WWE Uses Aerosmith Classic “Back in the Saddle” for New WrestleMania 42 Promo

Aerosmith’s hard-hitting 1976 track Back in the Saddle is making its way to the world of sports entertainment. WWE officially announced that the song will serve as the first theme for WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for pairing iconic rock songs with its grandest event, WWE has again tapped into classic rock history to set the tone for its biggest show of the year.

The promotional video for WrestleMania 42 pairs the Aerosmith classic with an old-school Vegas poker setting. The cinematic clip features top WWE names like Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Paul Heyman, and Brock Lesnar. Narrated by Triple H, the teaser builds a tone of confidence and high-stakes drama that perfectly complements the swaggering energy of Back in the Saddle.

In the promo, Triple H’s voiceover sets the scene: “They say in Vegas, everyone has a tell — a blink, a breath, a moment that can’t be controlled. But the great ones, they use it to their advantage.” With that blend of grit and showmanship, the clip captures both the spirit of WrestleMania and the timeless bravado of Aerosmith’s sound.

A Reunion of Rock and Wrestling

This isn’t the first time Aerosmith and WWE have joined forces. The two previously collaborated in 2009, when the band’s You Gotta Move—a cover of a blues standard by Mississippi Fred McDowell—became the official theme for SummerSlam. The band’s music, with its driving riffs and larger-than-life attitude, has long been a fitting match for WWE’s theatrical world of sports entertainment.

By choosing Back in the Saddle for WrestleMania 42, WWE is tapping into a track that exudes adrenaline, confidence, and rebellion—qualities that mirror the personas of the wrestlers themselves. The song, which opens Aerosmith’s landmark album Rocks, represents the band at its most raw and electric. It’s an anthem about reclaiming dominance, a message that fits perfectly for WWE’s biggest spectacle of the year.

The use of classic rock songs in wrestling isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a bridge between generations. From Kid Rock’s American Bad Ass to Motorhead’s The Game, rock has long played a role in shaping WWE’s identity, and Back in the Saddle continues that loud, proud legacy.

Aerosmith’s New Chapter

While the band’s touring days are behind them, Aerosmith remains active in the studio. The rock legends recently collaborated with British singer Yungblud on a five-track EP titled One More Time, produced by Mark Schwartz and due out on November 21. The sessions brought together Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, and Tom Hamilton with ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum.

This partnership reflects Aerosmith’s ongoing influence across generations. Even as the band steps away from live touring, their music continues to evolve, finding new life through collaborations and pop-culture moments like WWE’s latest promo. Their ability to remain relevant after five decades speaks to the timelessness of their sound.

The release of One More Time also signals a more reflective side of Aerosmith, marking both a celebration of their past and a nod to the future. It’s a reminder that even after retiring from the road, the band’s creative fire hasn’t dimmed.

From Farewell to Forever Legacy

Aerosmith’s journey in recent years has been both triumphant and bittersweet. In 2023, the band had to cancel its Peace Out farewell tour after only three shows when Steven Tyler suffered a fractured larynx. The injury eventually led to the group’s official retirement from touring. “Sadly, it is clear that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible,” they said in a statement.

Despite stepping back from the stage, members of Aerosmith have continued to appear in special events. Tyler performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning farewell concert in July, while Perry revived The Joe Perry Project for a short tour alongside Whitford, STP bassist Robert DeLeo, and Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson. These side projects prove that the Aerosmith spirit remains very much alive.

With Back in the Saddle now serving as the soundtrack for WrestleMania 42, the song’s message of resilience and comeback takes on new meaning. Even if Aerosmith’s touring days are over, their music continues to inspire arenas, stages, and stadiums—reminding the world that legends never truly leave the ring.