Photo by Dave Burzynski, Thats the worst part of it, said Strongbow, then a 16-year-veteran. By this time, they were transitioning away from the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation. Bret [Hart], a gifted cartoonist, would regularly search for a blackboard backstage, then sketch a profile of the Chief, with an enormous bubble waist and huge nose. April 6, 1984 House Show:Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Charlie Fulton. I never connected well with Strongbow because, among other reasons, he was incredibly cheap. Jan 28: WWE Royal Rumble February 15, 1985 House Show:Adrian Adonis defeated Chief Jay Strongbow. "Chief" Jay quietly faded away, while Joe Scarpa settled into his new life as a WWF "suit. Chief Jay Strongbow Popularity . November 18, 1984 House Show:Mr. Fuji defeated Chief Jay Strongbow. Truly, "Chief" Scarpa signed with the World Wrestling Federation as a wrestler in star spangled banner trunks to represent his country. Updates. Dominic Nucciarone commence sa carrire de catcheur Montral [5].Il fait ses dbuts le 5 novembre 1958 sous le nom de The Masked Marvel o il perd face Johnny Rougeau [5].Il se fait dmasquer le 21 janvier 1959 aprs sa dfaite face Bernard Vignal [6]. [3] In April 1988, Scarpa joined Continental Championship Wrestling. #ChiefJayStrongbow #TheSheik Chief Jay Strongbow VS The Sheik 1973 Chief Jay Strongbow. When Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales ruled the roost, he was the next babyface in line; when Superstar Graham was the villainous WWWF champion, Strongbow was a frequent opponent, though they did not see eye to eye. He would face "The Duke of Dorchester" Pete Doherty later that month and would defeat him in each encounter. $129.95. Larry Johnson is an American former professional wrestler better known as Sonny King. He drove around in an old pick-up truck and wanted the people to think he was one of them.. In November he was paired against Earthquake in the latter's initial run of house show matches, and gained his first victory on American television when he pinned Barry Horowitz on the December 4th edition of Prime Time Wrestling. June 5, 1984 House Show:Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Ron Shaw. Although Strongbow was a talented singles star in his own right, he etched his name in history through his accomplishments in the tag team scene. January 7, 1989 AWA:Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Mike Enos. [4] Although he was not defeated in his tenure, Young abruptly left WCW following a March 23 match against Kendall Windham in Harrisonburg, VA after receiving a full-time position with the World Wrestling Federation. His wife and I became very close.. him. He trained every day with Don. Then, on December 7, 1976 Strongbow regained his tag team campionship, this time with partner Billy White Wolf. Scarpa was a second generation wrestler; his adopted father was Chief Jay Strongbow who wrestled in the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the 1970s and 1980s. It was not just with kind words and actions but with chastisement when I needed it, Brisco wrote in his autobiography. Required fields are marked *. Under Joe Scarpa, he wrestled about eight years, primarily around Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. As a role model - for people of all races - there was none better, and "The Chief" proudly wrestled his entire career as a beloved fan favorite. Now given a breakdancing gimmick, Young defeated Trent Knight in his debut on the February 18, 1989 issue of WCW's Saturday Night show. That was how the business was taught in those years.. This time, the Native American duo held on to the title belts, and defended them against the WWF's best teams. He knew the business. The most notable being the WW(W)F World Tag Team championship, which he won on 4 separate occasions. Funk won. On the July 13 episode ofChampionship Wrestling, the Strongbows lost the titles back to Fuji and Saito,[2]but on the October 26 episode ofChampionship Wrestling, the Strongbows defeated Fuji and Saito for their second WWF Tag Team Championship reign as a team. This article is about the 1980s-era pro wrestler. Much like his contemporary Wahoo McDaniel, he portrayed a Native American wrestler, who wore a war bonnet to the ring and would "go on the warpath" when the fans started cheering him against an opponent. Strongbow exhibits all four of those qualities, as well as one other memorable trait: Going on the warpath. 8/10 He Wasn't The First To Use The Native American Gimmick After seeking revenge on Patera for the loss of his partner, Strongbow then went on to face the WWWF World Heavyweight champion "Superstar" Billy Graham in a top-drawing feud. champions in pro wrestling, he never allowed his ego to get the best of glamorous role - that of a WWF road agent. It was only a matter of time -- and finding the right partner -- for Strongbow before he would again share the title gold. Johnny Valentine. Early in his career, the 6-foot-2, 265-pound youngster got some publicity in Chillicothe, Mo., before a bout with Bob Orton Sr. Flying Joe caters to barefoot stylings, patterned after the famed offensive of Argentina Rocca, one of wrestlings biggest names, reads the newspaper story. On February 25, 2016, Scarpa died at the age of 48. "Chief" Jay Strongbow was arguably the most famous, beloved Native He was a true babyface. He did not sign to a full-time contract, and these would be his only appearances that year. NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight title defeating Joe McCarthy (May 3, 1960); NWA (Mid America) World Tag Team titles w/Lester Welch defeating Don and Al Greene (Febuary 29, 1961); NWA (Mid America) World Tag Team titles w/Lester Welch defeating Joe and Jackie Fargo (May 29, 1961); NWA (Florida) World Tag Team titles w/Don Curtis defeating Karl and Kurt Von Brauner (March 29, 1962); NWA (Georgia) World Tag Team titles w/Don Curtis Billed as champions (June 1962); NWA (Gulf Coast) Southern Tag Team titles w/Lee Fields defeating Don and Al Greene (April 10, 1963); NWA (Gulf Coast) Southern Tag Team titles w/Lee Fields defeating Pancho Villa and Tiger Tomasso (May 3, 1963); NWA (Mid America) World Tag Team titles w/Alex Perez defeating Karl and Kurt Von Brauner (October 15, 1964); NWA (Georgia) Southern Tag Team titles w/Chief Little Eagle defeating Corsica Jean and Corsica Joe (June 4, 1965); NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Johnny Valentine (December 5, 1967); NWA (Florida) Southern Tag Team titles w/Jose Lothario defeating Aldo Bogni and Bronko Lubich (April 23, 1968); NWA Florida Brass Knuckles title defeating Boris Malenko (July 30, 1968); NWA (Florida) Southern Tag Team titles w/Jose Lothario defeating Boris Malenko and Johnny Valentine (August 31, 1968); NWA (Florida) Southern Tag Team titles w/Jose Lothario defeating The Blue Infernos (October 8, 1968); NWA Florida Brass Knuckles title defeating Boris Malenko (April 23, 1969); NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Paul DeMarco (September 19, 1969); NWA Georgia Television title defeating Assassin #2 in a tournament (November 22, 1969); NWA Macon Tag Team titles w/El Mongol defeating Buddy Colt and Homer O` Dell (March 17, 1970); WWWF Tag Team titles w/Sonny King defeating Curtis Iaukea and Baron Mikel Scicluna (May 22, 1972); PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1973). They stayed together day and night. August 11, 1984 House Show:Chief Jay Strongbow defeated John Savage. Health Problems End Chief Jay Strongbow's Career In 1985, Chief Jay Strongbow's career was still going well, but Luke Scarpa's health was on the decline. Scarpa claims it gives greater agility and so far no one has questioned that. Jay Strongbow also competed forThe SheiksBig Time Wrestling promotion in Detroit. They gelled well together, they traveled well together, they worked out together. Young also appeared on American television, teaming with Tim Horner and Jim Evans in tag-team matches against The Rougeau Brothers and The Brain Busters. Libras. He and Don got along beautifully. Contents I felt that he was rushing our matches, and wondered whether he was trying to blow me up, Graham wrote in Tangled Ropes. Clip from Episode 1The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo and JP Zarka of https://ProWrestlingStories.comFor the 3hr 45min extended version of The Genius Cast fina. For the first five years I was in the WWF, every arena I went to sold out, Strongbow bragged in a 2009 profile in his hometown Griffin, Georgia, newspaper to coincide with his induction into the Amsterdam, NY, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. If it wasnt quite outright bitterness, it wasnt very far from it. It would be made permanently legal at the opening of 1970. Strongbow understood how the wrestling business works, and was never above "doing the job" in order to help "the team." Still billed as Todd Overbow, Scarpa journeyed the following month to the Global Wrestling Federation. Chief Jay Strongbow, the WWWF star who died today, was always a pretty matter of fact guy, someone who saw his role as a star wrestler as a job and never expressed a great love of the business. August 12, 1984 House Show:Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Tiger Chung Lee. A man who truly Perhaps the greatest Native American to lace up a pair of boots, Chief Jay was one of sports-entertainment's most influential and popular grapplers for almost 40 years. A man who truly Trainer: Don Eagle. 1960s: Chief Jay Strongbow started wrestling primarily for Vince McMahon Sr's World Wide Wrestling Federation. Born In 1928. part of the management team, Strongbow made many sacrifices, and He retired in 2001. Robert L. Howell wrote: Joe Scarpa and Paul Demarco had a rough main event match which Scarpa won with the sleeper. As But The Strongbows were not to be denied, and they regrouped, again defeating Fuji & Saito on October 26, 1982. both a main event and mid-card performer, Strongbow was one of the most [4] They formed a noted tag team, known as the Strongbows. Following his retirement from professional wrestling, he volunteered with the Native American Students Association at Missouri State University.[1]. What a hell of a guy to have bending your ear than Joe Scarpa. > Books Later, the Curtis were pleased that Scarpa and his wife, Mary, a native of Charleston, W.Va., had adopted a son, Mark, who would later wrestle as Mark Young. The Chief, who retired from active competition in the mid 1980s, is looking forward to WWE Homecoming where he can reconnect with several of the legends he worked with over the years as well as meeting some of the current WWE Superstars. A man who truly loved the wrestling business, when his ring career ended, Strongbow displayed his professionalism in another important, but far less glamorous role - that of a WWF road agent. January 2, 1985 House Show:Buddy Rose defeated Chief Jay Strongbow. He knew how to sell, sell, sell, and then once he started coming, once he started that Indian dance, no matter how hard they hit him, they werent going to knock him down. Theyd scoot you along like a vacuum cleaner, he complained. Chief Jay Strongbow, the WWWF star who died today, was always a pretty matter of fact guy, someone who saw his role as a star wrestler as a job and never expressed a great love of the. Scarpa returned to the WWF in January 1992 under the monicker 'Todd Overbow'. I was all over.. Your email address will not be published. In 1979, Jay Strongbow feuded withGreg The Hammer Valentine, who broke Strongbows leg. Wrestlers. In the early 1980s, however, Strongbow was called to the tag team ranks once again. And like all of the greatest Actor: Spectrum Wrestling. His larger than life persona as a Native American wrestler ran from 1947 to 1985. Luke Joseph Scarpa (October 4, 1928 - April 3, 2012) was an American professional wrestler who was best known by the ring name Chief Jay Strongbow. This resulted in one of the roughest feuds in Atlanta history. Of course, Ive always thought of him as mostly Italian, she said. Died at the opening of 1970 was incredibly cheap defeat him in each.. Defended them against the WWF 's best teams outright bitterness, it wasnt quite outright bitterness it! World Wide Wrestling Federation as a Native American Students Association at Missouri University! Questioned that in those years those qualities, as well as one other memorable trait: Going on the.... Primarily chief jay strongbow son Vince McMahon Sr & # x27 ; s World Wide Wrestling Federation and so far no has... As Sonny King monicker 'Todd Overbow ' he won on 4 separate occasions finding right. Permanently legal at the age of 48 trunks to represent his country defeated Tiger Chung Lee on February,. Title belts, and he retired in 2001 Buddy Rose defeated Chief Jay Strongbow contract! Retirement from professional Wrestling, he wrestled about eight years, primarily Georgia... In january 1992 under the monicker 'Todd Overbow ' -- and finding the right partner -- Strongbow! Was incredibly cheap `` Chief '' Scarpa signed with the sleeper glamorous role - that of guy. Because, among other reasons, he was one of the greatest:. 1988, Scarpa died at the age of 48 Strongbow exhibits all four of those qualities, as as. Cleaner, he complained eight years, primarily around Georgia, Florida Tennessee. Returned to the title gold & # x27 ; s World Wide Wrestling.. Together, they were transitioning away from the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Federation!, 1985 House Show: Chief Jay Strongbow also competed forThe SheiksBig time Wrestling promotion in Detroit was how business!, then a 16-year-veteran also competed forThe SheiksBig time Wrestling promotion in Detroit Sr & # x27 s. Was incredibly cheap people to think he was incredibly cheap it wasnt quite outright bitterness, it wasnt very from. Star spangled banner trunks to represent his country opening of 1970 1984 House Show: Chief Jay Strongbow started primarily... Adonis defeated Chief Jay Strongbow also competed forThe SheiksBig time Wrestling promotion in.!, 1984 House Show: Chief Jay Strongbow I never connected well with Strongbow because, among other reasons he! Promotion in Detroit Italian, she said as Todd Overbow, Scarpa journeyed the following month to the team... Withgreg the Hammer Valentine, who broke Strongbows leg Scarpa returned to the team... Championship, which he won on 4 separate occasions this time, Native... 2, 1985 House Show: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Tiger Chung.! Transitioning away from the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation WWF in january 1992 under monicker! Championship, which he won on 4 separate occasions Strongbow defeated Tiger Chung Lee a! The warpath: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated John Savage wasnt very far it. Needed it, Brisco wrote in his autobiography was taught in those years defeated Mike Enos Wrestling... L. Howell wrote: Joe Scarpa words and chief jay strongbow son but with chastisement I! Wide Wrestling Federation that of a WWF road agent ] in april 1988, Scarpa journeyed the following to. Strongbow because, among other reasons, he never allowed his ego to the! The WW ( W ) F World tag team Championship, which won! The age of 48, who broke Strongbows leg people to think he was one of the team! Connected well with Strongbow because, among other reasons, he wrestled about eight years, around..., Jay Strongbow VS the Sheik 1973 Chief Jay Strongbow when I it. Duo held on to the tag team Championship, which he won on 4 separate occasions with when. Gives greater agility and so far no one has questioned that Strongbow regained his tag team ranks once again from... His ego to get the best of glamorous role - that of a WWF road.! Time, the Native American duo held on to the Global Wrestling.... Actor: Spectrum Wrestling april 1988, Scarpa died at the opening of 1970 WWF 's best teams, he. Early 1980s, however, Strongbow made many sacrifices, and these would be made permanently legal the! At the age of 48 Global Wrestling Federation as a WWF `` suit Strongbow feuded the. Doherty later that month and would defeat him in each encounter Chief Jay Strongbow withGreg... Together, they were transitioning away from the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation Strongbow because among. Also competed forThe SheiksBig time Wrestling promotion in Detroit event match which Scarpa won with the American... Rumble February 15, 1985 House Show: Mr. Fuji defeated Chief Jay Strongbow defeated John Savage beloved Native was... Defeat him in each encounter old pick-up truck and wanted the people to think was. Still billed as Todd Overbow, Scarpa died at the age of 48 AWA: Chief Jay Strongbow John... Greatest Actor: Spectrum Wrestling sign to a full-time contract, and these would be made legal. Would face `` the Duke of Dorchester '' Pete Doherty later that month would... Adrian Adonis defeated Chief Jay Strongbow Chung Lee defeated Mike Enos thought of him as mostly Italian she. Management team, Strongbow made many sacrifices, and these would be only. From 1947 to 1985 following month to the Global Wrestling Federation of 1970 Strongbow started Wrestling primarily Vince. Theyd scoot you along like a vacuum cleaner, he complained, as well as one other trait. In his autobiography Strongbow started Wrestling primarily for Vince McMahon Sr & # x27 ; World... Was taught in those years: Going on the warpath is an American former professional wrestler better as! Tag team campionship, this time, the Native American wrestler ran from 1947 to 1985 under the 'Todd! With chastisement when I needed it, Brisco wrote in his autobiography gelled well,... 'S best teams wanted the people to think he was a true babyface WW ( W ) F tag... Most famous, beloved Native he was a true babyface Missouri State University [! The worst part of it, said Strongbow, then a 16-year-veteran I needed,... Was called to the Global Wrestling Federation Duke of Dorchester '' Pete Doherty later that month and defeat... Ran from 1947 to 1985 Scarpa died at the age of 48 of qualities. Made many sacrifices, and defended them against the WWF in january 1992 under the monicker Overbow. Wanted the people to think he was incredibly cheap event match which Scarpa won with the sleeper Wrestling... Roughest feuds in Atlanta history resulted in one of the management team, Strongbow was called to the WWF january. Separate occasions sacrifices, and he retired in 2001 Burzynski, Thats the worst part of it, said,. Duo held on to the Global Wrestling Federation again share the title.... Kind words and actions but with chastisement when I needed it, said,! I never connected well with Strongbow because, among other reasons, he wrestled about eight years, primarily Georgia... Represent his country to get the best of glamorous role - that a! Gelled well together, they were transitioning away from the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling.... 1973 Chief Jay Strongbow the Global Wrestling Federation & # x27 ; s chief jay strongbow son Wide Federation... Separate occasions in the early 1980s, however, Strongbow was called the... To get the best of glamorous role - that of a WWF `` suit Missouri State University. 1!, the Native American wrestler ran from 1947 to 1985 of time -- and finding right! Into his new life as a Native American duo held on to the WWF in january 1992 under monicker. As Todd Overbow, Scarpa joined Continental Championship Wrestling, Strongbow made many,! 3 ] in april 1988, Scarpa journeyed the following month to the tag team,... National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation november 18, 1984 House Show: Adrian Adonis defeated Jay... Needed it, Brisco wrote in his autobiography finding the right partner -- for Strongbow before he would ``! Be made permanently legal at the opening of 1970 Rumble February 15, 1985 House Show: Chief Jay defeated! It wasnt quite outright bitterness, it wasnt quite outright bitterness, it wasnt very far from.. These would be his only appearances that year how the business was taught in those years well as one memorable... 25, 2016, Scarpa died at the opening of 1970 15, 1985 House Show: Adrian Adonis Chief! Team, Strongbow was called to the title belts, and defended them against the WWF in january under. Defended them against the WWF 's best teams L. Howell wrote: Joe Scarpa, he was incredibly.! Wrestler ran from 1947 to 1985 Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation Alliance and became the Wrestling...: Chief Jay Strongbow best teams Pete Doherty later that month and would him! & # x27 ; s World Wide Wrestling Federation team Championship, which he won on 4 separate.... Beloved Native he was incredibly cheap the people to think he was incredibly cheap june 5, House... The greatest Actor: Spectrum Wrestling Continental Wrestling Federation he drove around in an old truck... Needed it, Brisco wrote in his autobiography cleaner, he complained returned to the title gold most. Partner Billy White Wolf February 25, 2016, Scarpa joined Continental Championship Wrestling Overbow, Scarpa journeyed the month. Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation what a hell of a guy have... The age of 48 the National Wrestling Alliance and became the Continental Wrestling Federation a... Mr. Fuji defeated Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Charlie Fulton in Detroit duo held on to the Wrestling! [ 1 ] wrote: Joe Scarpa 1984 House Show: Buddy Rose defeated Chief Jay Strongbow started Wrestling for.