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{{Short description|American professional wrestler}} | |||
{{Infobox Wrestler| | |||
{{About|the professional wrestler||Honky Tonk Man (disambiguation){{!}}Honky Tonk Man}} | |||
name=Roy Wayne Farris | |||
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}} | |||
|image=honkytonkman.jpg | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}} | |||
|names=Danny Condrey<br>Wayne Farris<br>Honky Tonk Wayne<br>'''The Honky Tonk Man''' | |||
{{Infobox professional wrestler | |||
|height=6 ft 1 in | |||
|name = The Honky Tonk Man | |||
|weight=271 lb | |||
|image = Honky Tonk Man by Gage Skidmore (cropped).jpg | |||
|birth_date = ], ] | |||
|caption = Honky Tonk Man in 2012 | |||
|death_date = | |||
|birth_name = Roy Wayne Farris | |||
|birth_place = ] | |||
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=y|1953|1|25}} | |||
|resides= | |||
| |
|birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
|spouse = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Judy Nuckolls|1975|1980|reason=div}}|{{marriage|Tammy Farris|1984}}}} | |||
|trainer=] | |||
|children = 2 | |||
|debut=] | |||
|family = ] (cousin)<br>] (cousin once removed) | |||
|retired= | |||
|names = Danny Condrey<br>Honky Tonk Wayne<br>'''The Honky Tonk Man'''<br>Wayne Ferris | |||
|height = 6 ft 1 in<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web |title=The Honky Tonk Man |publisher=] |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/honky-tonk-man |access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> | |||
|weight = 243 lbs<ref name="WWEbio"/> | |||
|billed = ] | |||
|trainer = Herb Welch | |||
|debut = 1977 | |||
|retired = 2019 | |||
|}} | |}} | ||
'''Roy Wayne Farris''' (born |
'''Roy Wayne Farris''' (born January 25, 1953) is an American retired ]. He is best known for his tenure in the ] (WWF, now WWE) from 1986 to 1991, where he performed under the ] '''The Honky Tonk Man'''.<ref name="WWEbio"/> | ||
He also performed for ] (WCW) in 1994, and for ] between 1982 and 1986. He was inducted into the ] as part of the ].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Brian|date=February 26, 2019|title=The Honky Tonk Man to be second inductee into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/the-honky-tonk-man-to-be-second-inductee-into-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2019/|access-date=February 26, 2019|website=CBS Sports}}</ref> A ] for the majority of his active professional wrestling career, he has been described by ] as "one of the greatest villains to ever grace a professional wrestling ring".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beaston |first1=Erik |title=Full Career Retrospective and Greatest Moments for the Honky Tonk Man |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2280836-full-career-retrospective-and-greatest-moments-for |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=14 August 2023}}</ref> His 454-day reign as ] was the longest reign in the history of the title until it was broken by ] in 2023. | |||
==Career== | |||
Farris won several regional tag team titles as one half of the "Blond Bombers" with ] who went on to become ''']'''. In mid-] Farris also won the ] from ] in ] ] as Honky Tonk Wayne. | |||
== Professional wrestling career == | |||
The Honky Tonk Man debuted as a ] in the WWF in late 1986 with promo endorsements from ]. The fans rejected Honky Tonk Man as a face, however. After conducting a poll in which an overwhelming majority of fans refused to give him a "Vote of Confidence", the WWF ] him ]. | |||
=== Early career (1977–1984) === | |||
{{Main|Blond Bombers#Larry Latham and Wayne Farris|l1=The Blond Bombers}} | |||
Farris began his career in 1977 working in ] and wrestled alongside his training partner ] for ] Henry Rogers.<ref name=":2" /> Farris then moved on to ] in 1978, originally working as a jobber to the stars.<ref name=":0" /> He wrestled frequently in Birmingham, Dothan, Mobile, and Pensacola as "Dynamite" Wayne Farris. He achieved greater success when he ] with ] to form ] when they were put together by Jerry Brisco in Florida Championship Wrestling.<ref name=":0" /> The Bombers were later put with ] as their ] when they came back to Memphis.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
The Blond Bombers were involved in heated ] with several ] teams across the two competing Tennessee ], appearing in both ]'s Nashville based territory, and ]'s Memphis area. Their signature moment was the now famous "Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl" against ] and ]. He then had stints in the ] (AWA), ], ] (WWC), ], Southwest Championship Wrestling, ] and ] through the early 1980s, winning multiple ] and ] in each. | |||
As a heel, he was managed by ], dubbed "The Colonel" in a reference to ] manager ]. | |||
=== Stampede Wrestling (1982–1986) === | |||
The Honky Tonk Man's first ] in the WWF was with ] in early ]. It began in "The Snake Pit" on ''],'' where Honky struck Jake with his guitar after Jake made disparaging remarks about Honky's name and singing talent. (Both wrestlers tell differing stories about whether Jake was actually injured. Jake states in his DVD, that the Honky Tonk Man actually injured him, causing him to develop a painkiller addiction. Mick Foley also says this in his original autobiography. The Honky Tonk Man claims this is a lie and that Mick Foley actually apologized for not calling him earlier to verify the truthfulness of this before having it published.) The feud reached its height at '']'', where Honky used the ropes to pin Roberts. | |||
Farris made his debut for ] in Calgary in 1982 where the Honky Tonk Wayne gimmick was born. A spinoff of rock star ], he sported slicked-back hair, sideburns, and carried a guitar.<ref name=":0" /> Honky and ] won the ]<ref name=":2">{{cite web|last=Greer|first=Jamie|date=February 26, 2019|title=He's Cool, He's Cocky, He's in the Hall of Fame: Honky Tonk Man Confirmed|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2019/02/26/hes-cool-hes-cocky-hes-in-the-hall-of-fame-honky-tonk-man-confirmed/|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=Last Word on Sports}}</ref> in 1985 and 1986. He later teamed with ] to win the International Tag Team Championship. On June 20, 1986, he defeated ] for the ]; the title was vacated when Honky left for ] in 1986.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
===World Wrestling Federation (1986–1991)=== | |||
The Honky Tonk Man (believed by some to have been a substitute for ]) won the ] from ] at the June 2, 1987, "Superstars of Wrestling" tapings in Buffalo, New York. He would go on to proclaim himself the "greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time" due to his record 15-month title reign (454 days); many years later, this claim would be supported by a poll of fans conducted by the WWF. | |||
==== Early run (1986–1987) ==== | |||
Farris entered the ] (WWF) in July 1986 under the ] The Honky Tonk Man.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Honky Tonk Man profile|url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/honky-tonk-man/|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=Online World of Wrestling|date=March 18, 2013 }}</ref> Honky made his televised debut on the August 30, 1986 episode of ] (the last Body Shop interview segment conducted by ]), held on the final taping of ]. Taped several days later, he was introduced to fans at the ] by ] in the final episode of ], 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 ], a promo aired from Honky where he declared that he would tap dance on the head of ]. Similar promos aired on following episodes of Superstars that month, as well as the new ] syndicated program. Honky made his televised WWF debut on the September 28, 1986, episode of '']'', defeating ].<ref name=":0" /> Originally ] as a fan favorite wrestler with an ] ],<ref name="WWEbio"/> he was endorsed via an inset promo by none other than ] ] himself. He made his debut on the house show circuit on October 8, 1986, defeating ] ] 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. | |||
One of his major feuds as champion was with ]. Honky disrespected Savage, who was trying to congratulate him for his win over Savage's most hated enemy, Steamboat. In the weeks that followed, Honky began to use his biggest catchphrase, "the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time," and put down all who preceded him, including Savage, who was coming off an impressive year-plus long reign of his own. The feud exploded during an October episode of "Saturday Night's Main Event" on NBC when Honky shoved ] to the ground and smashed a guitar over Savage's head. The two captained opposing teams at the inaugural Survivor Series pay-per-view on Thanksgiving Day 1987, with Savage, Steamboat and Roberts lasting as the "survivors" when Honky Tonk Man (the last remaining member of his team) deliberately took a countout. Honky and Savage met again on the Feb. 5, 1988, "Main Event" special live in prime time on NBC, with Savage winning by countout. Their feud would never reach a conclusion as Savage went on to win the ] at ]. | |||
Fan support was lukewarm to hostile, and the company pivoted as Honky soon cut a series of ] with ] that aired on the WWF's syndicated programming asking fans for a "vote of confidence".<ref name=":0" /> When he asked for the vote of confidence, he insulted fans in a way that resembled ] before him. On November 16 he wrestled Mr X (]) in a match taped in Toronto for ], with those in attendance firmly against him. On the November 22, 1986 episode of ''Superstars'', the results predictably came back negative, and it was not long before Honky ] into a cocky ] and took on ] (later billed "Colonel" as a reference to ]'s manager ]) as his manager.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/86.htm | title=WWF - 1986 Results | date=January 16, 2023 }}</ref> | |||
At ], Honky Tonk Man defended his title against ]. Honky was disqualified after Jimmy Hart knocked out the referee when it appeared Honky was about to lose to Beefcake's sleeper hold. | |||
Honky's first major feud came against ], who was in the midst of a fan favorite turn. The feud intensified when Honky attacked Roberts on his talk show set, ''The Snake Pit''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2008|title=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|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=32861&p=1|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=PWInsider}}</ref> According to Roberts, Honky was supposed to hit him with a gimmicked ] ] guitar;<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Bayless|first=Brian|date=August 25, 2016|title=Kayfabe Commentaries Presents: YouShoot with the Honky Tonk Man|url=https://blogofdoom.com/index.php/2016/08/25/kayfabe-commentaries-presents-youshoot-with-the-honky-tonk-man/|access-date=March 22, 2018|website=Scott's Blog of Doom}}</ref> he believes Farris accidentally grabbed a real, non-gimmicked guitar (made of fiberglass) and smashed it across Roberts' back, ] injuring him.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" /> 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).<ref name=":4" /> This has been disputed as Roberts had been a known drug user years before this incident.<ref name=":5" /> 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 ], who wrote about it in his book, and Jake, who lied about it".<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Paul|date=June 10, 2021|title=Honky Tonk Man says Jake Roberts lied on WWE's Most Wanted Treasures, guitar shot did not start his drug addiction|url=https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/honky-tonk-man-says-jake-roberts-lied-on-wwes-most-wanted-treasures-guitar-shot-did-not-start-his-drug-addiction/|access-date=November 20, 2021|publisher=WrestlingNews.co|via=}}</ref> Yet Roberts continued to wrestle regularly following this angle bringing into question the alleged non-gimmicked guitar shot.<ref name=":3" /> During their feud, which culminated at ], Honky grabbed the ring ropes to score a tainted win; afterward, Roberts cleared the ring of Honky before he and ] attacked Hart with Damien, Roberts' ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=WrestleMania III results|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/3/results|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> | |||
In correlation with an angle in which Beefcake was "injured" by Ron Bass just before a rematch at ], Honky lost the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam to the ] in a 30-second ] when he made an open challenge to anyone in the backstage area to wrestle him. The WWF was grooming Warrior for an eventual main-event push and felt that having him easily defeat the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion would give him massive credibility.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} In later shoot interviews, Honky has said that he had no problem dropping the belt in such a short match, mostly because he and Warrior had such incompatible wrestling styles. Honky felt that anything longer than the match that occurred would've made both wrestlers look foolish, and would've killed any momentum going into the Warrrior's first title run, later saying that his suggestion to ] was to make the match as short as possible. | |||
Following WrestleMania his feud with Jake Roberts was temporarily sidelined, with the newly returned ] 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 ]. On May 30 he again lost to Patera on Prime Time.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/87.htm | title=WWF - 1987 Results | date=January 16, 2023 }}</ref> | |||
After losing the Intercontinental belt, Honky feuded briefly with Warrior, then teamed with Greg Valentine in a brief feud with the Hart Foundation in early 1989. He spent much of 1989 feuding with the returning "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka before reuniting with Valentine as ]. They sang at ] but were interrupted by the Bushwhackers, with whom they feuded through the summer. Rhythm & Blues also repeatedly challenged the Hart Foundation for the tag team titles. Shortly after Survivor Series 1990, Honky briefly did color commentary while continuing to team with Valentine. He left the WWF shortly into 1991. | |||
==== Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (1987–1988) ==== | |||
In 1994, the Honky Tonk Man was working for ] and was challenging ] for the ] when he left due to a dispute with management. Honky Tonk Man was working in WCW without a contract. Eric Bischoff wanted Honky Tonk Man to lose to Johnny B. Badd on a PPV. Honky Tonk Man refused to do the job for Mero, unless he had a contract. Bischoff wouldn't budge, and Honky Tonk Man eventually left WCW. This left some heat between Honky and Hulk Hogan as it was Honky who was doing a favor to Hogan by showing up in WCW in order to make it "familiar" with WWF fans. Before Honky left WCW, Hogan alledgedly told him that there was nothing he could do in order to get Eric Bischoff to give Honky Tonk a contract. Honky doesn't believe this.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
] | |||
On the June 13, 1987, episode of '']'', Honky defeated ] for the ]; Honky reversed Steamboat's ] and grabbed onto the bottom ropes for extra leverage to get the ] win.<ref name="WWEbio"/> ] was originally scheduled to win the title.<ref name=":0" /> Honky was originally meant to be a transitional champion to only hold on to the title for a short period of time, until Roberts failed several drug tests following WrestleMania<ref name=":4" /> and Honky was ] to remain champion for what would be a record-setting run. In a later interview, Honky remarked that ], 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 ] took place. Hogan stuck up for Honky, even though McMahon had someone else in mind.<ref name=steamboat/> | |||
] | |||
After a brief stint in the ], Honky later resurfaced in the WWF as a manager for ], who had begun a singles run. Under Honky's tutelage, Gunn became known as "Rockabilly," which was a short-lived and unsuccessful ]. Honky made an appearance in the ] where he entered the Rumble, but got nailed with his own guitar by ] and was quickly eliminated. | |||
To preserve his title, which could only be taken by pinfall or ], Honky often got himself deliberately ] or ] against challengers such as Steamboat, ], ], and ]. Also during this time, Honky began using a 50s-styled, themed entrance song performed by Farris<ref>{{Citation|title=Honky Tonk Man sings Honky Ton Man, WWF 1987|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/py5pKBvGeyA2/|language=en|access-date=August 24, 2021}}</ref> (included on '']'', the WWF's second album of ]). By September 1987, ] was in the midst of a fan favorite turn and began challenging Honky for the title (after Honky had made comments about himself being "the greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time" and making disparaging comments about former champions, particularly Savage). Although they had several matches beforehand – they had also met in 1986, when the then-villain Savage was champion and challenged by the fan favorite Honky – the first Savage-Honky match to air on national television was on the October 3, 1987 '']'', which was taped on September 23 in ]. During that match, Savage nearly defeated Honky until Honky's allies in Jimmy Hart's ], ] (who had interfered throughout the match), ran into the ring and attacked Savage, getting Honky disqualified. Savage's manager, ], attempted to stop the attack on Savage, but Honky shoved her down and she fled to the locker room; meanwhile, Honky completed his attempt to break his guitar over Savage's head. Shortly thereafter, Miss Elizabeth returned with Savage's former rival, Hulk Hogan, who aided Savage in running off the heels (leading to the formation of ]). Honky continued his bitter feud against Savage, as Honky would frequently make advances toward Miss Elizabeth – including one such incident at the 1987 ] – to agitate his challenger. The last high-profile Savage-Honky match, aired as part of the undercard to Hulk Hogan vs. ] on the 1988 '']'', saw Honky lose by countout after Savage rammed him into the ring post on the outside of the ring.<ref name=":0" /> Their feud was blown off in the weeks before ] 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 ], Honky's next major rival. During the Beefcake-Honky feud – which began at ] (where Jimmy Hart got him disqualified by knocking out the ] with his megaphone while Beefcake had Honky in a ], and this saw Honky retain the title, but Hart got a haircut from Beefcake himself)<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 19, 2011|title=WrestleMania IV results|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/4/results|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> and continued during the spring and summer of 1988 – Honky vowed not to let Beefcake cut his ] 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 ] ] 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 ] in what was billed as Beefcake's last shot at the now renamed Intercontinental Championship. | |||
Today, the Honky Tonk Man still works for various ] around the world. He was featured in ''The 50 Greatest WWE Superstars Of All Time,'' a WWE magazine released in ]. The article calls for his future induction into the ]. | |||
In a ] twist, Beefcake was thrust in a feud with ] 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. ] then ran out and pinned his stunned opponent in just 31 seconds for the Intercontinental Championship, ending his reign at 454 days.<ref name="WWEbio"/> 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 ].<ref name="WWEbio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/triple-h-congratulates-gunther-breaking-wwe-intercontinental-title-record|title=Triple H congratulates Gunther on becoming longest-reigning WWE IC champion|date=September 7, 2023|last=Currier|first=Joseph|work=]|access-date=September 7, 2023}}</ref> | |||
In January 2007, Honky Tonk Man closed his website. | |||
==== Rhythm and Blues and departure (1989–1991) ==== | |||
==Trivia== | |||
{{Main|Rhythm and Blues (professional wrestling)|l1=Rhythm and Blues}} | |||
*Honky was never actually scheduled to win the Intercontinental Title. ], who was feuding with Steamboat at the time, no-showed a house event where he was supposed to win the title. But since Steamboat was already on his way out of the WWF at the time, the company had to have him drop the belt to someone. Hulk Hogan suggested Honky, who was one of the few notable heels in the organization at the time, and he got the nod and took the title. | |||
] tag team partner ] on 7 March 1989 at the El Paso Convention Center]] | |||
In 1989, Honky entered the ], where he was eliminated by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Rumble 1989 entrances and eliminations|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble2.html#89|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> In late 1989 and 1990, he and ], who was also managed by Jimmy Hart, aligned themselves as the tag team ] in which Valentine became a ] rip-off since Honky was an Elvis rip-off.<ref name="WWEbio"/> At ], they notably rode in a pink ],<ref name=":6" /> with future WWE Hall of Famer ] as the driver. After competing against such teams as The Hart Foundation at ]<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 17, 2005|title=WrestleMania V results|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/5/results|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> and ], Rhythm & Blues were part of ]'s Million Dollar Team along with his "mystery" partner, the debuting ], against Rhodes' Dream Team of The Hart Foundation and Koko B. Ware at the 1990 ], where they emerged victorious.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 6, 2006|title=Survivor Series 1990 results|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1990/results|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> Honky wrapped up his WWF career with a stint as a pro-villains color commentator alongside Vince McMahon and ] on '']''<ref name=":2" /> before leaving in January 1991.<ref name="WWEbio"/> | |||
=== Universal Wrestling Federation (1991) === | |||
*At ''WrestleMania VI'', Honky Tonk and Greg Valentine were driven to the ring for their "Rhythm and Blues" performance in a pink Cadillac. The driver (and owner) of the car was a then-unknown ]. | |||
Universal Wrestling Federation promoter ] immediately set about signing Ferris to his growing roster of former WWF stars, adding to a burgeoning roster which also included recent signings Andre the Giant, Greg Valentine, and Rick Rude. He (as well as Rude and Valentine) made their debuts on the January 9, 1991 tapings of ]. Appearing as The Honkytonk Man, Ferris did an in-ring segment with ] 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2022/01/16/herb-abrams-uwf-fury-hour-21-03-18-91/ | title=Herb Abram's UWF Fury Hour #21 03/18/91 - Scott's Blog of Doom! | date=January 16, 2022 }}</ref> | |||
=== Independent circuit (1991–1994) === | |||
*Farris is the cousin of professional wrestler ], though the two have a somewhat ] relationship. This relationship has been played on many times both whilst they were on good terms and bad terms. | |||
After leaving the UWF, Honky went the ]. He wrestled his former partner Greg Valentine to a double disqualification for United Wrestling Alliance on February 19, 1991. He faced ] Jerry Lawler at the '''TWA Spring Spectacular 2''' on May 18, 1991, losing via disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21078|access-date=19 April 2023|website=Cage Match|title=TWA Spring Spectacular II}}</ref> Ferris next appeared for the TWA (]), where he faced Paul Orndorff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21076|access-date=19 April 2023|website=Cage Match|title=TWA}}</ref> He lost to ] at Century Toyota on June 28, 1992. Then he made a one night appearance on November 11, 1993, for ] as he lost to ] by disqualification. | |||
=== World Championship Wrestling (1994) === | |||
*Originally introduced to fans as a ], the fans quickly turned against Honky, and WWF management gave fans the opportunity to write in and vote for whether or not he should be a heel. Dubbed "A Vote of Confidence: Yay or Nay", this system was one of the few times fans were openly allowed to influence a booking decision. | |||
On August 5, 1994, Ferris resurfaced in the Big Two, joining ] and defeating ] on ]. Promotional vignettes began airing for the former WWF star, and he next appeared on August 15, 1994, on ] with a win over ]. The ] special on August 24, 1994, featured the debut of his new song "Honky Dog Baby". Honky Tonk Man remained undefeated on WCW television, defeating Mike Winner and Sam Houston. He began appearing on WCW's renewed house show circuit in October, defeating ] in multiple encounters. On October 24, 1994, he appeared on his first WCW PPV, wrestling ] ] on ] in a match that went to a time limit draw. | |||
*Honky has had four theme songs throughout his career; first, a song even unbeknownst to Wayne himself used through most of 1987 called "That's All Right, Honky Tonk Mama"; then, "Cool, Cocky and Bad", which begins with the lyrics: "I've got long side burns and my hair's slicked back", the tune he and Greg Valentine performed at WrestleMania VI entitled, "Hunka Hunka Hunka Honky Love;" and, finally, the theme used during his short-lived WCW run, "You're just a Honky Dog Baby." | |||
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 ]. Honky Tonk continued to remained undefeated on television, with his final match before the PPV coming on December 17 in a win over ] on ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw94.htm | title=WCW - 1994 Results | date=January 16, 2023 }}</ref> At Starrcade 94 he left the company due to a dispute with management. In his book '']'', ] 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. | |||
*According to pro wrestling legend, Honky was directly responsible for several changes in the WWF's long term title plans in 1988. Randy Savage was originally scheduled to go over Honky for the Intercontinental Title; Honky threatened to jump to ] if this occurred. Although the WWF acquiesced, Savage threatened to ] on Honky. To placate him, he was booked to win the WWF title tournament at ] instead of ]. DiBiase and Honky have allegedly had animosity towards each other since then. | |||
=== Return to Independent Circuit (1995–1999) === | |||
*Honky is a familiar face to ] wrestling fans in both his pre- and post-WWF careers, having competed in ] as both a heel (while teaming with "Diamond" Timothy Flowers) and a face, and in ], where he faced then-NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Vance Nevada in an October 2006 match in Vancouver and won by disqualification due to the interference of Seth Knight and referee-turned-heel manager Verne Siebert. | |||
After an unsuccessful stint with WCW, Honky returned to the indies. In 1995 he wrestled for the ] having matches against former WWF stars ], ], and ]. He worked with them until 1998. | |||
In 1996 he worked for ] where he feuded with ]. | |||
*Throughout his career, Honky would carry an acoustic guitar to the ring, and often used it to attack other wrestlers (i.e. the guitar shot, now widely imitated in ] matches). The guitar's ubiquity, coupled with the Elvis impersonator gimmick, led many fans to think that Farris, like his former manager Jimmy Hart, was a real-life musician. However, in a 2002 shoot interview, Honky amusingly admitted that in real life he doesn't know how to play a single note on the guitar, remarking, "I think everybody knew I couldn't play that damn thing." | |||
In 1998 he worked for ] (ECCW) in British Columbia, Canada. On May 5, 1999, he wrestled ] in a losing effort for SSOW. | |||
==In wrestling== | |||
*'''Finishing and signature moves''' | |||
:*'''''Shake, Rattle and Roll''''' (] with a hip-swiveling dance in the middle) | |||
:*] | |||
=== Return to the WWF (1996–1998, 2001) === | |||
*'''Managers''' | |||
After a brief stint in the American Wrestling Federation, Honky resurfaced in the WWF on December 17, 1996, at a ] taping in Tampa, FL. In a show that aired on December 29, Honky Tonk told the fans that he could not sing for the fans and instead provided color commentary. This would expand to commentary work on '']'', '']'', and '']'', and then as the manager of ], who had started a singles run.<ref name=":0" /> Under Honky's tutelage, Gunn became known as "Rockabilly" in April 1997, which was a short-lived and unsuccessful gimmick<ref name=":0" /> and was also disliked by Honky himself.<ref name=":4" /> When Gunn formed the ] with ] in October 1997, Honky was taken off TV. He then made an appearance in the ] event eliminated by ].<ref name=":0" /> | |||
:*] | |||
:*] | |||
:*] | |||
:*] | |||
Honky returned to the WWF for a one-time appearance at the ], but was quickly eliminated by ] after being hit on the head with his guitar.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Rumble 2001 entrances and eliminations|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble2.html#01|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> | |||
*'''Wrestlers managed''' | |||
:*] | |||
=== Later independent career (2000–2019) === | |||
==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
] | |||
*''']''' | |||
Since 2000, Honky has worked ] 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 ], 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. | |||
:*APW Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
*'''Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation''' | |||
:*MEWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (4 times- 3 with ] 1 with ]) | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (3 times, with ]) | |||
:*] (1 time) | |||
:*] (1 time with Ron Starr) | |||
:*] (1 time) | |||
*'''Northern States Wrestling Alliance''' | |||
:*NSWA Tag Team Championship (1 time, with ]) | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*PWI ranked him # '''263''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "]" in ] | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*Stampede International Tag Team Championship (3 times- 2 with Ron Starr, 1 with The Cuban Assassin) | |||
:*] (1 time) | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (]) | |||
:*Voted "The Greatest Intercontinental Champion Of All Time" by WWE.COM users. | |||
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 ]. 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 ], run by ]'s son Josh) teaming with a local fan favorite against two villains. | |||
==References== | |||
* and title histories at the | |||
*, , and title histories at | |||
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 ], he made a special guest appearance for ] with the storyline that "Sweet N' Sour" ] 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. | |||
==External links== | |||
* | |||
On July 27, 2008, Honky almost had the index finger of his right hand severed during a public appearance in ] before an Ultimate Championship Wrestling show in ], ]. 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. | |||
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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 ], 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 ] 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 ] in ], at the ] in ]. He teamed up with Brook Duncan and Britenay to defeat the team of the ] Curt Chaos, Taylor Adams and Mr. Burns. | |||
Honky made a ] in the first episode of season 3 of '']'', 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, ] announced his intention to break Honky's record for longest Intercontinental Championship reign, usually displaying a special "Honk-a-meter" comparing Honky's 64-week record with the length of his own reign at the time.<ref name="WWEbio"/> On the October 6 episode of ''Raw'', Honky (now a fan favorite for the first time since 1986), along with ] and Roddy Piper, was named as one of the possible opponents for Marella's Intercontinental Championship at ]. He was elected by fans to challenge for the title with 35% of the vote; despite concern that his injured finger might require surgery,<ref>{{Cite web|last=J|first=Zafar|date=October 14, 2008|title=Kelly Kelly/Playboy Update, Honky Tonk Man Injured|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/article/news/10618|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017061636/http://www.prowrestling.com/article/news/10618|archive-date=October 17, 2008|access-date=October 14, 2008|website=ProWrestling.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=October 6, 2008|title=Still No. 1|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10062008/|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> On the October 27 episode of ''Raw'', Honky appeared as a special guest commentator. After an impersonation of Marella's on-screen girlfriend, ], ] 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=October 27, 2008|title=Just desserts|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008/mainarticle|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=]}}</ref> Honky inducted Koko B. Ware into the ] on April 4, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WWE Hall of Fame 2009 inductees|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/hof.html#2009|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> | |||
==== Sporadic appearances (2010–2013) ==== | |||
In 2010, WWE offered him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame, but he rejected it.<ref name=":4" /> Honky made a brief appearance on ''Old School Raw'' on March 4, 2013. Following a match between the team of ] and ] and 3MB, he smashed 3MB member ] 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 ].<ref name=":1" /> He was inducted on April 7, 2019, by his former manager Jimmy Hart.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|date=April 6, 2019|title=Honky Tonk Man shakes, rattles and rolls his way into the Hall of Fame|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/wwe-hall-of-fame-2019/article/the-honky-tonk-man-recap|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=WWE}}</ref> | |||
== Other media == | |||
Honky appeared in the coin operated arcade game ] which debuted in 1989. Honky appeared in an episode of the court based show '']'' 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 '']'' as a free downloadable character. He also has appeared in '']'' as part of a downloadable content pack and is in '']'' as an unlockable character from the special objectives. His most recent video game appearance is in '']'' as part of the “Post Malone & Friends” DLC<ref>{{cite web |last1=2K Games |title=WWE2K24 - SEASON PASS IS BACK |url=https://wwe.2k.com/2k24/season-pass/ |website=WWE 2K |access-date=27 February 2024}}</ref> | |||
He was cast in John Wesley Norton's film ''Executive Ranks''. Honky also appeared in ]'s music video for "How Many Times" along with ] and his former tag team partner ].<ref>{{cite web |last=kelly larson |date=June 25, 2010 |title=Insane Clown Posse - How Many Times |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRVamJjDnEg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/CRVamJjDnEg |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 22, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
== Personal life == | |||
Farris is a ] of ] and a first cousin once-removed of the late ]. He is an avid ]er in his spare time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roy Farris - Universal Life Church Ministers |website=Universal Life Church Ministers |url=http://www.universallifechurchministers.org/roy-farris/ |access-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> | |||
Farris's first marriage to Judy Lynn Nuckolls was brief, but he has been married to his current wife Tammy since 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Where Are They Now? Honky Tonk Man |website=wwe.com |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wherearetheynow/honkytonkman |access-date=March 22, 2018}}</ref> He has lived in ] since June 1993. | |||
Although a ] rival of ], Farris had a professionally friendly relationship with him.<ref name=savage/> Both men held the ] for over one year, with Farris beating Savage by a few weeks.<ref name=steamboat>{{cite web |date=February 14, 2015 |title=HONKY TONK MAN ON RICKY STEAMBOAT |publisher=THE HANNIBAL TV |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUpp5Qe75Xw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/LUpp5Qe75Xw |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 22, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
Farris considers ] to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time.<ref name=savage>{{cite web |date=February 7, 2015 |title=HONKY TONK MAN ON MACHO MAN |publisher=THE HANNIBAL TV |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqMLYk9GrIA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/rqMLYk9GrIA |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=March 22, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
Farris has stated that he donates his hair to Locks of Love once a year.<ref>. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616152832/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlRfFL8RkSw |date=June 16, 2019 }}</ref> | |||
== Championships and accomplishments == | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/All_Pro_Wrestling.htm|title=All Pro Wrestling Title Histories| access-date=July 11, 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref> | |||
* '''Big Time Wrestling''' | |||
** BTW Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** Men's Wrestling Award (2011)<ref name="Cauliflower2011">{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|title=Lifetime honoree Foley captivates at CAC Baloney Blowout|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/04/20/lifetime-honoree-foley-captivates-at-cac-baloney-blowout/|work=Slam Wrestling|date=April 20, 2011|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> | |||
* '''International Championship Wrestling''' | |||
** ICW Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
* '''Legends Pro Wrestling''' | |||
** XWF/LPW Hall of Fame (class of 2008) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) | |||
* '''Mid-South Wrestling Association''' | |||
** MSWA Tennessee Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles">{{cite book|last1=Duncan|first1=Royal|last2=Will|first2=Gary|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|edition=4th|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) – with ] (3) and ] (1)<ref name=SouthernTag>{{cite book | first1=Royal |last1=Duncan |first2=Gary |last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present |location=Waterloo, Ontario |orig-year=2000.|chapter= (Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title | pages= 185–189| publisher=Archeus Communications |year=2006 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref><ref name=SouthernTagWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html | title=Southern Tag Team Title | work=Wrestling-Titles | access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref> | |||
** ] (]) – with Larry Latham | |||
* '''North Atlantic Wrestling Association''' | |||
** NAWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul Hudson<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nawapro.tripod.com/titles.htm|title=N.A.W.A. Title Histories|publisher=North Atlantic Wrestling Association|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> | |||
* '''Northern States Wrestling Alliance''' | |||
** NSWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with ] | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Ranked No. 159 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the '']'' in 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/1992.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=November 9, 2013}}</ref> | |||
* '''Ring Masters Entertainment''' | |||
** RME Heavyweight Championship (1 time) | |||
** RME Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bobby Collins | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) | |||
** ] (]) | |||
** ] (]) – with ] | |||
** ] (]) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) – with Ron Starr (2) and ] (1) | |||
** ] (]) | |||
* '''Ultimate Championship Wrestling''' | |||
** UCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with ] | |||
* '''Ultimate Championship Wrestling (Virginia)''' | |||
** UCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles"/> | |||
* '''Universal Wrestling Association''' | |||
** UWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles"/> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref name="WWEbio" /> | |||
** ] (])<ref name=":6" /> | |||
{{notelist-lr}} | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Commons category}} | |||
* {{official website}} | |||
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}} | |||
* {{wwe superstar}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|name = Roy Wayne Farris}} | |||
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{{WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship}} | |||
{{Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Championship}} | |||
{{WWE Hall of Fame}} | |||
{{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:06, 7 December 2024
American professional wrestler This article is about the professional wrestler. For other uses, see Honky Tonk Man.
The Honky Tonk Man | |
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Honky Tonk Man in 2012 | |
Birth name | Roy Wayne Farris |
Born | (1953-01-25) January 25, 1953 (age 71) Bolivar, Tennessee, U.S. |
Spouse(s) |
|
Children | 2 |
Family | Jerry 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 height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
Billed weight | 243 lb (110 kg) |
Billed from | Memphis, Tennessee |
Trained by | Herb Welch |
Debut | 1977 |
Retired | 2019 |
Roy Wayne Farris (born January 25, 1953) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) from 1986 to 1991, where he performed under the ring name The Honky Tonk Man.
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. 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". 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 BombersFarris began his career in 1977 working in Malden, Missouri and wrestled alongside his training partner Koko B. Ware for promoter Henry Rogers. Farris then moved on to Memphis Wrestling in 1978, originally working as a jobber to the stars. He wrestled frequently in Birmingham, Dothan, Mobile, and Pensacola as "Dynamite" Wayne Farris. He achieved greater success when he teamed with Larry Latham to form The Blond Bombers when they were put together by Jerry Brisco in Florida Championship Wrestling. The Bombers were later put with Sgt. Danny Davis as their manager when they came back to Memphis.
The Blond Bombers were involved in heated feuds with several fan favorite teams across the two competing Tennessee 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 Wrestling in Calgary in 1982 where the Honky Tonk Wayne gimmick was born. A spinoff of rock star Elvis Presley, he sported slicked-back hair, sideburns, and carried a guitar. Honky and Ron Starr won the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship in 1985 and 1986. He later teamed with Cuban Assassin to win the International Tag Team Championship. On June 20, 1986, he defeated Bad News Allen for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship; the title was vacated when Honky left for WWF in 1986.
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. 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 Superstars, a promo aired from Honky where he declared that he would tap dance on the head of Paul Orndorff. Similar promos aired on following episodes of Superstars that month, as well as the new Wrestling Challenge syndicated program. Honky made his televised WWF debut on the September 28, 1986, episode of Wrestling Challenge, defeating Terry Gibbs. Originally pushed as a fan favorite wrestler with an Elvis impersonator gimmick, he was endorsed via an inset promo by none other than WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan himself. He made his debut on the house show circuit on October 8, 1986, defeating 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 promos with Jesse "The Body" Ventura that aired on the WWF's syndicated programming asking fans for a "vote of confidence". When he asked for the vote of confidence, he insulted fans in a way that resembled Andy Kaufman before him. On November 16 he wrestled Mr X (Danny Davis) in a match taped in Toronto for Prime Time Wrestling, with those in attendance firmly against him. On the November 22, 1986 episode of Superstars, the results predictably came back negative, and it was not long before Honky 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.
Honky's first major feud came against Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who was in the midst of a fan favorite turn. The feud intensified when Honky attacked Roberts on his talk show set, The Snake Pit. According to Roberts, Honky was supposed to hit him with a gimmicked balsa wood guitar; he believes Farris accidentally grabbed a real, non-gimmicked guitar (made of fiberglass) and smashed it across Roberts' back, legitimately injuring him. 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). This has been disputed as Roberts had been a known drug user years before this incident. 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". Yet Roberts continued to wrestle regularly following this angle bringing into question the alleged non-gimmicked guitar shot. 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.
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.
Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (1987–1988)
On the June 13, 1987, episode of Superstars, Honky defeated Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat for the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship; Honky reversed Steamboat's inside cradle and grabbed onto the bottom ropes for extra leverage to get the pinfall win. Butch Reed was originally scheduled to win the title. Honky was originally meant to be a transitional champion to only hold on to the title for a short period of time, until Roberts failed several drug tests following WrestleMania and Honky was 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.
To preserve his title, which could only be taken by pinfall or submission, Honky often got himself deliberately counted out or disqualified against challengers such as Steamboat, Billy Jack Haynes, Bruno Sammartino, and George "The Animal" Steele. Also during this time, Honky began using a 50s-styled, themed entrance song performed by Farris (included on Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II, the WWF's second album of wrestling themes). By September 1987, "Macho Man" Randy Savage was in the midst of a fan favorite turn and began challenging Honky for the title (after Honky had made comments about himself being "the greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time" and making disparaging comments about former champions, particularly Savage). Although they had several matches beforehand – they had also met in 1986, when the then-villain Savage was champion and challenged by the fan favorite Honky – the first Savage-Honky match to air on national television was on the October 3, 1987 Saturday Night's Main Event XII, which was taped on September 23 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. During that match, Savage nearly defeated Honky until Honky's allies in Jimmy Hart's stable, The Hart Foundation (who had interfered throughout the match), ran into the ring and attacked Savage, getting Honky disqualified. Savage's manager, Miss Elizabeth, attempted to stop the attack on Savage, but Honky shoved her down and she fled to the locker room; meanwhile, Honky completed his attempt to break his guitar over Savage's head. Shortly thereafter, Miss Elizabeth returned with Savage's former rival, Hulk Hogan, who aided Savage in running off the heels (leading to the formation of The Mega Powers). Honky continued his bitter feud against Savage, as Honky would frequently make advances toward Miss Elizabeth – including one such incident at the 1987 Slammy Awards – to agitate his challenger. The last high-profile Savage-Honky match, aired as part of the undercard to Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant on the 1988 The Main Event I, saw Honky lose by countout after Savage rammed him into the ring post on the outside of the ring. 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 Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Honky's next major rival. During the Beefcake-Honky feud – which began at WrestleMania IV (where Jimmy Hart got him disqualified by knocking out the referee with his megaphone while Beefcake had Honky in a sleeper hold, and this saw Honky retain the title, but Hart got a haircut from Beefcake himself) and continued during the spring and summer of 1988 – Honky vowed not to let Beefcake cut his 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. 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.
Rhythm and Blues and departure (1989–1991)
Main article: Rhythm and BluesIn 1989, Honky entered the Royal Rumble, where he was eliminated by Tito Santana and Bushwhacker Butch. In late 1989 and 1990, he and Greg Valentine, who was also managed by Jimmy Hart, aligned themselves as the tag team Rhythm and Blues in which Valentine became a Roy Orbison rip-off since Honky was an Elvis rip-off. At WrestleMania VI, they notably rode in a pink Cadillac, with future WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page as the driver. After competing against such teams as The Hart Foundation at WrestleMania V and 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. Honky wrapped up his WWF career with a stint as a pro-villains color commentator alongside Vince McMahon and Roddy Piper on Superstars before leaving in January 1991.
Universal Wrestling Federation (1991)
Universal Wrestling Federation promoter Herb Abrams immediately set about signing Ferris to his growing roster of former WWF stars, adding to a burgeoning roster which also included recent signings Andre the Giant, Greg Valentine, and Rick Rude. He (as well as Rude and Valentine) made their debuts on the January 9, 1991 tapings of UWF Fury Hour. Appearing as The Honkytonk Man, Ferris did an in-ring segment with 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.
Independent circuit (1991–1994)
After leaving the UWF, Honky went the independent circuit. He wrestled his former partner Greg Valentine to a double disqualification for United Wrestling Alliance on February 19, 1991. He faced USWA Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler at the TWA Spring Spectacular 2 on May 18, 1991, losing via disqualification. Ferris next appeared for the TWA (Tri-State Wrestling Alliance), where he faced Paul Orndorff. 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 World Championship Wrestling and defeating Terry Taylor on WCW Worldwide. Promotional vignettes began airing for the former WWF star, and he next appeared on August 15, 1994, on WCW Pro with a win over Brad Armstrong. The Clash of The Champions special on August 24, 1994, featured the debut of his new song "Honky Dog Baby". Honky Tonk Man remained undefeated on WCW television, defeating Mike Winner and Sam Houston. He began appearing on WCW's renewed house show circuit in October, defeating Brian Pillman in multiple encounters. On October 24, 1994, he appeared on his first WCW PPV, wrestling 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 Starrcade. Honky Tonk continued to remained undefeated on television, with his final match before the PPV coming on December 17 in a win over Steve Collins on WCW Worldwide. 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 Monday Night Raw taping in Tampa, FL. In a show that aired on December 29, Honky Tonk told the fans that he could not sing for the fans and instead provided color commentary. This would expand to commentary work on Raw Is War, WWF Superstars, and Shotgun Saturday Night, and then as the manager of Billy Gunn, who had started a singles run. Under Honky's tutelage, Gunn became known as "Rockabilly" in April 1997, which was a short-lived and unsuccessful gimmick and was also disliked by Honky himself. When Gunn formed the New Age Outlaws with Road Dogg in October 1997, Honky was taken off TV. He then made an appearance in the 1998 Royal Rumble event eliminated by Vader.
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.
Later independent career (2000–2019)
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 Impact Pro Wrestling in New Zealand, at the Armageddon Expo 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, Santino Marella announced his intention to break Honky's record for longest Intercontinental Championship reign, usually displaying a special "Honk-a-meter" comparing Honky's 64-week record with the length of his own reign at the time. On the October 6 episode of Raw, Honky (now a fan favorite for the first time since 1986), along with 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, 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. 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. Honky inducted Koko B. Ware into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
Sporadic appearances (2010–2013)
In 2010, WWE offered him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame, but he rejected it. Honky made a brief appearance on Old School Raw on March 4, 2013. Following a match between the team of 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. He was inducted on April 7, 2019, by his former manager Jimmy Hart.
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 part of the “Post Malone & Friends” DLC
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.
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.
Farris's first marriage to Judy Lynn Nuckolls was brief, but he has been married to his current wife Tammy since 1984. He has lived in Gilbert, Arizona since June 1993.
Although a kayfabe rival of Randy Savage, Farris had a professionally friendly relationship with him. Both men held the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship for over one year, with Farris beating Savage by a few weeks.
Farris considers Harley Race to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time.
Farris has stated that he donates his hair to Locks of Love once a year.
Championships and accomplishments
- All Pro Wrestling
- Big Time Wrestling
- BTW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Men's Wrestling Award (2011)
- International Championship Wrestling
- ICW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Legends Pro Wrestling
- XWF/LPW Hall of Fame (class of 2008)
- Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation
- Mid-South Wrestling Association
- MSWA Tennessee Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- NWA Mid-America/Continental Wrestling Association
- AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Larry Latham (3) and Tojo Yamamoto (1)
- NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Larry Latham
- North Atlantic Wrestling Association
- NAWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul Hudson
- Northern States Wrestling Alliance
- NSWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Greg Valentine
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 159 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1992
- Ring Masters Entertainment
- RME Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- RME Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bobby Collins
- Southeastern Championship Wrestling
- Stampede Wrestling
- Stampede International Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Ron Starr (2) and The Cuban Assassin (1)
- Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Ultimate Championship Wrestling
- UCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bushwhacker Luke
- Ultimate Championship Wrestling (Virginia)
- UCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Universal Wrestling Association
- UWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- World Wrestling Council
- World Wrestling Federation/WWE
References
- ^ "The Honky Tonk Man". WWE. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- Beaston, Erik. "Full Career Retrospective and Greatest Moments for the Honky Tonk Man". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Honky Tonk Man profile". Online World of Wrestling. March 18, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- "WWF - 1986 Results". January 16, 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Bayless, Brian (August 25, 2016). "Kayfabe Commentaries Presents: YouShoot with the Honky Tonk Man". Scott's Blog of Doom. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ 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.
- "WrestleMania III results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- "WWF - 1987 Results". January 16, 2023.
- ^ "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.
- Honky Tonk Man sings Honky Ton Man, WWF 1987, retrieved August 24, 2021
- "WrestleMania IV results". World Wrestling Entertainment. May 19, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- Currier, Joseph (September 7, 2023). "Triple H congratulates Gunther on becoming longest-reigning WWE IC champion". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- "Royal Rumble 1989 entrances and eliminations". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ Benigno, Anthony (April 6, 2019). "Honky Tonk Man shakes, rattles and rolls his way into the Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- "WrestleMania V results". World Wrestling Entertainment. February 17, 2005. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- "Survivor Series 1990 results". World Wrestling Entertainment. November 6, 2006. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- "Herb Abram's UWF Fury Hour #21 03/18/91 - Scott's Blog of Doom!". January 16, 2022.
- "TWA Spring Spectacular II". Cage Match. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- "TWA". Cage Match. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- "WCW - 1994 Results". January 16, 2023.
- "Royal Rumble 2001 entrances and eliminations". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- 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.
- Sitterson, Aubrey (October 6, 2008). "Still No. 1". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- Sitterson, Aubrey (October 27, 2008). "Just desserts". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- "WWE Hall of Fame 2009 inductees". Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- 2K Games. "WWE2K24 - SEASON PASS IS BACK". WWE 2K. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - 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.
- "Roy Farris - Universal Life Church Ministers". Universal Life Church Ministers. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
- "Where Are They Now? Honky Tonk Man". wwe.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "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.
- YouTube Video. Archived June 16, 2019, at the Wayback Machine
- "All Pro Wrestling Title Histories". titlehistories.com. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
- Oliver, Greg (April 20, 2011). "Lifetime honoree Foley captivates at CAC Baloney Blowout". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2000). Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006) . "(Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title ". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Waterloo, Ontario: Archeus Communications. pp. 185–189. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- "Southern Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
- "N.A.W.A. Title Histories". North Atlantic Wrestling Association. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
- "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
External links
- Official website
- The Honky Tonk Man's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
- The Honky Tonk Man on WWE.com
- Roy Wayne Farris at IMDb
- Tha O Show Episode 160 Honky Tonk Man interview
- Honky Tonk Man's interview with GENICKBRUCH.com
- Honky Tonk Man's 2nd interview with GENICKBRUCH.com
- 1953 births
- 20th-century male professional wrestlers
- 20th-century American professional wrestlers
- 21st-century male professional wrestlers
- 21st-century American professional wrestlers
- American male professional wrestlers
- Elvis impersonators
- Living people
- People from Bolivar, Tennessee
- People from Gilbert, Arizona
- People from Malden, Missouri
- Professional wrestlers from Tennessee
- Professional wrestling managers and valets
- Stampede Wrestling alumni
- Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Champions
- Stampede Wrestling North American Heavyweight Champions
- First Family (professional wrestling) members
- WWE Hall of Fame inductees
- WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions