Willing Success into Existence With Pro Wrestling Entrance Music

By Michael Kelman Portney

In pro wrestling, the journey to the top is about more than skill or brute strength; it’s about embodying the character, attitude, and mindset of a champion long before you have the belt. Every entrance, every match, and every theme song plays a role in shaping the wrestler’s path. Their theme song is more than music; it’s an anthem of who they are and who they’re becoming. In our own lives, we can use this same approach—drawing inspiration from our personal “entrance themes” to help will ourselves into the person we want to be.

For me, that journey has been marked by two powerful theme songs: “Swan Lake, Op. 20” by Tchaikovsky and “La Arena” by Ennio Morricone. Each one captures a different phase of my transformation. “Swan Lake” symbolizes a time of inner conflict and self-discovery—a period I call my “broken brilliance.” Now, “La Arena” is my entrance theme, representing the confident, grounded phase I’m in today. It’s the sound of calm strength and resilience. Just as a wrestler evolves in the ring, moving from contender to champion, I’ve embraced each stage of this journey, using these themes to fuel my transformation.

1. Stage One: “Swan Lake” – Embracing Broken Brilliance

In wrestling, there’s often a character arc that takes a wrestler from underdog to hero, filled with conflict, loss, and growth. “Swan Lake” was my theme song in the beginning—a haunting, complex piece that represents my own “broken brilliance.” Like a wrestler finding their footing, I was grappling with self-doubt and discovering how to turn my flaws into strengths. The tragic beauty of “Swan Lake” became a source of power, symbolizing the stage of acknowledging my imperfections and learning to see them as part of my unique story.

• Broken Brilliance as a Source of Strength: In “Swan Lake,” the character of the swan embodies duality—beauty and tragedy, vulnerability and resilience. Like a wrestler fighting through the early challenges of their career, I was learning to accept my inner conflicts, embracing my flaws as part of what makes me strong.

• Self-Acceptance Through Complexity: The shifting tones of “Swan Lake” capture the turbulence of facing inner struggles. In this phase, I learned that my brokenness was also my brilliance, seeing that my strengths and weaknesses coexist and define who I am becoming.

Actions and Mindset in the “Swan Lake” Phase

• Embracing Imperfection as Strength: I stopped trying to “fix” myself and began to appreciate my flaws as valuable parts of my story. Like a wrestler who embraces their underdog status, I used my broken brilliance as fuel for growth.

• Finding Power in Vulnerability: Vulnerability became a tool rather than something to hide. This phase was about tapping into openness and resilience, turning challenges into motivation to push forward.

2. Stage Two: “La Arena” – Embracing Calm Confidence

Just as a wrestler eventually evolves from rookie to champion, my theme song evolved to “La Arena.” Unlike the intense, haunting notes of “Swan Lake,” “La Arena” captures a different energy—a calm, composed strength. This is my anthem now, representing the resilient, grounded self I’m willing into existence. It’s the sound of quiet confidence, a version of myself who has already overcome inner battles and walks into the arena with purpose and focus.

• From Turmoil to Serenity: “La Arena” is a theme for someone who has moved past self-doubt and now carries a deep, self-assured presence. Like a wrestler stepping into the ring as a seasoned champion, I now move forward with calm confidence, knowing I have the strength to face anything.

• Inner Peace as Power: Where “Swan Lake” was intense and introspective, “La Arena” is grounded, reflecting my ability to move through life with poise. It’s a song that reminds me to bring strength without needing to prove myself—a state of mastery.

Actions and Mindset in the “La Arena” Phase

• Embodying Wholeness and Assurance: Now, I act with the confidence that comes from self-acceptance. Like a wrestler who has achieved champion status, I face challenges without hesitation, feeling grounded in who I am.

• Carrying Intentionality Forward: “La Arena” reminds me to act with purpose and clarity, symbolizing a calm power that doesn’t need external validation—a sense of strength I carry into every part of my life.

3. The Power of a Theme Song: Setting the Tone for Each Phase

In pro wrestling, a theme song isn’t just music; it’s an extension of the character, announcing who they are before they even step into the ring. Our own theme songs serve a similar purpose, setting the tone for the phases of our lives and reminding us of our transformation. Just as “Swan Lake” carried me through self-acceptance, “La Arena” inspires me to walk forward with confidence and calm.

• Reflecting on Past Songs: Each song represents a different chapter of growth. “Swan Lake” is a reminder of the struggles I’ve overcome, the beauty in my imperfections, and the resilience I’ve built.

• Anchoring in the Present: Now, “La Arena” grounds me each morning, serving as my entrance music into the day. It’s my anthem of calm assurance, helping me step forward with focus and strength.

4. Consider Your Own Theme Song: Past, Present, and Future

Think about your own life in terms of wrestling entrances. What song resonates with you now? What song captured your earlier self, and what song represents the future you’re working toward? These songs set the stage, just like a wrestling theme song, reminding you of who you are and who you’re becoming.

• Reflecting on Past Phases: Consider songs that marked previous chapters in your life. Each one honors the challenges you’ve faced and the progress you’ve made, much like a wrestler’s career milestones.

• Choosing a Theme for the Future: Imagine the song that represents your future self—the energy, confidence, and resilience you aim to embody. Let that future song inspire you to step into that vision now.

5. Balancing Strength and Vulnerability

Transitioning from “Swan Lake” to “La Arena” isn’t about leaving behind the struggle; it’s about integrating both strength and vulnerability into a state of wholeness. True confidence comes from accepting every part of ourselves, from our broken brilliance to our composed resilience.

• Balancing Both Energies: “Swan Lake” and “La Arena” represent different aspects of growth—one intense, the other calm. Like a wrestler who balances grit with skill, I carry forward the lessons of each stage, creating a foundation for future growth.

• Humility in Strength: Even as I move forward with the confidence of “La Arena,” I carry the humility and emotional depth of “Swan Lake.” True mastery is grounded in embracing both our strengths and our struggles.

Conclusion: From “Swan Lake” to “La Arena” – A Pro Wrestling Journey of Becoming

The journey from “Swan Lake” to “La Arena” is about more than personal growth; it’s about transforming broken brilliance into calm mastery. Just like a wrestler who evolves from rookie to champion, willing success into existence requires embracing every stage of the journey. Each morning, as I listen to “La Arena,” I ground myself in the strength I’ve gained, honoring my past struggles while embracing the confidence of my present.

Now, think of your own journey like a wrestling character arc. What theme song represents your current phase? What song has carried you through past struggles, and what song captures the vision of who you want to become? Use these songs to inspire you, helping you move forward with resilience, self-acceptance, and purpose. Embrace each phase, honor every step, and step into your own arena with the confidence that you’re becoming the champion of your story.