Grado made a surprise appearance at AEW All In 2023, but without his iconic theme music.
The Scottish star isn’t quite himself without Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” blasting through the speakers.
While it doesn’t seem like a typical wrestling entrance theme, Grado made it work. There’s no better sight to see him dancing his way down the aisle, as 4,000 drunk Scotsman yell out the words to the 1980s pop hit.
The song helped make Grado a star in the UK, and particularly in Scotland. His entrances in ICW went viral online and helped grow his brand worldwide.
The Goldberg-inspired entrance at ICW Shug’s House Party 1 is still one of the best entrances ever, and was only possible due to “Like A Prayer”.
However, you’ll notice that when he appeared in America for AEW and TNA, Grado didn’t have the Madonna song as his entrance.
It has been a long battle (unsuccessfuly) for the Scottish star to get Madonna’s blessing to use the song on major TV shows.
While her and her record label don’t concern themsevles with indie promotions like ICW, when it comes to AEW, TNA and World of Sport, they take notice.
Since all the way back in 2015, Grado has pleaded with Madonna to allow him to use her track for his entrance song on American TV. This was during his first run in TNA, and the song was a huge part of his character at the time (and still is).
She outright refused, despite TNA being a relatively big company. Grado instead had to make do with a poor knockoff.
No longer did we have thosands of burly Scotsman belting out the 80’s hit. Instead, a lyricless, electronic beat made to sound a bit like Madonna was all he had, and it did not go well.
However, Its not just Grado who has had issues with Madonna’s blessing for the song.
Like A Prayer featured prominantly in Deadpool & Wolverine, but required a personal visit from Ryan Reynolds before the music icon would allow the song to be used.
Sadly, I don’t think the Scot Squad star has the star power to be able to get a meeting with Madonna.
It seems he’s doomed to use a knockoff where he goes, including the upcoming World of Sport Reboot (click here to learn who else joins Grado on the new roster).
