WWE Release Legendary Long-Term Music Producer Jim Johnston

WWE have come to terms with the release of long-term music producer Jim Johnston, a legendary figure backstage, and the man responsible for some of the most enduringly popular themes in wrestling history per a report by

which is yet to be confirmed by the company.

Johnston first joined WWE in 1985, and enjoyed his most prolific years during the 1990s, where he wrote some of the most beloved themes ever - including those belonging to Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, and Triple H (both 'My Time' and 'The Game', the latter of which was famously recorded by Motorhead). He also worked with Killswitch Engage on CM Punk's debut theme 'This Fire Burns' and Rich Luzzi of Rev Theory on Randy Orton's 'Voices.'

Although a behind-the-scenes figure for the vast majority of his WWE career, Johnston has appeared in several videos explaining the thought process behind creating iconic theme music. He also played live twice, performing the D-Generation X theme alongside the Chris Warren Band, once at WrestleMania XIV, and on at the subsequent SummerSlam.

Johnston's release is particularly sad given that he hasn't (yet) been inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame. Every year, a social media campaign inevitably urges WWE to induct Johnston - but this is now potentially less likely than ever, given his discontinued relationship with the promotion.

Johnston's last notable hit belongs to SmackDown Live's United States Champion, Baron Corbin. The song, titled Bring the Darkness (End of Days), features vocals from Tommy Vext.

With Johnston gone, WWE Superstars' theme songs will be written and performed by John Alicastro and Mike Lauri, known collectively as CFO$. The duo have been working with the company since 2012 and have built their own impressive list of hits. They're responsible for bangers like Shinsuke Nakamura's 'Rising Sun' and Bobby Roode's 'Glorious Domination' in recent times, both of which secured number one singles in the iTunes Soundtrack category.