WWE History Vol. 9: Wrestling's greatest stables

The First Family of Wrestling

Jimmy Hart and his most famous client, the Honky Tonk Man.

Jimmy Hart is one of the most recognizable managers from WWE's classic era. Many fans also know him from the Monday Night War era of WCW, where he managed Hulk Hogan among others.

Hart joined the WWE in 1985 on a recommendation from his good friend Hillbilly Jim. Hart had already managed stables known as the First Family in other promotions, and he was able to keep the name when he joined WWE. The only addition made to his character was a megaphone, which amplified his already big mouth to new, annoying heights--and also made a convenient weapon to toss to his talent.

Some of the biggest names in wrestling history have been managed by Jimmy Hart. These include The Hart Foundation of Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart, Greg Valentine, King Kong Bundy, and of course the Honky Tonk Man, whom Hart managed during his lengthy, history making Intercontinental championship run.

Jimmy Hart, much like Bobby Heenan, joined WCW after his tenure with WWE. Unlike Heenan, he continued to manage wrestlers, though he was never able to raise them to the same levels he had in WWE.