10 Things You Didn't Know About The Honky Tonk Man

3. His Refusal To Lay Down Lead To The Push Of Randy Savage's Career

The Honky Tonk Man was known for being adamant on one thing. He didn't want to job on television. Perpetually financially-minded, HTM was obsessed with not diminishing his brand by being pinned on national television. "All I said was, 'Treat me good on TV. Take care of me on television.' Back in the old days, us old guys always believed that if they destroy you on television, you're pretty much destroyed." This lead to a rather heated standoff in October 1987. Vince wanted Honky Tonk Man to drop the belt to Randy Savage on the October 3rd edition of Saturday Night Main Event. He refused, threatening to no-show the event and take the belt to another promotion. Vince conceded and the match ended in DQ after a run-in from the Hart Foundation. What happened after the match, however, cannot be forgotten. Honky Tonk Man pushed down Savage's valet and beloved, Miss Elizabeth and proceeded to decimate the Macho Man with the help of the Harts. Miss Elizabeth went backstage and brought back the cavalry: Hulk Hogan. The two babyface cleared the ring and shook hands, to the delight of audiences around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhjsRbXDfIo The Mega Powers was formed, culminating in a fantastic slow-burn feud that began with Randy Savage winning the vacant WWF Title at Wrestlemania IV, holding the belt for a year before turning heel and feuding with the Hulkster into Wrestlemania V. Would any of this have happened if Savage had captured the IC title that night? It's unlikely. By refusing to lay down on TV, the Honky Tonk Man unwittingly ushered in the era of Savage as main event superstar, forming two unforgettable year-long title reigns in the process.
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Adam is a sports writer, comedian and actor, currently living in London.