n8nForty years ago today, the iconic guitar riff and anthemic chorus of ‘Real American’ first blared across WWE (then WWF) television screens. For generations of wrestling fans, this track is as synonymous with Hulk Hogan as his yellow and red, his 24-inch pythons, and the demand to know what you’re gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you. It’s the soundtrack to countless leg drops, dramatic comebacks, and the very embodiment of 1980s Americana. But here’s the kicker, brother: it wasn’t originally meant for the Hulkster.
Indeed, as we celebrate four decades of this enduring earworm, it’s a perfect time to peel back the layers and explore the fascinating, almost accidental, journey of ‘Real American’ from a hopeful album track to arguably the most recognizable entrance theme in professional wrestling history.
### The Birth of a Classic, Not for the Champion
The story of ‘Real American’ begins not with a flexing superhero, but with a groundbreaking venture into the music industry. In the fall of 1985, Vince McMahon’s then-World Wrestling Federation made a bold move, releasing its first full musical album, *The Wrestling Album*. This wasn’t just a collection of existing tracks; it featured original songs performed by the very wrestlers who graced the ring. Imagine a time before easily accessible streaming, when a wrestling album was a must-have for fans wanting to immerse themselves deeper in the spectacle.
Among the tracks was ‘Real American,’ a powerful, patriotic rock anthem penned by Rick Derringer, a seasoned musician known for his work with The McCoys and Edgar Winter Group. It was envisioned as the perfect theme for a quintessential American tag team. And that’s exactly who got it first: the U.S. Express, comprised of the talented duo Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda.
Windham and Rotunda, a solid and well-respected team, briefly used ‘Real American’ as their entrance music. Their time with the theme was fleeting, however, as Windham soon departed the WWF. This left the track, bursting with unfulfilled potential, in search of a new home. Little did anyone know, its true destiny was just around the corner, waiting for the biggest star in professional wrestling.
### Hulkamania’s New Soundtrack
Enter Hulk Hogan. By 1985, Hogan was already an established phenomenon. Hulkamania was in full swing, captivating audiences worldwide. He had previously used Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and other generic rock anthems, but none had quite captured the essence of his larger-than-life, all-American persona as perfectly as ‘Real American’ would. The song’s soaring guitar melodies, driving rhythm, and lyrics about standing up for what’s right, fighting for freedom, and representing the red, white, and blue, were a tailor-made fit for the Hulkster’s escalating patriotic gimmick.
When Hogan adopted ‘Real American,’ it wasn’t just a change in music; it was a solidification of his identity. The theme became an extension of his character, an auditory cue that signaled the arrival of a hero. Fans immediately latched onto it, chanting along, mimicking his poses, and fully buying into the narrative of Hogan as the ultimate protector of American values, ready to vanquish any foreign menace or villainous challenger who dared to cross his path.
### More Than a Song: The Soundtrack to an Era
‘Real American’ transcended its wrestling origins. It became a cultural touchstone of the mid-to-late 1980s, an era defined by a resurgence of American patriotism and pride. The song’s simple yet effective message resonated deeply, reflecting the prevailing sentiment of the time. It wasn’t uncommon to hear snippets of ‘Real American’ in commercials, movie trailers, or even at sporting events, further cementing its place in the pop culture lexicon.
Rick Derringer’s masterful production and performance gave the track a timeless rock feel, ensuring its longevity. Its energy is infectious, capable of pumping up a crowd or inspiring a solo air guitar performance in living rooms across the globe. For many, hearing ‘Real American’ instantly transports them back to a golden age of wrestling, where good always triumphed over evil, and a single leg drop could change the world.
### A Legacy That Still Runs Wild
Today, 40 years later, ‘Real American’ remains instantly recognizable. It’s a testament to its enduring power that even those who aren’t wrestling fans can often hum its tune. It’s more than just an entrance theme; it’s a piece of Americana, a nostalgic trip for millions, and a vivid reminder of the unstoppable force that was Hulk Hogan at the height of his powers.
From its unexpected debut with the U.S. Express to becoming the undisputed anthem of Hulkamania, ‘Real American’ stands as a perfect example of how a piece of music can become so deeply intertwined with a persona and an era that it achieves a life of its own. Here’s to 40 years of one of the most iconic, accidental, and utterly unforgettable songs in entertainment history. What cha gonna do, brother?
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