GSW 143 – Wrestling Superstars

News & Notes from The LA Times

• There’s been a big roster shakeup at Golden State Wrestling. Several wrestlers have either been let go or granted their release. No long with the company are: The Spoiler, Tully Blanchard, Sam Houston, Jim Milliman, Johnny Rodz, Nacho Barrera and Kenny Jay. Tag teams of The Moondogs and The Mulkeys are also gone and Boris Zhukov is gone, breaking up the team of The Bolsheviks.
• GWS has picked up a few new wrestlers in Bad News Allen, Paul Orndorff and Steve Lombardi. All three will debut on Card 143.
• Commissioner Patrick has said to be deep in heavy negotiations to sign a former Olympic and Pan Am athlete. No word on who it is yet.
• Bobby Heenan has been telling anyone who will listen that he has a new signing who will debut soon.
• Rumors are swirling that “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan may be close to leaving the company.
• A rematch for the Western Heavyweight Championship between Harley Race and Roddy Piper has been signed for Card 145 on April 20, 1980 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento.

GSW 143 – Wrestling Superstars from Golden State Studios, Burbank, CA – Saturday, April 5, 1980

U.S. Express d. Tom Stone and Steve Lombardi when Mike Rotundo covered Steve Lombardi after an AIRPLANE SPIN – ★ – Lombardi and Stone gave the U.S. Express a little trouble but the newcomers were able to win in the end.

Bad News Allen d. George South via jumping leg drop – ★1/2 – Dominant showing by Bad News Allen in his debut here in GSW. He refused an interview after his match.

Cowboy Bob Orton d. Paul Orndorff via SUPERPLEX – ★★1/2 – The workhorse Bob Orton beats Paul Orndorff who was making his debut. After the match Orton said, “He’s nothing to worry about.”

“Ravishing” Rick Rude d. George “The Animal” Steele with the RUDE AWAKENING – SQUASH – Absolute trouncing of George Steele by former champion Rick Rude here.

GSW Television Championship
Don Muraco d. Hillbilly Jim via a roll through of a cross body block and a handful of tights – ★★★★1/2 – This was a hell of a match and Hillbilly Jim took Muraco further than any other challenger has. Mr. Fuji’s cane was involved at one point but Hillbilly Jim fought back. Both men were bloody by the end.