The world of professional wrestling and heavy metal music have formed a powerful bond, creating moments that transcend both the sports and music industries. WWE has long relied on heavy metal to add intensity and adrenaline to its matches, crafting an atmosphere where music and athleticism collide. This article will explore some of the most iconic metal anthems that have become part of WWE history, including the artists, songs, and moments that have elevated the wrestling experience for fans worldwide. From legendary entrance themes to unforgettable performances, metal music has become an integral part of WWE events.

Metallica and WrestleMania

Metallica's contribution to WWE's legacy cannot be overstated. Their aggressive sound has accompanied some of the most pivotal moments in WWE history.

When Triple H squared off against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII in 2012, Metallica’s "For Whom the Bell Tolls" set the stage for one of the most epic entrances in WWE history. This was more than just a theme song; it became synonymous with the tension and spectacle of the night. The song amplified the aura surrounding "The Game," who was facing one of WWE’s most significant streaks. The moment further solidified Metallica's impact on WWE's biggest stage, making this match an unforgettable part of wrestling history.

From the early 2000s, Metallica has consistently been part of WWE's soundscape. Their music continues to resonate with fans and athletes alike. Wrestlers like Edge have famously used Metallica tracks, further integrating the band into the culture of WWE. The energy and aggression of their music reflect the intensity of WWE matches, ensuring their legacy remains a part of the company's future.

Motorhead and Triple H

Triple H’s iconic connection with the legendary heavy metal band Motörhead is one of the most recognizable wrestler-musician pairings in WWE history.

Motörhead’s "The Game," which debuted in 2000, was more than just an entrance song for Triple H. The track became his identity, mirroring his persona as a dominating, calculating force in WWE. Lemmy Kilmister’s raw vocals and powerful guitar riffs brought an edge to Triple H’s character, making his entrances some of the most electrifying in WWE history.

Motörhead performed live for Triple H at multiple WrestleMania events, including WrestleMania 21. Their song "King of Kings" became another staple of his character’s evolution, marking his rise to the top of WWE’s hierarchy. The combination of heavy metal and Triple H’s dominance in the ring proved to be an unmatched pairing.

Alter Bridge and Edge

Alter Bridge’s "Metalingus" has been the anthem for one of WWE’s most beloved superstars, Edge, since 2004.

Edge's entrance theme, "Metalingus," by Alter Bridge, has become iconic among WWE fans. Its powerful opening riff and lyrics capture Edge's unpredictable and rebellious persona. Over the years, this song has been synonymous with Edge's greatest moments, from his numerous World Championship wins to his dramatic return at the 2020 Royal Rumble after a nine-year hiatus.

Edge’s use of "Metalingus" helped bridge the gap between heavy metal and wrestling, bringing fans of both genres closer. As a Hall of Famer, his connection to the song remains strong, ensuring that Alter Bridge's contribution to WWE’s musical landscape is enduring and impactful.

Metal and WrestleMania Performances

WrestleMania, WWE’s premier event, has been a stage for many iconic heavy metal performances over the years.

Limp Bizkit performed live at WrestleMania XIX in 2003, playing their hit song "Rollin’" for The Undertaker’s entrance. This performance marked a significant crossover between WWE and metal culture, as "Rollin’" was one of The Undertaker’s most memorable themes during the early 2000s.

Drowning Pool’s song "Tear Away" was prominently featured as one of the theme songs for WrestleMania X8 in 2002. The heavy, emotionally charged track was a perfect fit for the high stakes matches that took place that night, including the epic clash between The Rock and Hulk Hogan.

Fanatics Sportsbook and WWE’s Metal Connection

Fans who love the combination of WWE action and heavy metal can immerse themselves even more deeply in the excitement with Fanatics Sportsbook. Whether it is betting on the outcome of a match or enjoying the adrenaline rush that metal and wrestling bring, Fanatics Sportsbook offers an avenue for fans to engage beyond the ring.

For fans who enjoy the thrill of competition, both in wrestling and sports betting, Fanatics Sportsbook brings the excitement of live events to a whole new level. Combining metal’s intensity and WWE’s

unpredictable outcomes, it offers fans the chance to experience even more adrenaline outside the ring.

Slipknot and WWE NXT

Slipknot’s dark, intense style has made a perfect match for WWE’s developmental brand, NXT.

Slipknot's track "All Out Life" was used as the official theme song for WWE NXT, signaling the brand's transition into a major player in WWE programming. The track’s aggressive tone perfectly matched NXT’s gritty, hard-hitting style of wrestling, making it a fan favorite during the show’s opening sequence.

Beyond NXT, Slipknot’s influence has permeated WWE culture, with many wrestlers and fans alike embracing the band’s dark, chaotic energy. Their presence within WWE shows how heavy metal can enhance the theatrical and intense nature of professional wrestling.

Code Orange and Bray Wyatt

Code Orange’s involvement in WWE has left a lasting impact, particularly through their collaboration with Bray Wyatt.

Code Orange's song "Let Me In" was used as the entrance theme for Bray Wyatt’s dark and terrifying persona, The Fiend. The song’s eerie and heavy tone perfectly matched the haunting character, creating an unforgettable atmosphere every time The Fiend entered the arena.

Code Orange performed live at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2017, further solidifying their connection to WWE. Their heavy, industrial sound is a perfect match for the dark and intense moments in WWE, making their partnership one of the most fitting in recent years.

Poppy and NXT

Poppy’s blend of metal and pop has created an exciting new sound that has become integral to NXT’s identity.

Poppy has performed multiple live entrances for WWE NXT, including Io Shirai at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Her mix of genres and energetic performances have made her a key figure in NXT’s presentation. Poppy’s rise within WWE demonstrates the ongoing evolution of metal in wrestling. As WWE continues to expand its musical collaborations, metal is sure to remain a vital part of the WWE universe, continuing to enhance the intensity and excitement of matches.

WWE and metal will always be intertwined, creating iconic moments that go beyond the ring and into the annals of both music and sports history.