The Honky Tonk Man

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This article is about the professional wrestler. For other uses, see Honky Tonk Man.

The Honky Tonk Man
Honky Tonk Man in 2012
Birth nameRoy Wayne Farris
Born (1953-01-25) January 25, 1953 (age 71)
Bolivar, Tennessee, U.S.
Spouse(s)
  • Judy Nuckolls
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1975; div. 1980)​
  • Tammy Farris
    ​
    (m. 1984)​
Children2
FamilyJerry Lawler (cousin)
Brian Christopher (cousin once removed)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Danny Condrey
Honky Tonk Wayne
The Honky Tonk Man
Wayne Ferris
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[1]
Billed weight243 lb (110 kg)[1]
Billed fromMemphis, Tennessee
Trained byHerb Welch
Debut1977
Retired2019

Roy Wayne Farris (born January 25, 1953) is a retired American professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) from 1986 to 1991, where he performed under the ring name The Honky Tonk Man.[1] He also performed for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994, and for Stampede Wrestling between 1982 and 1986. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the 2019 induction ceremony.[2] A heel for the majority of his active professional wrestling career, he has been described by Bleacher Report as "one of the greatest villains to ever grace a professional wrestling ring".[3] His 454-day reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion was the longest reign in the history of the title until it was broken by Gunther in 2023.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1977–1984)

Main article: The Blond Bombers

Farris began his career in 1977 working in

Sgt. Danny Davis as their manager when they came back to Memphis.[5]

The Blond Bombers were involved in heated

promotions, appearing in both Nick Gulas's Nashville based territory, and Jerry Jarrett's Memphis area. Their signature moment was the now famous "Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl" against Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee. He then had stints in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Jim Crockett Promotions, World Wrestling Council (WWC), Southeastern Championship Wrestling, Southwest Championship Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance and Stampede Wrestling through the early 1980s, winning multiple singles and tag team championships
in each.

Stampede Wrestling (1982–1986)

Farris made his debut for

Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship; the title was vacated when Honky left for WWF in 1986.[5]

World Wrestling Federation (1986–1991)

Early run (1986–1987)

Farris entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in July 1986 under the ring name The Honky Tonk Man.[5] Honky made his televised debut on the August 30, 1986 episode of The Body Shop (the last Body Shop interview segment conducted by Don Muraco), held on the final taping of All Star Wrestling. Taped several days later, he was introduced to fans at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center by Junkyard Dog in the final episode of WWF Championship Wrestling, which also aired on August 30.

The WWF's introduction of the new character continued apace on their new clutch of syndicated programs that debuted that fall. On September 6, 1986, on the first episode of

WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage
via disqualification in a match in Warren, OH. Wrestling as a fan-favorite, he competed against Randy Savage and Jake Roberts in subsequent matches. Honky received a televised match against Savage on October 18, 1986, in an encounter broadcast from Philadelphia, but lost by countout.

Fan support was lukewarm to hostile, and the company pivoted as Honky soon cut a series of

turned into a cocky villain and took on "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart (later billed "Colonel" as a reference to Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker) as his manager.[5][6]

Honky's first major feud came against

legitimately injuring him.[9][7] According to Roberts, this started his dependence on prescription pain medication (in an interview, Roberts alleges that he was picking pieces of the guitar out of his back for weeks after he was hit).[8] This has been disputed as Roberts had been a known drug user years before this incident.[9] In an interview for World Wrestling Insanity, Honky disputed Roberts' assertion saying, "That's not true and, in fact I attribute most of that to Mick Foley, who wrote about it in his book, and Jake, who lied about it".[7][9] Yet Roberts continued to wrestle regularly following this angle bringing into question the alleged non-gimmicked guitar shot.[7] During their feud, which culminated at WrestleMania III, Honky grabbed the ring ropes to score a tainted win; afterward, Roberts cleared the ring of Honky before he and Alice Cooper attacked Hart with Damien, Roberts' python.[10]

Following WrestleMania his feud with Jake Roberts was temporarily sidelined, with the newly returned Ken Patera substituting for the injured Roberts in multiple house show matches. For the first time since his WWF debut he was on the losing end of a feud, being pinned numerous times. On the May 18, 1987 episode of Prime Time Wrestling he suffered his first televised pinfall, losing again to Patera. On the June 8th episode of Prime Time he again loss by pinfall, this time to Billy Jack Haynes. On May 30 he again lost to Patera on Prime Time.[11]

Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (1987–1988)

Honky Tonk Man, c. 1987

On the June 13, 1987, episode of

booked to remain champion for what would be a record-setting run. In a later interview, Honky remarked that Hulk Hogan, whom he then had a friendly, collaborative relationship with outside of the ring, had helped give Honky a chance at the title after a coincidental meeting between Hogan, Honky, and Vince McMahon took place. Hogan stuck up for Honky, even though McMahon had someone else in mind.[12]

To preserve his title, which could only be taken by pinfall or

The Main Event I, saw Honky lose by countout after Savage rammed him into the ring post on the outside of the ring.[5] Their feud was blown off in the weeks before WrestleMania IV
through a series of tag team-style steel cage matches, involving various allies of both Honky and Savage on their respective sides and Savage usually emerging victorious.

Honky retained the title in matches with Savage and

ducktail hair, something Beefcake often said he would do in promos. In their matches, Honky was often seconded by a mysterious woman named Peggy Sue; while WWF Women's Champion Sherri Martel played the role for television tapings, more often than not, "Peggy Sue" was Jimmy Hart dressed in drag. Beefcake countered with a "woman" of his own: "Georgina" (George "The Animal" Steele in drag). Honky and Beefcake were scheduled to square off at the 1988 SummerSlam
in what was billed as Beefcake's last shot at the now renamed Intercontinental Championship.

In a storyline twist, Beefcake was thrust in a feud with "Outlaw" Ron Bass after Bass committed a sneak attack on Beefcake; the incident was aired the weekend before SummerSlam. At the event, it was announced that a "mystery opponent" would face Honky for the title. When it came time for the match, Honky grabbed the microphone and proclaimed that he did not care who his opponent was. The Ultimate Warrior then ran out and pinned his stunned opponent in just 31 seconds for the Intercontinental Championship, ending his reign at 454 days.[1] Honky had been the champion for one year, two months, and 27 days (454 days total), which stood as the longest Intercontinental Championship reign until September 2023, when he was surpassed by Gunther.[1][15]

Rhythm and Blues and departure (1989–1991)

Main article: Rhythm and Blues
Honky Tonk Man (right) with his Rhythm and Blues tag team partner Greg Valentine on 7 March 1989 at the El Paso Convention Center

In 1989, Honky entered the

The Legion of Doom, Rhythm & Blues were part of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Team along with his "mystery" partner, the debuting Undertaker, against Rhodes' Dream Team of The Hart Foundation and Koko B. Ware at the 1990 Survivor Series, where they emerged victorious.[19] Honky wrapped up his WWF career with a stint as a pro-villains color commentator alongside Vince McMahon and Roddy Piper on Superstars[4] before leaving in January 1991.[1]

Universal Wrestling Federation (1991)

Universal Wrestling Federation promoter

Captain Lou Albano where he was prevented from singing for the fans in attendance. The WWF filed a lawsuit claiming trademark to the Honkytonk Man character, with the segment subsequently not airing. This would also extend to Rick Rude and Greg Valentine, who would never actually appear on UWF television. Ferris left the promotion following a pay dispute with Abrams, and the latter refused to pay him or Valentine.[20]

Independent circuit (1991–1994)

After leaving the UWF, Honky went the

Tri-State Wrestling Alliance), where he faced Paul Orndorff.[22] He lost to Don Muraco at Century Toyota on June 28, 1992. Then he made a one night appearance on November 11, 1993, for United States Wrestling Association as he lost to Jeff Jarrett
by disqualification.

World Championship Wrestling (1994)

On August 5, 1994, Ferris resurfaced in the Big Two, joining

WCW World Television Champion Johnny B. Badd on Halloween Havoc
in a match that went to a time limit draw.

Honky Tonk suffered his first WCW defeat on October 28, 1994, losing to Johnny B Badd at a house show in Tampa, FL. This presaged several further defeats to Badd on the house show circuit; in the meantime it was announced he would face the WCW World Television Champion in a rematch at

WCW Worldwide.[23] At Starrcade 94 he left the company due to a dispute with management. In his book Controversy Creates Cash, Eric Bischoff
stated that his favorite firing was that of Honky. Honky has responded by saying that it was an honor, as Bischoff had fired a number of people while in WCW until he got himself fired.

Return to Independent Circuit (1995–1999)

After an unsuccessful stint with WCW, Honky returned to the indies. In 1995 he wrestled for the National Wrestling Conference having matches against former WWF stars Virgil, Ultimate Warrior, and Jake Roberts. He worked with them until 1998.

In 1996 he worked for American Wrestling Federation where he feuded with Koko B. Ware.

In 1998 he worked for Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW) in British Columbia, Canada. On May 5, 1999, he wrestled Michael Hayes in a losing effort for SSOW.

Return to the WWF (1996–1998, 2001)

After a brief stint in the American Wrestling Federation, Honky resurfaced in the WWF on December 17, 1996, at a

Shotgun Saturday Night, and then as the manager of Billy Gunn, who had started a singles run.[5] Under Honky's tutelage, Gunn became known as "Rockabilly", which was a short-lived and unsuccessful gimmick[5] and was also disliked by Honky himself.[8] He then made an appearance in the 1998 Royal Rumble event eliminated by Vader.[5] Honky returned to the WWF for a one-time appearance at the 2001 Royal Rumble, but was quickly eliminated by Kane after being hit on the head with his guitar.[24]

Later independent career (2000–present)

The Honky Tonk Man with Deven Michaels

Since 2000, Honky has worked independent wrestling shows all over the world. Honky, along with Ryan Smith and a host of others, ran a series of controversial wrestling websites from 2000 to 2006. TheHonkyTonkMan.com featured frequent updates from Honky himself, a highly interactive message board community, extensive photo gallery, audio updates, and more. Notable online feuds began between The Honky Tonk Man and Jerry Lawler, Roddy Piper, and others. These often intense online rivalries became a major drawing point for fans. The website unexpectedly closed without much explanation in December 2006. The site now forwards to various new ventures of former website manager Ryan Smith, who remains tight-lipped about the closing.

Honky has wrestled for Southern Championship Wrestling in Castroville, Texas, and MSW in eastern Canada. On April 23, 2008, Honky was seen wrestling in Presque Isle, Maine for the North Atlantic American Wrestling Association promotion. He appeared on Heavy on Wrestling on June 14, 2008, in Superior, Wisconsin. He wrestled as a fan favorite, defeating Big Brody Hoofer and hitting Cameron Steele with a guitar. He also appeared at PDX Wrestling (the new-age Portland Wrestling, run by Sandy Barr's son Josh) teaming with a local fan favorite against two villains.

On April 26, 2008, Honky was inducted into the XWF Hall of Fame by its creator Jack Blaze at their 2008 XWF Superbrawl event. XWF was later renamed LPW (Legends Pro Wrestling) where Honky is still honored in their Hall of Fame. On June 28, 2008, in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, he made a special guest appearance for Ring of Honor with the storyline that "Sweet N'Sour" Larry Sweeney had brought him on board with his Sweet N'Sour Inc. faction. He praised the crowd and was about to sing and dance for them until Sweeney stepped in and told him he would not be doing either until their demands were met.

On July 27, 2008, Honky almost had the index finger of his right hand severed during a public appearance in Canada before an Ultimate Championship Wrestling show in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He was making an appearance at Boston Pizza in Charlottetown several hours before the show when someone wanted to take a photo with him with both men clashing guitars. When the guitars collided, the neck of Honky's guitar turned and sliced into Honky's finger, almost severing it. Honky was immediately taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where doctors stitched the finger and bandaged it. Honky made his appearance at the Ultimate Championship Wrestling show several hours later. He was unable to wrestle his scheduled match due to the injury and was replaced by Trash Canyon, whom he managed from ringside. Honky, although injured and in obvious pain, sang his theme song twice in the ring.

In August 2008, Honky appeared at Wrestling Supershows across Canada. Honky also made appearances in SWCW in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On October 24, 2008, he wrestled for Big Time Wrestling (his first match in four months), beating L'Empereur. On January 7, 2009, he appeared in a World Pro Wrestling event in Colusa, California, teaming with Doink The Clown (a new masked version) to face WPW World Tag Team Champions The First Class Express, Jerry Grey and Mighty Henrich. The match ended in a no contest as Doink turned on Honky and the three triple-teamed him. On May 7, 2009, Honky and Bushwacker Luke defeated "Kowboy" Mike Hughes and "Wildman" Gary Williams for the UCW Tag Team Championship. On January 31, 2011, Honky made his Dynamic Wrestling Alliance debut defeating Col. Jonathan James at the "Golden Opportunity II" event in Middletown, Ohio.

On June 5, 2016, Honky wrestled in

Wellington. He teamed up with Brook Duncan and Britenay to defeat the team of the IPW New Zealand Heavyweight Champion
Curt Chaos, Taylor Adams and Mr. Burns.

Honky made a cameo appearance in the first episode of season 3 of Lucha Underground, appearing as a prison warden returning Dario Cueto's things upon his release.

Third return to World Wrestling Entertainment (2008–2019)

Final matches (2008–2009)

In 2008,

Goldust and Roddy Piper, was named as one of the possible opponents for Marella's Intercontinental Championship at Cyber Sunday. He was elected by fans to challenge for the title with 35% of the vote; despite concern that his injured finger might require surgery,[25] he did appear, winning the match by disqualification (thus failing to win the title). After the match had ended, Goldust and Piper came down to the ring and, along with Honky, attacked Marella.[26] On the October 27 episode of Raw, Honky appeared as a special guest commentator. After an impersonation of Marella's on-screen girlfriend, Beth Phoenix, Charlie Haas was knocked into the announcer table, and Marella attacked Honky, prompting Piper and Goldust to block Marella's escape from the ring. Upon Goldust's entry to the ring, Marella turned around to be smashed over the head by Honky's guitar.[27] Honky inducted Koko B. Ware into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.[28]

Sporadic appearances (2010–2013)

In 2010, WWE offered him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame, but he rejected it.

Brodus Clay and Tensai and 3MB, he smashed 3MB member Heath Slater
over the head with a guitar. He then danced with Clay and Tensai to his signature "Cool, Cocky, Bad" theme song.

Hall of Fame (2019)

On February 26, 2019, WWE confirmed that the Honky Tonk Man would join the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2019.[2] He was inducted on April 7, 2019, by his former manager Jimmy Hart.[17]

Other media

Honky appeared in the coin operated arcade game WWF Superstars which debuted in 1989. Honky appeared in an episode of the court based show Judge Jeanine Pirro as a witness to the defendant; the episode, which aired on October 11, 2010, was also the highest rated show for Judge Jeanine Pirro of all time. Honky appeared in the video game WWE All Stars as a free downloadable character. He also has appeared in WWE 2K15 as part of a downloadable content pack and is in WWE 2K16 as an unlockable character from the special objectives. His most recent video game appearance is in WWE 2K24 as downloadable content.[29]

He was cast in John Wesley Norton's film Executive Ranks. Honky also appeared in Insane Clown Posse's music video for "How Many Times" along with The Bushwhackers and his former tag team partner Greg Valentine.[30]

Personal life

Farris is a

first cousin of Jerry Lawler and a first cousin once-removed of the late Brian Christopher. He is an avid golfer in his spare time.[31]

Farris's first marriage to Judy Lynn Nuckolls was brief, but he has been married to his current wife Tammy since 1984.[32] He has lived in Gilbert, Arizona since June 1993.

Although a kayfabe rival of Randy Savage, Farris had a professionally friendly relationship with him.[33] Both men held the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for over one year, with Farris beating Savage by a few weeks.[12]

Farris considers Harley Race to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time.[33]

Farris has stated that he donates his hair to Locks of Love once a year.[34]

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The Honky Tonk Man". WWE. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Campbell, Brian (February 26, 2019). "The Honky Tonk Man to be second inductee into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019". CBS Sports. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  3. ^ Beaston, Erik. "Full Career Retrospective and Greatest Moments for the Honky Tonk Man". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Greer, Jamie (February 26, 2019). "He's Cool, He's Cocky, He's in the Hall of Fame: Honky Tonk Man Confirmed". Last Word on Sports. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Honky Tonk Man profile". Online World of Wrestling. March 18, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  6. ^ "WWF - 1986 Results". January 16, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d "THE HONKY TONK MAN SQUASHES A FALSE RUMOR ABOUT HIM THAT WAS STARTED IN MICK FOLEY'S BOOK AND BASED ON THE LIE OF ANOTHER WWF WRESTLER". PWInsider. August 21, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e Bayless, Brian (August 25, 2016). "Kayfabe Commentaries Presents: YouShoot with the Honky Tonk Man". Scott's Blog of Doom. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c Davis, Paul (June 10, 2021). "Honky Tonk Man says Jake Roberts lied on WWE's Most Wanted Treasures, guitar shot did not start his drug addiction". WrestlingNews.co. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  10. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  11. ^ "WWF - 1987 Results". January 16, 2023.
  12. ^ a b "HONKY TONK MAN ON RICKY STEAMBOAT". THE HANNIBAL TV. February 14, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2018 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Honky Tonk Man sings Honky Ton Man, WWF 1987, retrieved August 24, 2021
  14. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . May 19, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  15. Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online
    . Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  16. ^ "Royal Rumble 1989 entrances and eliminations". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  17. ^ a b c Benigno, Anthony (April 6, 2019). "Honky Tonk Man shakes, rattles and rolls his way into the Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  18. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . February 17, 2005. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  19. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . November 6, 2006. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  20. ^ "Herb Abram's UWF Fury Hour #21 03/18/91 - Scott's Blog of Doom!". January 16, 2022.
  21. ^ "TWA Spring Spectacular II". Cage Match. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  22. ^ "TWA". Cage Match. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  23. ^ "WCW - 1994 Results". January 16, 2023.
  24. ^ "Royal Rumble 2001 entrances and eliminations". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  25. ^ J, Zafar (October 14, 2008). "Kelly Kelly/Playboy Update, Honky Tonk Man Injured". ProWrestling.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2008. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
  26. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  27. World Wrestling Entertainment
    . Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  28. ^ "WWE Hall of Fame 2009 inductees". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  29. ^ 2K Games. "WWE2K24 - SEASON PASS IS BACK". WWE 2K. Retrieved February 27, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ kelly larson (June 25, 2010). "Insane Clown Posse - How Many Times". Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2018 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ "Roy Farris - Universal Life Church Ministers". Universal Life Church Ministers. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  32. ^ "Where Are They Now? Honky Tonk Man". wwe.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  33. ^ a b "HONKY TONK MAN ON MACHO MAN". THE HANNIBAL TV. February 7, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2018 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ YouTube Video. Archived June 16, 2019, at the Wayback Machine
  35. ^ "All Pro Wrestling Title Histories". titlehistories.com. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
  36. ^ Oliver, Greg (April 20, 2011). "Lifetime honoree Foley captivates at CAC Baloney Blowout". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  37. ^
    ISBN 0-9698161-5-4
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  39. ^ "Southern Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  40. ^ "N.A.W.A. Title Histories". North Atlantic Wrestling Association. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  41. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved November 9, 2013.

External links

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