The Honky Tonk Man

The Honky Tonk Man proclaimed himself the “Greatest Intercontinental Champion of All Time”. Considering that he held the title for fourteen months and was one of the greatest heat generators it is really hard to argue that statement.

He wasn’t supposed to be a heat magnet. When Wayne Ferris debuted as the Honky Tonk Man for the WWF, he received a monster push and an endorsement from Hulk Hogan. Unlike anyone before or since, the fans rejected him. Rather than repackage him, the Honky Tonk Man embraced the disdain of the fans and become a despicable heel. He wasn’t the most athletic athlete and he didn’t have the spectacular move set, but once he got into the ring the fans hated him more than almost anyone and he was one of the guys you always wanted to see get his. Like the late King of music whom he imitated, The Honky Tonk Man certainly got the entertainment aspect of wrestling and he could always deliver that.

Should The Honky Tonk Man be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 89.4%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.6%

No opinion. - 1.3%

No way! - 3.8%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Wayne Ferris (Real Name)
Punk Rock Ferris
Billed From: U.S.A. (Memphis, TN)
Key Championships Held: AWA Southern Tag Team (4) (3w/Larry Latham, 1w/Tojo Yamomoto)
NWA Alabama Heavyweight
NWA Mid American Tag Team (3) w/Larry Latham
Stampede International Tag Team (3) (2w/Ron Starr, 1w/The Cuban Assasin)
Stampede North American
WWC Caribbean Heavyweight
WWF Intercontinental
Why they will get in: He really was the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.
Why they won't get in: A live microphone for him may not be the best idea.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Defeated Jake Roberts in what was an upset at Wrestlemania III (3/29/87)
2. Won the title that defined his career when he pinned Ricky Steamboat for the WWF IC Title (6/2/87)
3. Lumberjack Match win over Ricky Steamboat (8/27/87)
4. Lost by DQ defending the IC Title against Randy Savage but cemented
himself as the number one heel in the company by shoving Elizabeth on SNME (9/23/87)
5. Lost to Hulk Hogan on SNME in a WWF World Heavyweight Title Shot (7/18/89)