Story of the Year Recorded WWE Theme for $1,000
The band recorded a version of Just Close Your Eyes for Christian in 2009 for a flat fee.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Wrestling
In 2009, the band Story of the Year was commissioned by the WWE to record a version of the theme song Just Close Your Eyes for wrestler Christian. The band received a payment of $1,000 for their work on the track.
Why it matters
The professional wrestling industry frequently collaborates with rock bands to curate specific entrance themes that help define a performer's on-screen persona. This specific recording became a signature element of the wrestler's identity during his time in the organization.
Story of the Year accepted a flat fee of $1,000 to record the entrance music, which served as a follow-up to the original 2004 version by Waterproof Blonde.
The players
Story of the Year
This American rock band is known for their work in the post-hardcore genre and their mainstream success in the 2000s.
Christian
He is a retired professional wrestler who held multiple championships during his extensive career in various organizations.
WWE
This is a global integrated media and entertainment company known primarily for professional wrestling.
Waterproof Blonde
This band originally performed the song Just Close Your Eyes before the subsequent cover version was produced for the WWE.
The details
WWE contacted the band to secure a fresh recording for the performer, leading the group to produce the track at a studio belonging to an acquaintance. The song served as the wrestler's primary entrance music until his retirement from active competition in 2014.
Timeline
Waterproof Blonde originally recorded the song in 2004.
Story of the Year recorded the WWE theme in 2009.
Christian retired and ceased using the theme in 2014.
Season Trajectory
The use of licensed music defines the branding of professional wrestling and remains a core strategy within the WWE entrance theme music model. This retrospective highlights how such arrangements impact athlete presentation and long-term brand association.
Fans and collectors often track these musical origins to understand the complete evolution of an athlete's career history. This transaction illustrates the finite nature of these recording deals, which typically cover the duration of a performer's active tenure.
The takeaway
The intersection of music and professional sports often relies on modest flat-fee commissions to create enduring cultural markers. Understanding these behind-the-scenes arrangements clarifies how iconic entrance songs are selected and produced for global broadcast.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of music and performance, explore our coverage of Wrestling.
