You know that sound. It’s not just music; it’s a warning. A shrill, screeching guitar slide hits, and suddenly, everyone in the arena knows someone is about to get hurt. Honestly, the theme song of Brock Lesnar might be the most effective piece of audio branding in sports history. It doesn't need lyrics. It doesn't need a catchy sing-along chorus. It just needs to sound like a 285-pound freight train coming to take your head off.
Most fans call it "The Next Big Thing." Simple. Direct. But there is actually a lot of weird history behind those notes that most people completely miss.
Why the Theme Song of Brock Lesnar Sounds Like a Riot
The song was composed by Jim Johnston. If you aren't a wrestling nerd, just know that Johnston is the guy who wrote basically every iconic theme from the 90s and 2000s—Stone Cold, The Rock, Undertaker. He had this uncanny ability to "hear" a character. For Brock, he didn't go for melody. He went for intimidation.
The track is built on a heavy, chugging bassline and a drum beat that feels like a heartbeat during a fight. But the real star is that opening "screech." It’s a pick slide on a guitar, but it’s mixed so loudly that it cuts through the noise of 20,000 screaming fans instantly.
Did you know the song wasn't even originally meant for him? This is the part that usually shocks people. The core of the music was actually composed for the Chicago Enforcers, a team in the short-lived XFL (Vince McMahon's first attempt at football). When Brock showed up in 2002, the music department realized the "Enforcer" vibe fit this human wrecking ball perfectly. They tweaked it, polished it, and the rest is history.
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The Evolution: 2002 vs. Today
If you listen to the 2002 version versus the one he uses now, you’ll notice a difference. The original had a bit more "jungle" percussion and a slightly different tempo. It felt raw, almost like a predator stalking prey.
When Brock returned in 2012 after his UFC stint, they beefed it up.
- The bass got heavier.
- The guitar tone got "crunchier."
- The production quality jumped significantly.
The current version, often called "Next Big Thing V2," is designed to sound massive in stadiums. It’s less about a "wrestling match" and more about an "event." When that music hits at WrestleMania, it vibrates the floor. It’s the sound of a "Special Attraction."
The UFC Factor: Why He Didn't Use It There
People always ask: "Why didn't he use his WWE music in the Octagon?" Well, copyright is a pain, but also, Brock wanted to be seen as a legitimate fighter, not a "performer." In the UFC, he famously walked out to "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.
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It worked.
But even with Metallica playing, fans in the MMA world would still talk about how much they missed the theme song of Brock Lesnar. There's just something about that WWE riff that feels more "Brock" than anything else. Interestingly, for his one-off return at UFC 200 against Mark Hunt, there were rumors he’d use the WWE theme. He didn't. He stuck to his guns. But the fact that it was even a debate shows how much that song is tied to his identity.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that the song has hidden lyrics or some deep meaning. Sorta like how people think they hear words in the Shield’s old theme.
Actually, no.
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It’s purely instrumental for a reason. Brock doesn't talk much (that’s what Paul Heyman is for). Having a song with lyrics would feel out of character. The music is supposed to be the "calm before the storm"—except it's not calm at all. It's just pure, unadulterated energy.
Another thing: people think there have been a dozen versions. There really haven't. Aside from minor EQ tweaks and the 2012 remaster, the core structure has remained untouched for over two decades. In a business where wrestlers change their "gimmick" every six months, that level of consistency is unheard of.
The "Arena Effect" and Psychological Impact
Psychologically, the theme acts as a Pavlovian trigger. In the "Beast Incarnate" era, the music didn't just mean a match was starting; it meant the status quo was about to be destroyed.
Think about the Royal Rumble in 2020. Brock sat in the ring for the first half of the match, and every time the buzzer went off, his music didn't play—the opponent's did. But the shadow of his theme hung over the whole segment. When he finally loses or someone stands up to him, the silence of his music stopping is just as powerful as the noise of it starting.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a creator or just a die-hard fan looking to appreciate the technical side of the theme song of Brock Lesnar, keep these things in mind:
- Listen to the "Enforcer" original: Search for the Chicago Enforcers XFL theme on YouTube. It’s wild to hear the "bones" of Brock's theme being used for a football kickoff.
- The "Pyro" Timing: Watch his entrance and notice how the explosion (the pyro) is timed exactly to the drop after the initial screech. It's a masterclass in production.
- Remastered Quality: If you're putting this on a workout playlist, make sure you get the "WWE Anthology" version or the 2012 "Next Big Thing" single. The older rips from 2002 sound "tinny" on modern headphones.
The music works because Brock works. It’s simple, it’s violent, and it doesn't apologize for being loud. That’s the Beast in a nutshell.