For one year, The Honky Tonk Man successfully retained his WWE Intercontinental Championship, either by hook or crook. Fans jam packed arenas in hopes of seeing popular midcard stars like Tito Santana, Koko B. Ware and Brutus Beefcake dethrone the loudmouthed Elvis wannabe. Unfortunately, be it through countouts or disqualifications, he would emerge with his title intact. When Beefcake was injured in an angle involving Ron Bass, Honky was left without an opponent for the IC title match at the inaugural SummerSlam pay-per-view. Staying true to his arrogant character, the champion took to the squared circle and cut a promo in which he challenged anyone from the locker room to come to the ring and challenge for the gold. Commentator Gorilla Monsoon chastised the champion for his brashness, and rightfully so. Seconds later, The Ultimate Warrior exploded through the curtain, hit the ring and bowled over Honky Tonk Man to capture the IC title, ending the country crooner's reign of terror over WWE. Rarely had a victory elicited the reaction it did from the Madison Square Garden faithful that night, with every man, woman and child exploding in appreciation for Warrior's victory and the end of the line for Honky's year-plus run with the title.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
