Going into 1978, Stan Hansen was the Georgia Champion having defeated Dick Slater in December.  Bob Armstrong was the Georgia Television Champion while Ole Anderson and Sgt. Jacques Goulet were the Georgia Tag Team Champions.  During 1978, many superstars from all over the United States made appearances in Georgia.  This included Superstar Graham from the WWWF, Ric Flair from Mid-Atlantic, Bobo Brazil from Detroit, Rocky Johnson, Bobby Duncum and later on in the year the Briscos and The Funks.

Another man that started making appearances in Georgia was AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkle with his manager Bobby Heenan. Both were immediately disliked by the fans.  While in Georgia, Bockwinkle defended his title against Dusty Rhodes, Bob Armstrong, Tony Atlas, Mr. Wrestling 2 and several others.  One incident on television saw Gordon Solie in the ring interviewing Bockwinkle, Heneen and Mr. Wrestling 2.  Things got out of hand and fists started flying.  Mr. Wrestling 2 cleared the ring of Bockwinkle and Heneen.  As Solie approached Mr. Wrestling 2, he turned around and decked Gordon.  Solie was carried out of the ring and Freddy Miller took his place.  Later on in the show as Heenan was being interviewed, Gordon came out and blame him for what happen. Later in the show, Mr. Wrestling 2 came out and apologize to Gordon.  After a couple of months, Bockwinkle and Heenan would leave the state, but would return a year later, managing Killer Karl Kox, Blackjack Lanza, The Masked Superstar and would be one of the reasons that Ole Anderson made his first babyface turn.

Towards the end of the summer, a tournament was held where the winner would get a title shot at World Champion Harley Race.  A battle royal took place first.  The winner of the battle royal would get a round bye.  Newcomer to the area, The Masked Superstar won the battle royal and got the round bye.  He would be one of the final 4 in the tournament losing by disqualification to Mr. Wrestling.  Thunderbolt Patterson ended up wining the tournament.  The Masked Superstar stayed in Georgia and made a challenged for anyone to break his cobra hold.  The Superstar and Mr. Wrestling 2 took a total disliking to one another as each man vow to unmask the other one.