Honky Tonk Man
Many consider the Honky Tonk Man to be one of the greatest WWF Superstars of the 1980s, including the Honky Tonk Man
himself. Taking arrogance to a whole new level, it wasn't uncommon to hear the guitar-wielding grappler remind audiences,
"I'm cool, I'm cocky, I'm bad." Unfortunately for all the Honky Tonk Man detractors out there, of which there were plenty,
he was everything he claimed to be.
With long sideburns and slicked-back hair, Honky Tonk Man rode into the World Wrestling Federation in a pink Cadillac in
1986. Upon arriving, the Elvis look-alike expected to be showered with admiration. Instead, the fans vehemently despised
the cocky newcomer. The boos, however, never deterred the Honky Tonk Man from succeeding in the ring. Alongside his
manager, "Colonel" Jimmy Hart, he set out an impressive string of victories over the WWF's most-noted Superstars, including
his first big-name victim Jake Roberts at WrestleMania III. (Continued Below)
HONKY TONK MAN FEATURES |
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Shortly after WrestleMania, the Honky Tonk Man defeated Ricky Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship
in Buffalo, New York. The win proved historic, as he went on to hold the title for nearly fifteen months, longer than any
Superstar in history.
The Honky Tonk Man's record-breaking Intercontinental Championship came to an abrupt halt when Ultimate dethroned the
titlist at SummerSlam 1988 in a match that lasted a mere thirty seconds. Despite the humiliating loss, many consider
the Honky Tonk Man to be exactly what he claimed to be: The greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time.
Following his record-breaking reign, the Honky Tonk Man set out to create another record--a musical record. He teamed with
Greg Valentine to form the singing duo known as Rhythm & Blues. At WrestleMania VI, much to the dismay of the
sold-out Skydome, they performed their single "Hunka, Hunka, Hunka Honky Love."
The twilight of the Honky Tonk Man's legendary career saw the singing Superstar contribute in several different capacities,
including manager and commentator. Despite achieving moderate success in these new roles, however, fans everywhere will
always remember him as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time.