Now, this isn't a list of specific one-off entrances. Like grandiose WrestleMania entrances that add dancers, extras, special costuming, movie tie-ins, zip-lines, etc. This is a showcase of some of the greatest ongoing WWE entrances over the past three (plus) decades. The ones that hype you up, mellow you out, or chill you to the bone.
Ultimate Warrior
Back when Hulk Hogan was getting everyone up and out of their seats and dancing to "Real American," Ultimate Warrior was in the business of making the shortest, most intense entrance possible. One that actually got him huffing and puffing before the match even started. Which is perfect when, say, your bell-to-bell time is only 31 seconds and you're dethroning Honkey Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Championship. Then it just becomes quick uninterrupted run to the ring and back.
The Brood
The award for "creepiest, most elaborate mid-card entrance" has to go to The Brood, who, as a vampiric trio, never quite rose above the height of the flames that elevated them onto the stage. They got their biggest notoriety as underlings for Undertaker and then eventually they eventually split and an amazing non-undead tag team rose from the ashes in the form of Edge and Christian. But the presentation for The Brood was incredible...Daniel Bryan
While the initial idea was to make Daniel Bryan as underdog "vanilla" as possible (by giving him a metal version of Wagner's public domain "Ride of the Valkyries" - almost a generic temp track-type theme), Bryan quickly began to do things to stand out from his nerd-ish beginnings in WWE. While slowly growing his hair, and facial hair, to wily caveman lengths, the "YES!" chant started to kick in. Soon, Bryan's entrance was a full crowd motion experience. A tandem chant that was truly a sight to behold.Chris Jericho
Jericho hasn't done much to alter his intros over his long WWE career. He may have added a light-up jacket and tinkered with his TitanTron video a few times, but his theme song's stuck. No matter the era, "Break the Walls Down" just perfectly encapsulates the sort of bratty rock and roll-a quality that Jericho brings with him to the ring. And his RAW debut stands as one of the best main roster surprises of all time.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar's entrance is a simple, intense, no frills package that instantly lets you know that a supreme ass-kicker is on the way. Yeah, there's some pyro, but it's quick and not the focus. Lesnar's entrance is mostly just a crunching guitar and some repetitive beats. Brock bouncing side to side occasionally. It's all that's needed here. You'll see a lot of ornate and complicated productions in this article, but Brock's here to show you that if you're a big enough deal, you don't need bells, whistles, hellfire, or brimstone. Continue to Page 2 for a sexy boy, a dead man and more.Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels gets an honorary placement on this list because - dammit! - he still comes out to the "Sexy Boy" song to this day. Even now that he's a frumpy, frazzled hunter of wild pigs. In fact, the "Sexy Boy" song hasn't really fit with him since WrestleMania 14 but they still used it and PEOPLE STILL LOVED IT! Jericho's never changed his song because it's always fit him. HBK has stuck with the same song regardless of the fact that it makes no sense anymore. Now, here's a look back at when the theme actually fit the man. Oh, shiny vests and leather chaps...Kane
Even though Kane's lost some of his luster over the years, his entrance still stands as one of the best, loudest, most demonic displays in WWE history. Originally conceived as the red and orange opposite of Undertaker's black, blue and purple, Kane's fire-themed walk to the ring is still powerful enough to cause panic and concern.Bray Wyatt
As the WWE's current monster (in an era that doesn't really have horror-themed superstars anymore), Bray Wyatt and his swamp clan managed to come up with an experience that was totally original. A quiet, somewhat somber trek to the ring set to Mark Crozer's "Live in Fear" gives the darkened arena a Southern Gothic feel. Like a riverside revival meeting was about to get underway. Of course, in this modern age of quasi-heels, Bray's entrance has become a babyface experience. With thousands of fans - "fireflies" - using their phones to create a mass lightning bug effect.
Finn Balor
Though not on the main WWE roster yes, current NXT champ Finn Balor is making huge waves down in developmental with a provocative and powerful inner demon-themed entrance. One that utilizes lights, smoke, costuming, and spectacular makeup to reveal Balor's violent, destructive side during high profile matches.Similar to Brock Lesnar's simplicity, Stone Cold's pounding theme - sparked by the sound of glass breaking - meant, pure and plain, someone was going to get a Stunner. When Brock comes out, he's certainly a force. But he may not fight. When Austin stomped to the ring, it was with the express intent to knuckle up, raise hell, and douse himself in beer. The phrase "When you hear the glass, it's your ass" was serious business.
The Undertaker
If there was one entrance that a die-hard wrestling fan absolutely needed to somehow see in person, it's that of The Undertaker. Whether he's in a black hat or cowl - using lightning, fire, or a legion of druids - Undertaker's spooky, slow death march to the ring is the best creative testament to a character the WWE has ever produced. Sure, he's had some souped-up versions of the walk, for big money matches, but even just the standard Undertaker entrance, with purple mist and dramatic dirge, is worth your time and attention.
Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association (TCA). Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/Showrenity.