In 1996, the Honky Tonk Man made his national debut - in the rings of the WWE. Alongside manager "Colonel" Jim 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 first single - appropriately entitled "The Honky Tonk Man". The beginning line said " 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 wreslers. Jake "The Snake" Roberts took offense at his antics and invited Honky for an appearance on his interview segment - "The Snake Pit". Live on WWE 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 one-on-one in the incredible 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 WWE Superstar television program - cleanly pinning Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat to capture the WWE Intercontinental Title. He would defend his title 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 there after, Jimmy Hart decided to take Honky's career in an entirely new direction - pairing him with his latest signee - Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Know 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 WWE. 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-lose record. At WWE In Your House 15 - Cold Day In Hell - Billy 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 Jerret, Disco Inferno, Men on a Mission, K Kwik, and numerous others have utilized this concept effectively.