Jim Johnston worked as a composer for the WWE from 1985 to 2017, but was released at the end of November after his contract expired. Officials opted not to renew it, and Johnston's remarkable and memorable tenure came to an abrupt end.

Johnston did an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to talk about the events leading up to his departure, and what he's done in his post-WWE endeavors. Johnston explained that he wasn't fond of the current WWE superstar themes.

"I was pretty disillusioned where the company was going musically. Although I believe they are talented guys, I thought the themes were becoming commoditized and formulaic," Johnston said. "Too many wrestlers had themes that didn't tell a story about the character, it just felt like music that coincidentally played when a wrestler walked out, as opposed to something that tells the story of the character."

The long-time WWE composer created many of the most iconic themes in history, including the ones for 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels and others. Many of these theme songs became iconic in their own, and remain part of WWE lore.

One problem, of course, is many of today's superstars go through multiple entrance theme changes. Johnston's were so wonderfully crafted that these superstars didn't have to change their theme songs.

"In the big picture, I've written as many angry songs about guys coming to beat you up as I had in me. I think I've covered that genre," Johnston said. "The end and the change was shocking at the time, but I hope it works out for them. I've been writing a ton of music since and I'm actively putting together the next chapter in my life."

Johnston also added that he's received plenty of kind letters and emails that have made him humble, while admitting that he also wasn't a wrestling fan - despite the industry that made him famous.

via WWE.com

And what's Johnston up to today? He told Barrasso that he's working at his home studio in Connecticut, and will be starting up a website, jimjohnston.com. This site will include new music from the legendary composer.

Johnston's tenure in WWE ended under surprising and unforeseen circumstances, but he has a place in wrestling immortality, thanks to his crafty and masterful works of art for the industry.

NEXT: 5 ICONIC WWE THEME SONGS WRITTEN BY THE RECENTLY RELEASED JIM JOHNSTON