Think a legendary wrestling anthem was always meant for Hulk Hogan? Think again—this song's origin story is far more surprising!
M. G0MEZ (https://www.cagesideseats.com/authors/m-g0mez), a former San Diego sports radio host and lifelong wrestling fan (since 1985!), brings a unique perspective to sports entertainment. Here’s the untold tale of how WWE’s most iconic theme found its voice—against all odds.
Forty years ago, WWE introduced "Real American" to the world—but shockingly, it wasn’t written for Hogan. In 1985, WWE dropped The Wrestling Album, a groundbreaking collection featuring wrestlers-turned-musicians. Tracks like the bizarre face-heel duet "Land of a Thousand Dances" (https://youtu.be/oHZCcu9ltcs?si=OuD8F7Q1winxtUc4) and Junkyard Dog’s hilariously titled "Grab Them Cakes" (https://youtu.be/7RnhG7PtK1w?si=m_r4DO8BvItfRNMw) showcased the era’s wild creativity. But "Real American" stole the show—even though it was originally crafted for tag team duo Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda, known as the U.S. Express.
Here’s where fate intervened: Windham’s sudden exit left WWE with an unused masterpiece. By year’s end, Hogan—fresh off using Survivor’s Rocky III anthem "Eye of the Tiger" (https://youtu.be/U1MLQ8dVt5k?si=6LJ56sv-MgasvlCa)—adopted the track, debuting it at Madison Square Garden against Randy Savage on December 30, 1985. But here’s the twist: Hogan’s rivalry with Savage arguably made the song iconic. As WWE shifted to original music, "Real American" became the gold standard for entrance themes—a status it still holds today.
Controversial Take: Some argue Hogan’s larger-than-life persona "stole" the song’s destiny from the U.S. Express. Would it have reached the same heights without him? (Sound off in the comments!)
In a poignant full-circle moment, both Hogan and Rick Derringer (the song’s performer) passed away this year—yet "Real American" remains the timeless heartbeat of WWE’s golden age (https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/7/25/24473922/goodbye-hulk-hogan-memories-messiness-tribute-conflict-wrestlemania-3-andre-the-giant).
Food for Thought: If Windham hadn’t left, would we associate "Real American" with patriotism—or just another forgotten tag team theme? Let’s debate!
