He feuded with Austin Idol in 1980, being called "Baron Von Onion
Head". He soon won the NWA Georgia Heavyweight championship from Austin
Idol with his claw hold. Later that same year he lost the championship
to a young Steve Kern via a result of a Sleeper hold. Soon after this
title lost he left the NWA for the AWA, which he then turn "Good Guy"
to avenge his old tag-team partner, Mad Dog Vachon, from an injury
sustain by Crusher Jerry Blackwell.