Bud Davis, portrayed by John Travolta, relocates to Houston to pursue a career in the bustling oil refinery industry. His ambition is to save enough money to return to his hometown of Spur, Texas, and purchase land. He moves in with his Uncle Bob, played by Barry Corbin, and quickly becomes immersed in the local lifestyle. Bob introduces Bud to Gilley's, a lively honky-tonk bar, where Bud swiftly adapts to the vibrant nightlife.
At Gilley's, Bud encounters Sissy, enacted by Debra Winger, who provocatively questions whether he is a genuine cowboy. Their chemistry leads them to fall deeply in love, culminating in a marriage proposal shortly thereafter. They celebrate their wedding at Gilley's and settle into a brand-new mobile home. Despite their love, their relationship is marked by frequent conflicts; Sissy’s independent spirit clashes with Bud’s adherence to traditional gender roles, which dictate that the man works while the woman handles domestic affairs. This results in a daily cycle of work during the day and evenings spent at Gilley's, where Bud enjoys riding the mechanical bull. However, he forbids Sissy from participating, deeming it inappropriate.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Wes Hightower, a character portrayed by Scott Glenn, recently released from Huntsville Penitentiary. Thanks to his rodeo talents, he secures a job at Gilley's operating the mechanical bull. Wes flirts with Sissy, who is momentarily flattered, igniting Bud’s jealousy. This culminates in a physical confrontation between Bud and Wes after Bud spirals into a drunken rage. Meanwhile, Sissy chooses to pursue bull riding against Bud's wishes, embarking on a quest to impress him.
One evening, after being encouraged by her friend Jessie and Wes, Sissy rides the bull. When Bud learns of this, his anger escalates, leading to a dramatic confrontation that results in Bud sustaining a broken arm. At home, their argument intensifies, and Bud’s frustration culminates in a shocking act of violence when he slaps Sissy and sends her away from their trailer.
Despite their tumultuous feelings, Bud and Sissy encounter each other again at Gilley's. Sissy, still wounded by Bud's actions, refuses to communicate with him. In a bid to incite jealousy, Bud opts to dance with Pam, portrayed by Madolyn Smith Osborne, while Sissy dances with Wes. Despite their fleeting connections, turmoil continues as Sissy ultimately moves in with Wes, who resides in a dilapidated trailer behind Gilley's.
As Bud prepares for the upcoming mechanical bull riding contest, he trains with Uncle Bob, who, while a rodeo champion himself, advises Bud to mend his relationship with Sissy. During this time, Sissy goes back to their mobile home to collect her belongings, cleaning the space in the process and leaving behind a note filled with hope for reconciliation, which Pam subsequently discards.
Tragedy strikes when Uncle Bob dies in a refinery explosion, prompting a somber reunion at his funeral where Sissy informs Bud about Wes's unemployment and their plans to leave for Mexico after a potential victory at the bull riding contest. However, in a twist of fate, Bud emerges as the new champion of the contest, and Pam, recognizing Bud's lingering feelings for Sissy, encourages him to reach out to her.
Sissy grapples with the reality of her relationship with Wes, who becomes increasingly abusive, leading her to refuse a trip to Mexico with him until he strikes her. He later orders Sissy to wait for him in a car parked behind Gilley's, unaware that Bud is en route to intercept her. Bud confesses his enduring love for Sissy, who reciprocates with an emotional embrace.
Faced with the sight of Sissy’s bruises, Bud confronts Wes, igniting a fierce altercation at the bar’s entrance. The scuffle results in Wes dropping his gun and the stolen prize money from his jacket. Bud ultimately overpowers Wes, delivering a series of blows before restraining him on the floor. Gilley's staff, alerted to the chaos, apprehend Wes, allowing Bud and Sissy to reconcile and head home together, enveloped in their renewed love.
