A cool, catchy theme song can make a great wrestler, a legend and a mediocre one, memorable. Play the classic piece of “Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30” to a group of people and the first thing out of their mouths is Ric Flair’s name or his iconic: “Woooo!” Mention Richard Strauss (the composer) or Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and you’ll get blank stares.

For younger generations, Hulk Hogan’s theme, “I Am a Real American”, is about as ‘Merica as you can get. It’s a 4th of July staple for some, right up there with “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. Hell, if Kenny Powers can embrace it and make it his own, it should be played at all major league baseball games!

I’ve been known to randomly send Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake’s theme song to friends. Why? Because sometimes you need a funky bass line to brighten your day.

Simply put, theme songs are the life blood to a wrestler’s gimmick. It immediately establishes who they are, and if done correctly, creates a relationship with the crowd. Today’s crop of WWE/NXT Superstars have some awesome themes that could become classics one day. In no particular order, here are the best 7 themes currently going.

Shinsuke Nakamura - “The Rising Sun”

If you need to get yourself mentally ready for a first date, this song will get you pumped! Definitely loop worthy.

In honor of my spirit animal Shinsuke Nakamura, his theme is reminiscent of a video game boss’ music, mixed with a retro martial arts film soundtrack! It’s only appropriate that “The King of Strong Style” have a theme so epic that it reached No. 1 on iTunes soundtracks and has become a YouTube sensation with remixes, tributes and covers. The NXT crowd loves it so much that they serenade Nakamura with it in his matches, long after the music has stopped.

Sasha Banks - “Sky’s The Limit”

Ms. Banks is next-level and so is her theme song. Rumor has it, she’s the singer of the song! Now that’s talent. No other woman on the roster has a cooler entrance. Did you see her at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn? She killed it. Want to know why she’s “The Boss”? Just check out her WrestleMania 32 entrance, where her cousin Snoop Dogg raps to her theme as he escorts her down to the ring.

Seth Rollins - “The Second Coming”

As soon as the metal-infused theme plays, the crowd instantly pops for the “Crossfit Jesus”. Old school metal fans might get flashbacks to Ozzfest or be prone to headbanging upon hearing it. I challenge you not to play air guitar or air drums when this song comes on. The New Day certainly can’t. When other wrestlers rock out to your song, you know you have something good.

John Cena - “The Time is Now”

What am I thinking? How could I stick Cena on this list? Here’s the song that plays in the nightmares of adult fans, while brings smiles to small children. Say what you will about the divisive superstar, but his theme song is on the all-time list. It’s on there not because it’s great but because it has defined the Cena era for over 10 years now. Like that crappy pop song that plays on the radio, this will get stuck in your head the rest of the day. I’m actually partial to “Word Life,” Cena’s early theme, covering his PaRappa the Rapper gimmick.

In the meantime, mark crowds will continue with their own version of the theme: “John Cena sucks, John Cena sucks…”

Finn Balor - “Catch Your Breath”

The most dramatic, operatic, and cinematic theme song currently going belongs to “The Demon.” Simply put, it’s cool!

Not since The Undertaker’s entrance has a piece of music set a tone that hypes the crowd for what’s to come. Taker has the gong, while Finn has the heartbeat. Part heavy metal, part soundtrack to a thriller/horror film, Finn’s theme is perfectly tailored for his style and gimmick. It allows him to play to the crowd, as the lights flash on and off, right on cue with everyone raising their arms in unison.

It also doesn’t hurt that Bayley does a great Finn imitation to the entrance song as well:

Bayley - “Turn It Up”

Speaking of the Queen of Hugs, her happy-go-lucky theme is infectious and as much as you try against it, brings a smile to your face. It’s the anti-frown song, similar to the upbeat energy as Tegan and Sara’s “Everything is Awesome” from The LEGO Movie.

The quintessential music for the ultimate babyface in the women’s division, flailing tube men and all. Even as a stand alone song, you can easily see this playing on pop radio stations or Radio Disney, finding success with those pesky tweens. And if you have a sudden urge to hug those around you while hearing this, go ahead, we won’t judge!

Bray Wyatt - “Live in Fear”

WWE creative may not know what to do with Bray and his family but we, the fireflies, embrace “The Eater of Worlds.” “Live in Fear,” the hypnotic and creepy theme for Bray, is actually originally “Broken Out in Love” from Mark Crozer and The Rels. Crozer’s sound is so different and unique from anything else in the WWE, that crowds were immediately hooked by Bray and his cult. A perfect marriage between character and music, where the eerie melodies highlight the dark world of this enigmatic leader.

This is the type of song to play if you’re driving off the beaten path or down the Louisiana backwoods on a blistering summer day. It’s also not a bad option to throw onto your Halloween party playlist this year. Just turn off the lights, hit play and tell your guests, “we’re here.”