Part 8/12:
However, Honky's fortunes changed when he transitioned from a fan-favorite into one of wrestling's most despised heels. His title reign as the Intercontinental Champion began on June 13, 1987, when he defeated Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Originally slated for a brief run, numerous factors—including Roberts’ drug test failures—extended his reign to an astonishing 454 days. This tenure eventually cemented him as one of wrestling’s most notorious villains.