Who Reached Out To Mega Ran To Do Shelton Benjamin’s AEW Entrance Music

Pro wrestling entrance music can make or break a character on screen. Tony Khan is no stranger to paying a lot to make sure his wrestlers have the perfect tunes, even if it costs him a lot of money in licensing and paying outside artists. Mega Ran recently did the Hurt Syndicate’s theme song, and it took a lot for that to get together.

Shelton Benjamin made his AEW debut on the October 2 episode of AEW Dynamite. He had his first match on the October 16 episode of AEW’s Wednesday night show. His theme song, “Shining Forever” by Mega Ran and Mikey Rukus, debuted that same night.

Mega Ran recently wrote a feature on PW Mania, where he shared the story behind Shelton Benjamin’s new entrance song. He reached out to Benjamin to get his thoughts. In the end, Shelton Benjamin is very happy about how things turned out, as he called it the best theme song he’s had so far.

“Easily the best theme song I ever had. It’s an amazing feeling to make an entrance to music that generates confidence, excitement and pride within me in a way none of my previous themes have. This song defines me! Mega Ran don’t miss,” Shelton Benjamin

Mega Ran explained that MVP called him to discuss creating the theme song. During those talks, MVP asked Mega Ran for a track. That is when Mikey Rukus sent Mega Ran the instrumental, and then Mega Ran did his thing on the song.

Mega Ran worked closely with Shelton Benjamin on the lyrics. He wanted to reflect Benjamin’s wrestling journey in the lyrics he picked, because Benjamin has been through a lot in his career.

Mega Ran also described how the song captures the Hurt Syndicate’s serious, business-focused approach. He then remembered his excitement during Benjamin’s entrance when he first heard that song on AEW Dynamite.

“‘Been grinding forever, I been trying forever…Now I’m shining forever. Cause I’m on another level…’ Now we’re cooking. From there, the music just took over and charged up the next 16 bars. We wanted hurt, we wanted pain;, but we also wanted it known that Shelton had waited long enough for his spot, and it was time to collect.The Hurt Syndicate’s M.O is that it’s all about business– not friendships. They come dressed like it’s time to do business, and they’re no nonsense in the ring and out. That had to come through. No time for smiling or funny punchlines. Somewhere during the session it hits me that I’m writing a song for one of my all-time favorites – for a guy who I used to stay up late in wrestling chat rooms online defending –arguing that he should be champion…and now we’re chatting about Tekken and music choices. Life is wild, y’all.” 

Shelton Benjamin’s new AEW entrance music fits him well. Only time will tell how many big events in the future that fans hear Mega Ran’s verse in big match situations. Mega Ran can’t wait to see that, either.

“As hyped as I was to turn the song in, nothing could’ve prepared me for the electricity in Shelton’s entrance when he debuted the song on AEW Dynamite on October 16, 2024. The graphics. The lighting. That pop. He looked like a million bucks, and the song sounded GOOD out of those speakers. I’m just honored to be a small part of a legendary athlete’s return to greatness. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Shelton.”

Shelton Benjamin’s AEW entrance music certainly hit hard for a lot of fans. Hopefully, he has a long run in the company, because he’s getting a big chance to do some cool things with a new roster.

We will have to see what Shelton Benjamin does in AEW, because he is on the fast track with great booking as a part of the Hurt Syndicate. Tony Khan is going to give that stable some attention as he has 3/4 of the Hurt Business together on his roster.