of metal bands today have moved away from it. They instead focus on creating positive and uplifting music that celebrates metal’s history and identity.
Why Metal and Wrestling Fans Are Drawn to Each Other
For many people, heavy metal music and wrestling are two completely different things. But for others, the two forms of entertainment are mysteriously intertwined. So what is it about metal and wrestling that makes them such a perfect match?
For starters, both metal and wrestling fans tend to be outsiders. They’re often misunderstood by the mainstream and are considered to be a little bit “weird.” This shared sense of being an outsider can help create a strong bond between fans of the two genres.
In addition, both metal and wrestling are incredibly intense and aggressive. They’re both extremely loud and in-your-face, and they both require a lot of energy to enjoy. This shared intensity can also help forge a connection between fans.
Finally, both metal and wrestling have a long history of accommodating different subcultures. Wrestlers have often been associated with punk rockers, goths, and other outsider groups, while metal bands have frequently collaborated with wrestlers (such as when Motörhead wrote the song “Stone Dead Forever” for WWE star Brock Lesnar).
So if you’re a fan of both metal music and wrestling, rest assured that you’re not alone! These two genres have more in common than you might think.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heavy metal music and wrestling have a lot in common. They are both aggressive and intense, and they both have a strong following of fans who are passionate about their respective art forms. Heavy metal music and wrestling share a lot of the same values, including a DIY ethic and a commitment to hard work and dedication. If you’re a fan of either heavy metal music or wrestling, chances are you’ll enjoy the other one as well.