Interview: How Kings Of The Ring Became The World's Top Wrestling Cover Band
As a character-driven form of entertainment, professional wrestling is about a whole more than in-ring character. As the majority of wrestlers in WWE and other televised promotions have their own theme songs, fans are conditioned to react when particular music is heard. Not all wrestler themes are created under ideal circumstances, and oftentimes a talented in-ring technician can be saddled with intro music that pigeonholes them in an unfortunate way.
Fortunately, the New York-based Kings Of The Ring is in existence to pay tribute to the latest and greatest WWE themes. Comprised of Ultimo Guapo (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Big Poppa Pump (guitar and vocals), Richie Stinger (bass) and Big Time Bolea (drums and vocals), the quartet is arguably the only wrestling cover band on the planet. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ultimo Guapo for Sportskeeda to learn more about the Kings Of The Ring and what is coming up for the group.
More information on Kings Of The Ring can be found on its Facebook page.
I last interviewed you almost a year ago. What, if anything, has changed for the band since our last chat?
Ultimo Guapo: The Kings Of The Ring are more over than ever before, brother. Last month we played our show in Brooklyn at the Lucky 13 Saloon and we laid the smack down! Unfortunately, our bassist, Juventurd Guerrero IV died after the show and had to be replaced with Rey Pissterio Jr. We're taking a break until the summer and then we plan to attack Brooklyn again or invade Philadelphia. Philly promoters, hit us up!
Have you learned any new theme songs in the past year?
Ultimo Guapo: Does Scott Steiner need to work on his math? Does D'Lo Brown wear a chest protector in the shower? Is it Rusev Day? OF COURSE! We learned new theme songs! We recently started opening the set with a metal version of Ric Flair's theme... Braun is always played now, and we do a huge Elias bit. I'd say we've learned close to 100 themes by now.
We usually play over 20 songs a set, but it's hard to sneak a lot of new ones in there as people who see us for the first time really want to hear the classics -- DX, Stone cold, Ultimate Warrior, Vince, HBK, etc. We shoot around the idea of doing shows with only themes from certain eras like an Attitude Era set, WCW set, Modern Era set, but it's hard to please everyone. I'd say the songs that will definitely be put into the set sooner rather than later are Aleister Black, Asuka, and Authors Of Pain.
Most of the newer WWE themes seem to be composed by CFO$ and perhaps harder to play than the originals by Jim Johnston or Jimmy Hart. Do you find that to be the case?
Ultimo Guapo: They are harder to play because we're REALLY REALLY drunk on stage. When we practice, it isn't too bad. As musicians, we all possess the "Excellence of Execution." There isn't a song that's too hard for us. The CFO$ can be tricky as they have more layers and depth to them. They aren't as straightforward as the Jim Johnston or Jimmy Hart themes. The old school themes tend to be straightforward instrumentals with catchy melodies.
Do you have a favorite WWE theme of the current era?
Ultimo Guapo: Most of the Superstars in the band really enjoy Aleister Black and the Authors Of Pain. We're metalheads so the heavier the better.
What about an all-time favorite WWE theme?
Ultimo Guapo: Personally, the song that resonates with my soul the most is "Mr. Ass."
What's coming up for the Kings Of The Ring in the coming months? More gigs, I would presume?
Ultimo Guapo: The Kings Of The Ring really want to play a gig in Brooklyn or Philly in the spring or summer. Other than that, our guitarist Ronnie Burton has been wrestling like crazy in Iowa and New Jersey, as well as training for the XFL.
I asked this last time, and I'll ask again: Has anyone with the WWE or the wrestling world reached out to your band?
Ultimo Guapo: Have you seen those Triple H and Stephanie midnight work-out videos? Well, who do you think watches the kids while they work out? The Kings Of the Ring have become the official babysitters of The Authority's children! In addition to that, Marty Scurll and Finn Balor have tweeted us playing their themes.
I don't know what these wrestlers are waiting for. Can you imagine the Kings Of The Ring playing a set during catering? We're the most electrifying band in the history of sports entertainment
When not busy with the band, how does Ultimo Guapo like to spend his free time?
Ultimo Guapo: Mostly my free time is split between dealing with this "Cease and Desist" Vince McMahon sent me. Apparently if you send someone a request for a paternity test 200 times, it's considered "harassment."
Finally, Ultimo Guapo, any last words for the kids?
Ultimo Guapo: Steal as much money out of your mother's purse and spend it all on Kings Of The Ring merch!