Wrestling fans and metal enthusiasts alike are always excited when iconic music crosses over into the world of sports entertainment. One such moment occurred at WWE WrestleMania 36, held in April 2020, when Metallica’s powerful song ‘Now That We’re Dead’ was featured prominently. This listicle explores why this pairing was notable, the context behind the song’s inclusion, and what it means for fans of both wrestling and metal music. Whether you’re a die-hard Metallica supporter or a WWE aficionado, this guide offers a detailed look into this memorable moment and how to appreciate such crossovers.
1. The Significance of Metallica in Popular Culture
Metallica, formed in 1981, is one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history. Their aggressive riffs, complex compositions, and iconic albums like “Master of Puppets” and “Ride the Lightning” have cemented their legacy. Featuring a Metallica song at WrestleMania 36 highlights the band’s ongoing cultural relevance and their influence beyond just music, extending into mainstream entertainment and sports events. The inclusion of ‘Now That We’re Dead’ underscores the band’s ability to energize a live audience and add intensity to a major event.
2. The Background of ‘Now That We’re Dead’
‘Now That We’re Dead’ is a track from Metallica’s 2016 album, “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.” It’s known for its heavy groove, powerful chorus, and themes of mortality and resilience. The song’s energetic vibe makes it a perfect fit for the high-octane atmosphere of WrestleMania. Its inclusion at WrestleMania 36 was part of a broader effort to integrate contemporary metal into the event’s musical lineup, providing a modern, adrenaline-pumping soundtrack for the matches.
3. Why Metallica’s Music Fits the WrestleMania Atmosphere
Metallica’s music, especially songs like ‘Now That We’re Dead,’ embodies themes of strength, defiance, and perseverance—core elements of professional wrestling storytelling. Their heavy riffs and commanding presence amplify the drama and excitement of WrestleMania. Additionally, Metallica’s global popularity attracts a diverse audience, making their music a strategic choice for WWE to appeal to both metal fans and mainstream viewers.
4. The Performance and Usage at WrestleMania 36
While Metallica did not perform live at WrestleMania 36, their song was used as part of the event’s promotional material and entrance themes. The track played during key moments, such as promotional videos and highlight reels, to heighten anticipation and energize viewers. This strategic placement helped create a seamless blend of wrestling storytelling and metal music’s raw power, making the event more memorable for fans watching from home.
5. Impact on WWE’s Musical Choices
WWE has a long history of incorporating rock and metal tracks into its programming, from iconic entrance themes to promotional videos. The use of ‘Now That We’re Dead’ at WrestleMania 36 continues this tradition, showing WWE’s commitment to diverse musical genres that complement the high-energy environment. This choice also reflects WWE’s effort to stay current with musical trends and appeal to a broader demographic, including metal fans who might not typically watch wrestling.
6. How Fans Reacted to the Song’s Inclusion
Fans took to social media to express their excitement about Metallica’s song being featured at WrestleMania 36. Many praised the track’s intensity and how it added to the event’s atmosphere. Metallica’s involvement, even indirectly through their music, was seen as a positive move that elevated the overall experience, especially during a year when the event was held without a live audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. The Broader Trend of Metal and Wrestling Collaborations
Metal and wrestling have a long-standing relationship, with bands like Metallica, Motorhead, and Avenged Sevenfold creating iconic entrance themes and promotional music. The WrestleMania 36 inclusion of ‘Now That We’re Dead’ continues this tradition, highlighting how metal’s raw energy complements wrestling’s theatricality. Such collaborations help both industries reach wider audiences and create memorable moments that resonate with fans worldwide.
8. The Cultural Legacy of Metallica in Sports Events
Metallica’s music has been featured in various sports contexts, from video games to commercials. Their appearance at WrestleMania 36 adds to this legacy, demonstrating how their sound transcends music boundaries to become part of popular culture. The song’s placement at such a high-profile event underscores Metallica’s enduring influence and ability to energize massive audiences.
9. How to Incorporate Metallica’s Music into Your Wrestling Experience
If you’re a fan wanting to relive the excitement, consider creating playlists that combine Metallica tracks with your favorite wrestling moments. Watching past WrestleMania highlights set to ‘Now That We’re Dead’ can enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for how music amplifies the storytelling. Additionally, attending live Metallica concerts or WWE events featuring metal themes can provide a more immersive experience.
10. Future Potential for Metallica and WWE Collaborations
As both entities continue to evolve, future collaborations seem promising. WWE might invite Metallica for a live performance, or future events could feature more of their music. Given the success of their inclusion at WrestleMania 36, it’s likely we’ll see more integrating of Metallica’s powerful sound into wrestling’s biggest moments, further cementing their place in sports entertainment history.
How to Choose
When selecting music for wrestling events or personal playlists, consider the song’s energy level, thematic relevance, and audience appeal. Tracks like ‘Now That We’re Dead’ work well because of their aggressive tone and motivational themes. Also, think about how the music complements the story being told—whether it’s building hype, celebrating victory, or emphasizing resilience. The right choice enhances the experience and leaves a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Metallica perform live at WrestleMania 36? No, Metallica did not perform live; their song was used in promotional material and during key moments of the event.
- Why was ‘Now That We’re Dead’ chosen for WrestleMania? Its energetic and heavy sound aligns perfectly with WrestleMania’s high-intensity atmosphere and themes of resilience.
- Has Metallica been involved in WWE before? While they haven’t performed live at WWE events, their music has been used in WWE promos and video packages over the years.
- Will Metallica collaborate with WWE again? There’s no official announcement, but given the success of their music’s inclusion, future collaborations are possible.
- How can I watch the moment Metallica’s song was used at WrestleMania? You can find highlights and clips on WWE’s official YouTube channel or through various wrestling highlight compilations online.
- What other bands have had their music featured at WrestleMania? Bands like Motorhead, Limp Bizkit, and Alter Bridge have also contributed iconic tracks to WWE programming.
Final Thoughts
Metallica’s ‘Now That We’re Dead’ at WrestleMania 36 exemplifies the powerful synergy between heavy metal music and professional wrestling. It showcased how iconic songs can elevate the excitement and drama of one of the biggest sporting entertainment events in the world. For fans of Metallica, WWE, or both, this moment remains a memorable highlight that underscores the enduring appeal of combining music and sports entertainment. As both worlds continue to evolve, their intersection promises even more electrifying moments in the future.
Related
- A Whisker Away coming to Netflix in June 2020
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series Coming to Netflix in June 2020
- Japan Sinks: 2020 Season 1 Coming to Netflix in July 2020