“The Honky Tonk Man” at the 1987 Slammys
He’s cool, he’s cocky, and he’s bad.
It’s no secret that I am a lifelong fan of pro wrestling, but it’s not common knowledge that my alltime favorite pro wrestling gimmick is the WWF’s version of The Honkytonk Man.
Wrestler Roy Wayne Farris had used the gimmick of the wrestling Elvis impersonator for years with moderate success in territories like Memphis and Calgary, but he hit the big time with his first run in the WWF in the mid 1980s. He was originally introduced as Hulk Hogan’s pal but the fans were sour on him, prompting a heel turn after losing a fan balloting vote of confidence.
The Honky Tonk Man would go on to score a stunning upset against WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat, winning the coveted title at a WWF television taping in Buffalo, NY. Under the guidance of his manager, Jimmy Hart, he would soon christen himself “The Greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time,” and he did his best to live up to that standard by holding the championship for 64 consecutive weeks.
To this day, that accomplishment remains a record Intercontinental championship title run.
It was only natural that the WWF’s second album, Piledriver, would feature a song by the Honky Tonk Man, and it certainly did not disappoint. He would go on to steal the show at the 1987 Slammy Awards with the live rendition of his theme song. A true showstopper! Enjoy!
Also of interest:
That was great! Fun, colorful & he’s cool, cocky and bbbbbbbaaaddd!
Here’s to The Honky Tonk Man!
Hey now Elvis has not (really) left the building yet! That’s me dancing in the pink pants and blue blouse (well sort of a blouse/bra thingie!) I’m from the real Honky Tonk Land so I dig Honky Tonk Man!
I am a big fan of The Honky Tonk Man, too! Glad you enjoyed it!
The studio version and music video of “Honky Tonk Man.”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLETyEJ-eQg