Glass shatters. The arena erupts. In WWE, an entrance isn’t just a walk to the ring — it’s the moment legends are born.
Honorable Mentions That Almost Made The Cut
But before we dive into our top 10, let’s acknowledge some entrances that barely missed the mark but deserve recognition. Rey Mysterio’s high-flying entrance, complete with bursting pyro and that iconic “619” call, has thrilled audiences for decades.
Goldberg’s legendary security escort and sparks shower created an aura of invincibility that helped build his unprecedented 173-match winning streak.
And let’s not forget Aleister Black’s spine-chilling rise from the dead, which according to WWE’s production team, required a specially designed hydraulic platform.
10. Kane’s Inferno (1997-Present)
When those organ hits blast and flames shoot from the ring posts, you know the Big Red Machine is coming. Kane’s entrance debuted at Badd Blood 1997, and it’s been sending chills down spines ever since. The slow, methodical walk combined with that mask and the red lighting created an atmosphere of pure horror that’s never been matched.
9. Shawn Michaels’ Sexy Boy (1992-2010)
“I’m just a sexy boy…” The moment HBK’s music hit, magic happened. Michaels didn’t just walk to the ring—he strutted, posed, and made every entrance feel like a main event. His WrestleMania XII entrance, where he descended from the ceiling, remains one of WWE’s most iconic moments, as reported by WWE.com’s “100 Greatest Moments in Raw History.”
8. Triple H’s King of Kings (2006-Present)
When it comes to grand entrances, nobody does it quite like The Game. His WrestleMania entrances are particularly legendary, featuring everything from Motorhead performing live to elaborate throne setups. The water spit alone became such an iconic part of wrestling culture that ESPN featured it in their “WWE’s Most Memorable Moments” collection.
7. The New Day’s Power of Positivity (2014-Present)
Who knew unicorn horns and cereal could be so captivating? The New Day transformed standard entrances into pure entertainment, tossing pancakes into the crowd and bringing genuine joy to every appearance. Their entrance at WrestleMania 33, emerging from a giant box of their own cereal brand, showed just how creative an entrance could be.
6. Finn Bálor’s Demon King (2014-Present)
The crawl. The heartbeat. The body paint. Bálor’s Demon King entrance isn’t just an entrance—it’s performance art. According to WWE Network documentaries, Bálor spends up to four hours getting the elaborate body paint done, and every movement is choreographed to perfection.
5. Edge’s Rated R Superstar (2004-2011, 2020-Present)
The smoke. That guitar riff. The pose on the entrance ramp. Edge’s entrance perfectly captures his character’s essence. When that “You think you know me” hits, the crowd knows they’re about to witness something special. His Royal Rumble 2020 return entrance generated over 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours.
4. Randy Orton’s Voices (2008-Present)
Those whispers leading into “I hear voices in my head” create instant tension. Orton’s slow, calculating walk to the ring, perfectly timed with his music, has become legendary. The pose on the turnbuckle, arms spread wide, was ranked by WWE.com as one of the most iconic poses in wrestling history.
3. The Rock’s If You Smell… (1999-Present)
The People’s Champion knew how to make an entrance. That eyebrow raise. The slow turn to the crowd. The electricity was palpable every single time. During the Attitude Era, The Rock’s entrance regularly generated some of the loudest crowd reactions ever recorded in WWE history, often reaching over 110 decibels according to WWE production notes.
2. The Undertaker’s Dark Funeral March (1990-2020)
GONG. Darkness falls. Smoke rises. The Deadman’s entrance is wrestling’s greatest piece of theater. Taking up to three minutes sometimes, every element was perfect—from the methodical walk to the supernatural elements. His WrestleMania entrances were particularly spectacular, with his 2011 entrance being named “Greatest WrestleMania Entrance” by WWE Network subscribers.
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Glass Shatters (1996-2003)
That glass break. Nothing else in wrestling history has ever generated a bigger pop. When that sound hit, arenas exploded. Austin’s entrance was perfect in its simplicity—no pyro needed, just attitude and presence. According to WWE statistics, the glass shattering sound effect alone has been played over 1,000 times in WWE arenas, making it the most recognizable entrance cue in wrestling history.
The Evolution of WWE Entrances
Modern WWE entrances have evolved into full-scale productions. Just look at Cody Rhodes’ elaborate “American Nightmare” entrance, complete with a rising platform and a light show that would make Pink Floyd jealous. Charlotte Flair’s robe game keeps getting more extravagant, with her WrestleMania 39 attire reportedly costing over $45,000 to create.
When Entrances Go Wrong
Not every grand entrance goes according to plan. The Undertaker’s pyro once accidentally set the entrance set on fire at Elimination Chamber 2010. Triple H’s WrestleMania 33 entrance was almost ruined when his water bottle froze in the cold outdoor stadium. These mishaps, while rare, remind us of the risks involved in creating spectacular entrances.
Behind The Scenes Magic
Ever wonder how these spectacular entrances come together? WWE’s production team spends countless hours perfecting every detail. The pyrotechnics alone require a team of 20+ technicians for major events. According to former WWE production manager Kevin Dunn, a single WrestleMania entrance can take up to three months to plan and cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 to execute.
The Future of Wrestling Entrances
With advancing technology, WWE continues to push the envelope. Augmented reality elements now enhance home viewing experiences, while in-arena effects become more sophisticated. Recent innovations include LED-enhanced ring posts, interactive crowd lighting systems, and even drone shows for premium live events.
Ready to Raise Some Hell?
These entrances didn’t just get wrestlers to the ring—they defined eras, created memories, and turned good performers into unforgettable legends. Which one makes you jump out of your seat every time?
