Forty years ago today, WWE television marked the debut of Hulk Hogan’s memorable entrance theme, “Real American,” but surprisingly, it was not introduced for Hogan himself.
In the autumn of 1985, WWE launched its first complete musical album, entitled The Wrestling Album, showcasing tracks by various WWE Superstars. This album featured standout performances, including a unique collaboration titled “Land of a Thousand Dances” and Junkyard Dog’s energetic “Grab Them Cakes.”
However, the most notable song on the album was “Real American,” initially composed for tag team champions Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda, known as the U.S. Express. Following Windham’s departure from the organization, this compelling theme was left unused.
By the end of 1985, WWE found a fitting replacement for Hogan’s earlier entrance track, the Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” featured in the film Rocky III. Hogan debuted “Real American” before a match against his formidable rival, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, at Madison Square Garden on December 30, 1985.
As WWE transitioned from licensed music to original compositions, “Real American” gained iconic status, becoming the gold standard for entrance themes, a legacy that continues to resonate even in 2025.
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In a poignant reminder of the song’s legacy, both Rick Derringer, the artist behind the track, and Hogan sadly passed away earlier this year. Nevertheless, “Real American” remains timeless, epitomizing the essence of WWE’s golden age.
