home/speakers/details

Wayne Farris


Wrestling Legend 'Honky Tonk Man'


About Wayne Farris

Ron Wayne Farris a.k.a. ‘The Honky Tonk Man’ had his pro wrestling debut in 1979. Wayne Farris was 6’1″ and weighed 256 pounds. Wayne Farris’s finishing move was the ‘Swinging Neckbreaker’. Wayne Farris was part of a tag team with Larry Latham known as the Blonde Bombers The Blonde Bombers were managed by Sgt. Danny Davis. In 1979, the Blonde Bombers downed George Gulas and Ken Lucas for the NWA Mid-American Tag Team title in Chattanooga, TN. The Blonde Bombers regained the NWA Mid-American Tag Team title in July 1980 by defeating Bobby Eaton and the Great Togo. Later Wayne Farris and the Cuban Assassian defeated Chris Benoit and Ben Bassarab in Calgary, Alberta for the Stampede International Tag Team title. In 1986, Wayne Farris defeated Bad News Allen to capture the Stampede North American title. In August 1986, Wayne Farris vacated the North American title, and headed to the WWF, and became the ‘Honky Tonk Man’. In 1987, the Honky Tonk Man defeated Ricky Steamboat in Buffalo, NY to capture the Intercontinental title. Honky Tonk Man would hold the title until Summerslam 1988.
At the 1990 Survivor Series, Ted DiBiase, the Undertaker, Rythm’n Blues [Honky Tonk Man, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine] defeated the Dream Team of Dusty Rhodes, Koko B. Ware, the Hart Foundation [Hart and Jim Neidhart].

In 1986, the Honky Tonk Man made his national debut – in the rings of the WWF. Alongside manager “Colonel” Jimmy Hart, Honky utilized his “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” finisher to score an impressive series of consecutive wins. Despite his strong in-ring record, Honky seemed preoccupied with “records” of another sort – the vinyl variety! Attempting to juggle a dual career as a wrestler AND musician, Honky released his first single – appropriately entitled “The Honky Tonk Man.” The beginning line said it all – “I’ve got long side burns and my hair slicked back, I’m coming to your town in my pink Cadillac!”
Honky quickly gained the attention of the fans – who were taken aback by his cocky attitude. When he hit the ring – the crowd showered him with boos. Undaunted by their response, Honky would quickly grab the mic and proclaim, “Thank you, thank you, you’re a beautiful audience!”
Honky’s attitude did not go unnoticed by his fellow wrestlers. Jake “The Snake” Roberts took offense at his antics and invited Honky for an appearance on his interview segment – “The Snake Pit.” Live on WWF Superstars, Jake confronted Honky, attempting to intimidate him with his python. In an unforgettable moment – Honky proceeded to blast Jake squarely over the head with his guitar. This was the origin of the “guitar shot” – a “move” which wrestlers continue to emulate to this day.
At WrestleMania 3, Honky Tonk and Jake met one-on-one in incredible the Pontiac Silverdome. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, which included interference by both Jimmy Hart and rock icon Alice Cooper, Honky scored the win over Jake.
On June 2, 1987, the Honky Tonk Man would once again make history on the WWF Superstars television program – cleanly pinning Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat to capture the WWF Intercontinental Title. He would defend this title proudly for the next 14 months – earning himself the moniker of the “GREATEST INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION OF ALL TIME.” At SummerSlam 1988, Honky would finally lose the title to the Ultimate Warrior.
Shortly thereafter, Jimmy Hart decided to take Honky’s career in an entirely new direction – pairing him with his latest signee – Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Known as “Rhythm and Blues,” the duo had many memorable encounters with the Hart Foundation.
In 1994, yearning for new competition, the Honky Tonk Man jumped-ship to WCW – and immediately entered into a feud with a fellow wrestler/musician – Johnny B Badd.
In 1997, the Honky Tonk Man resurfaced in the WWF. Live on Monday Night RAW, Honky promised to unveil his new “protege” to the fans. But who could it be? The rumor mill ran rampant. Finally, Honky revealed the protege to be none other than Billy Gunn under his wing. Now known as “Rockabilly,” Gunn began following Honky’s expert advice – which reflected in his win-loss record! At WWF In Your House 15 – Cold Day In Hell – Bily Gunn scored his most significant win to date – defeating the Road Dogg Jesse James. Honky would continue guiding Billy’s career over the next several months.
A true wrestling legend, the Honky Tonk Man paved the way for the “dual artist” – that is, the wrestler who is also preoccupied with a musical career. Stars such as Jeff Jarrett, Disco Inferno, Men on a Mission, K Kwik, and numerous others have utilized this concept effectively.
Today, the Honky Tonk Man remains one of the most active pro wrestlers on the independent circuit. Don’t miss your opportunity to bring the “GREATEST INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION OF ALL TIME” to your next event!

Career Highlights

  • NWA Mid-American Tag Team title – 1979, 1980
  • Stampede International Tag Team title
  • Stampede North American title – 1986
  • Wayne Farris vacated the North American title, and headed to the WWF, and became the ‘Honky Tonk Man’
  • Intercontinental title – 1987