Possibility of Jim Johnston Joining AEW Revealed

Jim Johnston is well-known for making many iconic wrestling theme songs on his own. He hasn’t worked with a major company in years after his WWE exit, and now the possibility of Johnston joining AEW has been revealed.

While speaking on The Hump, Sean Ross Sapp was asked whether Jim Johnston might return and if AEW should consider bringing him in. He explained that Johnston is around 75 years old and hasn’t regularly worked on music in nearly a decade. When AEW first started, Johnston reportedly asked for a large sum of money, and it was considered significant.

Sapp pointed out that AEW already has Mikey Rukus, who is younger, more versatile in creating entrance themes, and under contract at a good value. Rukus even signed a new deal last year, and AEW is getting solid results from him.

While Sapp showed respect for Johnston’s legacy and said it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he contributed occasionally, he mentioned that Johnston still seems to be asking for a high price, and that likely hasn’t changed. Therefore, it’s unlikely he will join Tony Khan’s company.

“Let me break this down. Jim Johnston is about 75 years old now. He hasn’t been consistently producing music in eight or nine years, and when AEW first launched, he asked for a lot of money. From what I heard, it was a significant amount.

Meanwhile, Mikey Rukus is much younger and more versatile when it comes to creating themes. AEW has him under contract at a very reasonable rate—he even got a new deal last year. They’re getting great value out of him.

All due respect to Jim Johnston—if he contributed here and there, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. But from what I understand, he still wants a lot of money, and that might not have changed.”

Jim Johnston was fired by WWE back in 2017 and it was ultimately Vince McMahon’s decision and Johnston had made it abundantly clear he was not really surprised by McMahon firing him.

Jim Johnston’s work in pro wrestling is legendary, but the industry has changed, and AEW seems happy with the music team they have now. Unless something big changes, fans might have to appreciate Johnston’s past work instead of hoping for a return.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.