The Wonder Years have never hidden from the fact they’re fans of pro-wrestling, especially frontman Dan Campbell. So with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) heading to Philadelphia in April for a multitude of shows around ‘WrestleMania’ weekend, including ‘NXT Stand & Deliver’ the sextet have provided a new track as its theme song. ‘Year of the Vulture’ sees The Wonder Years produce an intense number that they say matches the “passion and fury” of WWE NXT Champion – Ilja Dragunov.
Speaking to the Inquirer, The Wonder Years‘ vocalist explained how the track came together. “Over the summer, our record label pitched NXT because they were specifically looking for a Philadelphia-based band and for one that could speak about wrestling and has an interest in it. [NXT] listened and said ‘we really liked the band but we don’t feel like any of these songs fit.’ So I asked, could we write one to pitch?” Campbell stated.
Campbell goes on to explain that WWE wrestler Seth Rollins gave him an insight into what the main event to ‘NXT Stand & Deliver’ could be, and that it’d (probably) involve Ilja Dragunov. Having watched several matches and promos of the Russian-German wrestler, Campbell highlighted Ilja’s fighting spirit; “he’s an undersized guy who is willing to lose if that’s what happens — but he’s going to go.”
As for the track itself, ‘Year of the Vulture’ sees TWY at their most fearsome, blazed with fiery, thrasy guitars and Campbell’s unhinged vocals.
The Wonder Years join a long list of noteworthy bands who have provided music for WWE‘s developmental division’s special shows. Other bands who have been featured on NXT include Bring Me The Horizon, Poppy, Turnstile, A Day To Remember, Pvris, and Beartooth.
‘NXT Stand & Deliver’ takes place on Saturday, April 6th at the Wells Fargo Center. While WWE WrestleMania XL happen on April 6th and 7th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The Wonder Years will be back in the UK in the spring for the Slam Dunk Festival on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th.
While Campbell is preparing to release ‘In Lieu Of Flowers’, the third album from Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties on April 12th.
