The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is as much about the spectacle off the oche as the precision on it. From elaborate fancy dress in the stands to thunderous singalongs during player entrances, the walk-on has become a cherished ritual that sets the tone for battle. Players carefully select tunes that reflect their personality, pump up the crowd, and build their brand—think Stephen Bunting’s crowd-pleasing “Titanium” or Ricky Evans’ high-energy antics. Yet, not every idea makes it to the stage, as one former competitor discovered when his creative request was swiftly rejected by organizers.
Matthew Edgar, a seasoned pro nicknamed “Prime Time” who graced the Ally Pally stage three times, shared a behind-the-scenes story that highlights the strict guidelines surrounding these iconic entrances. During the 2021 tournament, Edgar advanced past the first round with a win over Maik Kuivenhoven. Feeling inspired for his second-round clash against Mensur Suljovic, he decided to lean into a theatrical theme. Donning a Hulk Hogan-inspired shirt, he envisioned “Hulking up” with dramatic poses and strutting out to the wrestling legend’s famous entrance theme, “Real American.”
The plan was bold and entertaining, perfectly suited to darts’ pantomime atmosphere. However, when Edgar submitted the request mid-tournament, it was immediately turned down. As he explained, “I wanted to use Hulk Hogan’s theme song ‘Real American’ but it was rejected.” The reason? Organizers emphasized consistency, wanting fans and viewers to associate players with a single, familiar track throughout the event rather than allowing changes that could confuse the audience.
Edgar elaborated on the process: “With this, the walk-on, you simply just present your song to the PDC, who’ll present it to the broadcaster. The copyrights, we (the players) don’t worry about that too much.” He noted that licensing and arena permissions are handled behind the scenes, but in his case, the rejection stemmed from a policy against mid-tournament switches. “They wanted people to get familiar with the song that I was using at the time—not be chopping and changing throughout the tournament.”
This incident stands out as rare. Edgar remarked, “I’ve never really known of a player getting their song choice rejected before—but mine was rejected for a reason.” His standard walk-on was “Buck Rogers” by Feeder, a upbeat Britpop anthem that had become his signature. The Hulk Hogan idea, while fun, didn’t align with the desire for branding stability, especially as players build recognition over multiple matches.
In hindsight, the rejection might have been a blessing. Facing a tough opponent in Suljovic, who was en route to a deeper run, Edgar’s match ended in defeat, marking his final World Championship appearance to date. The wrestling flair could have added extra pressure or distraction in a high-stakes environment where focus is paramount.
Walk-ons have evolved into a key part of darts’ appeal, often influencing a player’s popularity. Icons like Peter Wright dance wildly to their tunes, while others like Luke Littler energize the crowd with modern hits. The songs help create memorable moments, with crowds belting out lyrics in unison, turning Alexandra Palace into a raucous party. Yet, the PDC’s oversight ensures smoothness—handling complex licensing for broadcast and live events while maintaining fairness and familiarity.
Interestingly, rules appear to have relaxed slightly in recent years, with some players experimenting more freely. But Edgar’s tale serves as a reminder that even in a sport known for its fun and flair, there are boundaries. His story, shared years later, offers a glimpse into the unglamorous side of preparation: the emails, approvals, and occasional “no” that players navigate quietly.
Now a commentator and analyst, Edgar continues to contribute to the sport he loves, providing insights from his playing days. Moments like his rejected request add colorful anecdotes to darts lore, reminding fans that behind every explosive entrance is careful planning—and sometimes, a quick veto to keep things on track.
As the current championship unfolds with its record field and massive prize fund, walk-ons remain a highlight, igniting the atmosphere from the very first arrow. Edgar’s near-miss with “Real American” might not have happened, but it underscores why these entrances are so special: they’re earned, approved, and unforgettable.
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