CM Punk’s entrance theme, “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour, has become embedded in his career, and the WWE star has revealed the reason why he has no plans to ever switch back to his old theme, “This Fire Burns.” In an interview with GQ Sports, Punk was asked if he would ever consider using his former theme again. He quickly shut down the idea, explaining his deep personal connection to his current music and sharing the story of how he used it as a key negotiating tactic with Vince McMahon.
“No, I can’t, and I’m gonna tell you why, even though it’s none of your business. ‘Cult of Personality’ is iconic. ‘This Fire Burns’ is also iconic. But come on, we’re talking about Living Colour. Vernon Reid. That song’s been with me since 1989 when it came out and I was on the Little League team, The Indians,” Punk explained.
He then detailed how the song became a non-negotiable part of his contract renewal during the height of his popularity in 2011. “I knew it was time to make ‘Cult Of Personality’ my official theme song in WWE when I was renegotiating my contract and I knew how much Vince McMahon hated to pay for licensed music,” Punk said. “And I said, ‘Guess what, pal? The only way I’m re-signing is if I get this song.’ I thought he was gonna say no and I was gonna peace out and go on vacation. He said yes, and well, now here I am.”
The two songs represent distinct eras of Punk’s career. “This Fire Burns,” by the band Killswitch Engage, was his primary theme during his initial rise in WWE, including his time as ECW Champion and his early main event programs. The song’s return in the summer of 2011 came after his famous “Pipebomb” promo and his victory over John Cena for the WWE Championship. When he returned several weeks later to set up their SummerSlam match, he had “Cult of Personality” playing when he came out.
Punk is currently preparing for a match at the inaugural WWE Wrestlepalooza premium live event this Saturday, September 20. He is scheduled to team with his wife, AJ Lee, in her first match since retiring in 2015, as they take on World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
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