Malachi, Badfinger, Davenport & "Krazies" Inducted Into KSWA HOF

by Thomas Leturgey

In the most unconventional presentation in the history of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA), Owner Bobby Orkwis was able to induct three men (and a group of people) into the Hall of Fame Saturday, December 5.

Traditionally, the KSWA Hall of Fame presentation is a part of the Joe Abby Memorial Night each March. Either in tournament or “special attraction” match, the KSWA honors the memory of Studio Wrestling mainstay and Pittsburgh businessman Joe Abbenante. This year, COVID-19 halted the tournament and nearly snuffed out the Hall of Fame ceremony. Instead, the KSWA honored this year’s inductees as part of the KSWA Toy Drive at Gino Brother's in Sharpsburg.

Orkwis presented multi-time champion Bobby Badfingers (Robert Giovaniello) and former KSWA Heavyweight and tag team champion (among other titles) “Big” Mike Malachi (Mike Murphy) their plaques at Gino Brother’s Pizza restaurant in Sharpsburg. Fellow inductee, videographer Tom Davenport, was unable to attend the ceremony.

“It’s a special year for me,” said Orkwis. “Because all three of these men are my friends.” Malachi, who recently retired from in-ring action, has been a KSWA Megastar for the better part of 20 years. Badfingers, who had to had to retire early due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, had been a pillar of Pittsburgh’s professional wrestling locker room since 2009.

Davenport has been the KSWA’s official videographer since he began filming action from ringside in 2004.

The KSWA Championship Committee also took the opportunity, in its 20th year, to officially recognize the KSWA Krazies fan base as Hall of Famers as well. Everyone who stopped by to donate toys at Gino’s Saturday night received a baggy of goodies, including a KSWA HOF refrigerator magnet for recognition.

The Class of 2020 was an unusual first in that all three individual members earned their Hall of Fame nod exclusively due to their work in the KSWA. Oftentimes inductees have had lengthy and/or impactful years as members of the Pittsburgh and/or Pennsylvania communities. All have represented the sport of professional wrestling with dignity and panache.

All three men are generous humanitarians and family men, in addition to being extraordinary professional wrestling personalities. Malachi is a resident of Ross Township, Badfingers lives in Monongahela, and Davenport resides in Washington, PA.

The KSWA Hall of Fame, with the most prestigious award of its type in Independent Professional Wrestling, now has 37 members (members include Bruno Sammartino, Dominic DeNucci, John DeFazio, Chuck Martoni, Bobby "Hurricane" Hunt, "Chilly" Bill Cardille, Bill Eadie, Donna Christiantello, Angie Morelli, Cody Michaels, Lord Zoltan, Preston Steele, Bucky & Eugene Palermo, "Luscious" Johnny Valiant, Bill Apter, and a vast legion of fans.

The KSWA looks forward to resuming its 21st year, sometime in 2021.