CM Punk is sticking with a classic.
Punk took part in GQ’s “Replies To Fans Online” feature, answering some of their most pressing questions on social media. One fan asked if he would ever bring back his old theme song, ‘This Fire Burns’ by Killswitch Engage.
Punk, who now uses “Cult Of Personality” as his entrance theme, said that’s not happening. Punk said that both themes are iconic, but the Living Colour song has been part of his life since he was a kid in Chicago.
“No I cannot, and I’ll tell you why, even though it’s none of your business. “Cult of Personality” is iconic. “This Fire Burns” also iconic, but c’mon, we’re talking about Living Colour, Vernon Reid. The song has been with me since… umm, 1989 when it came out and I was on a Little League team [called] the Indians.”
CM Punk made Vince McMahon agree to a non-negotiable in his contract
CM Punk also said that he knew it was time to make “Cult” his theme song when it came time to re-sign with WWE. He knew his former boss, Vince McMahon, didn’t like spending money on licensed music, so he made McMahon agree to get it before re-signing.
“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. And I said, ‘Guess what, pal? The only way I’m re-signing is if I get this song.’ I thought he was going to say no and I was going to peace out and go on vacation. And he said yes, and now, here I am.”
Based on Punk’s remarks about re-signing with WWE, it’s likely that this negotiation took place in July 2011. Punk first used “Cult of Personality” on WWE TV during this time, returning after his brief hiatus after leaving with the WWE Championship at that year’s Money In The Bank event.
Currently, CM Punk uses a re-recorded version of the song. He recently explained that he wanted the band to get royalties from using the song instead of the record company.
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