Hollywood Hogan’s NWO Theme: Iconic Entrance Breakdown Hey there, wrestling fans and nostalgia seekers! Let’s talk about something truly iconic in the annals of professional wrestling: Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance music . Seriously, guys, when that guitar riff hit, you knew something big was about to go down. It wasn’t just a song; it was a statement. It signaled the arrival of the baddest man in wrestling, the leader of the most controversial faction ever, the New World Order . We’re not just talking about any old entrance theme here; we’re diving deep into Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’ , a track that perfectly encapsulated the swagger, rebellion, and sheer audacity of Hollywood Hogan during his game-changing run in WCW. For many of us who grew up watching wrestling in the 90s, the moment that bassline kicked in, followed by that unmistakable guitar, was pure electricity. It wasn’t just music; it was a mood , an attitude , a revolution unfolding right before our eyes, a sonic declaration that the old ways were over. The choice of ‘Voodoo Child’ wasn’t accidental; it was a stroke of genius that elevated Hogan’s villainous persona from merely ‘bad guy’ to ‘anti-establishment icon,’ a true game-changer in how a wrestler could present themselves. Think about it: a rock and roll anthem from one of history’s greatest guitarists, chosen for a wrestler who had just shattered every perception we had of him. It was bold, it was audacious, and it was undeniably cool . This theme song didn’t just accompany Hogan; it defined his NWO entrance , setting a new standard for how a character’s musical identity could enhance their narrative and create an immediate, visceral reaction from the crowd. It helped forge an unbreakable, almost symbiotic connection between the music and the moment, embedding itself into the collective memory of wrestling fans worldwide. So, buckle up, because we’re about to break down exactly why this particular piece of entrance music became so legendary and why, even today, it still sends shivers down our spines when we hear it. We’ll explore the monumental transformation of Hogan, the brilliance of the song choice itself, and the lasting legacy of the NWO’s sonic signature. It’s time to relive the glory days of WCW and truly appreciate the profound power of a perfectly chosen theme song that truly resonated with the times. ## The Birth of a Villain: Hogan’s Shocking Transformation Before we dissect the power of Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance music , let’s rewind to the absolute pivotal moment that necessitated such an iconic theme: the birth of Hollywood Hogan himself. Guys, you remember it, right? Bash at the Beach 1996 . For decades, Hulk Hogan was the epitome of good, the red-and-yellow-clad hero who told us to say our prayers and take our vitamins. He was the Hulkster , the Real American , the champion of the masses. But wrestling, as we know, loves to flip the script, and what happened on July 7, 1996, in Daytona Beach, Florida, wasn’t just a flip—it was a seismic shift that shook the very foundations of the industry, forever altering the landscape of professional wrestling. When Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, collectively known as The Outsiders, started terrorizing WCW, they promised a ‘third man’ to join their ranks against WCW, a mystery partner who would help them wage war. Everyone, and I mean everyone , expected it to be someone like Sting or Randy Savage, another WCW loyalist coming to save the day, a true defender of the brand. So, when Hulk Hogan walked out during the main event, seemingly to help Randy Savage and Sting against The Outsiders, the crowd was already buzzing with anticipation, a mix of hope and confusion. But then, boom ! Hogan dropped the leg on Savage, revealing himself as the ‘third man,’ aligning with Hall and Nash in a moment that sent shockwaves through the entire wrestling world. The shock in the arena, the absolute fury of the fans throwing garbage into the ring, was palpable; it was a visceral, unforgettable reaction. It wasn’t just a heel turn; it was the heel turn, arguably the most shocking and impactful betrayal in wrestling history, a true paradigm shift. From that moment, the beloved Hulk Hogan was dead, and Hollywood Hogan , the ultimate villain, the leader of the New World Order , was born. He shed the iconic red and yellow for rebellious black and white, grew a scraggly beard, and adopted an arrogant, sneering persona that was a complete antithesis to everything he once stood for, fracturing his loyal fanbase overnight. This transformation wasn’t just about changing colors or attitude; it was about tearing down the established order, questioning authority, and aggressively dominating the wrestling landscape. This new, darker, more dangerous Hogan needed a soundtrack that screamed rebellion, confidence, and a ‘don’t care’ attitude. He needed something that wasn’t bubblegum pop or heroic fanfare. He needed something gritty , raw , and utterly cool , something that matched his newfound villainy. This shocking betrayal set the stage perfectly for an NWO entrance music that would become as legendary as the faction itself, a sonic emblem of a new era. Without that initial, jaw-dropping moment, the power of his subsequent entrances wouldn’t have resonated with the same historical weight or impact. ## “Voodoo Child”: More Than Just a Song Now, let’s talk about the beating heart of Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance music : Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’ . Seriously, guys, this wasn’t just any song picked out of a hat; it was a masterstroke of musical selection. When you think about the swagger, the arrogance, and the ‘we don’t care what you think’ attitude of the New World Order , especially with Hollywood Hogan leading the charge, you need a song that embodies all of that. And ‘Voodoo Child’ delivers in spades. Released in 1968 on the Electric Ladyland album, this track is a psychedelic blues-rock masterpiece. It’s iconic for its extended guitar solos, its raw energy, and Hendrix’s sheer virtuosity. The moment that distinctive, fuzzy wah-pedal guitar riff kicks in, it’s instantly recognizable. It’s a riff that commands attention, a sound that oozes cool and a touch of danger. This wasn’t some generic wrestling rock; this was Jimi Hendrix , an artist who redefined rock music, a true innovator. The very title, ‘Voodoo Child,’ suggests something otherworldly, powerful, and a bit mischievous—perfect for a faction that claimed to be taking over. The lyrics, while not often heard clearly in the arena mix, talk about being a ‘voodoo child,’ a ‘magic child,’ themes that subtly underscore Hogan’s newfound persona as a larger-than-life figure who could seemingly do no wrong in his own eyes, and dominate any opponent. The song’s structure, with its improvisational feel and escalating intensity, mirrored the unpredictable and escalating threat of the NWO. When Hogan emerged to this track, usually with his signature ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture and a sneer, the music didn’t just play in the background; it became an extension of his character. It provided the perfect sonic canvas for his slow, deliberate walk to the ring, allowing him to milk every single boo and cheer. This wasn’t a choice for mass appeal in the same way some wrestling themes aim for; it was a choice for edge , for attitude , for something that felt both classic and rebellious all at once. The sheer quality and enduring appeal of Hendrix’s original track lent an immediate sense of legitimacy and grandeur to Hogan’s new persona. It helped cement the idea that the NWO was a serious force, not just a passing fad. ## The Psychology of an Entrance: How Music Made Hogan Iconic The power of Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance music extended far beyond just being a cool song; it was a psychological weapon, brilliantly deployed to enhance his villainous persona and solidify the New World Order ’s dominance. Guys, think about it: an entrance in wrestling isn’t just about walking to the ring; it’s a carefully choreographed piece of theater designed to evoke a specific emotional response from the audience. And with ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’, every element just clicked . The opening riff, immediately recognizable, signaled not just Hogan’s arrival, but the impending chaos and arrogance of the NWO. When that heavy bassline and those distorted guitars filled the arena, it wasn’t just music; it was a challenge. It was Hogan telling everyone, without saying a word, that he was here to shake things up. The pacing of the song perfectly matched Hogan’s slow, deliberate strut. He wasn’t rushing to the ring; he was savoring the moment, soaking in the boos, the thrown trash, and the palpable hatred from the crowd. This extended walk allowed the intensity of the music to build, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and dread for his opponents, and a twisted excitement for fans who loved to hate him. The pyro, the flashy NWO logo on the screen, the black-and-white aesthetic – all of it was amplified by the raw, untamed energy of Jimi Hendrix’s masterpiece. It wasn’t just a song that played during his walk; it became an integral part of his act . It provided the perfect backdrop for his heel antics: the tearing of “Hulkamania” signs, the taunting of children, the arrogant poses. The music, in essence, gave Hogan permission to be as bad as he wanted, providing the soundtrack to his transformation from the “Real American” hero to the ultimate villain. This careful synchronization of music, character, and visual spectacle taught us a crucial lesson in wrestling: the entrance isn’t just a preamble; it’s a performance in itself. It sets the tone, it builds the anticipation, and when done right, like Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance , it becomes an unforgettable part of wrestling history, forever etching that particular sound into the minds of fans as the arrival of pure, unadulterated evil. It truly highlights how vital an entrance theme is to a wrestler’s overall character and appeal. ## The NWO Legacy and Its Enduring Sound The NWO wasn’t just a wrestling faction; it was a cultural phenomenon that transcended the squared circle, and its enduring sound, thanks largely to Hollywood Hogan’s entrance music , played a massive role in that legacy. Seriously, guys, ask any wrestling fan from the 90s about the New World Order , and chances are, they’ll immediately hum that Jimi Hendrix riff from ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about the indelible mark that specific sound left on an entire generation. The NWO entrance music became synonymous with rebellion, with changing the game, and with a level of cool that wrestling hadn’t seen before. The NWO’s impact was undeniable: they redefined what it meant to be a villain, blurred the lines between fiction and reality, and pushed WCW to unprecedented heights, temporarily even surpassing WWE in the Monday Night Wars. And through it all, ‘Voodoo Child’ was the soundtrack to their reign of terror. It wasn’t just Hogan who benefited; the entire New World Order got an aura of undeniable coolness from their leader’s iconic theme. When you heard that music, you knew the main event was about to get real, or some serious mischief was afoot. The theme solidified the NWO’s identity as a cutting-edge, anti-establishment force. It influenced how future factions and individual wrestlers would approach their own entrance themes, inspiring a move towards more contemporary, hard-hitting, and character-defining music rather than generic orchestral pieces. Even today, remixes and homages to the NWO theme pop up, proving its lasting appeal. The song itself became a benchmark for what a great wrestling entrance should feel like: captivating, intimidating, and perfectly aligned with the character. The image of Hogan slowly making his way to the ring, clad in black and white, soaking in the vitriol, all set to the wailing guitar of Hendrix, is etched into wrestling lore. It’s a testament to how powerful the right piece of entrance music can be in crafting a legend. The legacy of the NWO, therefore, isn’t just about the storylines or the talent; it’s intrinsically linked to the powerful, rebellious, and unforgettable sound that announced the arrival of its leader, Hollywood Hogan . So there you have it, folks. Hollywood Hogan’s NWO entrance music , Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’ , was far more than just background noise; it was a foundational element in creating one of professional wrestling’s most iconic characters and factions. From the shocking heel turn at Bash at the Beach to the NWO’s reign of terror in WCW , this theme song perfectly captured the essence of rebellion, arrogance, and undeniable cool that defined Hollywood Hogan and his New World Order . It wasn’t just a choice; it was a masterstroke that elevated every single one of his entrances into a memorable event. The music resonated with fans, creating a powerful psychological impact that solidified Hogan’s villainous persona and cemented the NWO’s place in history. It’s a prime example of how the right piece of music can become an inseparable part of a character’s legacy, still sending shivers down our spines and evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia decades later. So, the next time you hear that unmistakable guitar riff, take a moment to appreciate the genius behind one of wrestling’s most enduring and iconic entrance themes . It truly was, and still is, too sweet !