by Stephen Von Slagle
Without question, “Chief” Jay Strongbow was a consistent box office draw and, arguably, the most famous and beloved Native American wrestler of all time. Ironic, because Strongbow didn’t have a drop of Native American DNA in his blood. Nevertheless, as both a main-event and mid-card attraction, in the ring and at the box-office, Strongbow was one of the most popular and reliable workers in Vincent J. McMahon’s World Wide Wrestling Federation. Although his Native American persona was fictional, as a role model for people of all races, there were none better and “The Chief” proudly wrestled his entire career as a beloved fan favorite. And, like all great wrestlers, past and present, he never allowed his ego to get the best of him. Strongbow understood how the wrestling business works and was never above “doing the job” in order to help his opponent or the promotions that employed him.
In 1970, Scarpa began working for Vincent J. McMahon’s World Wide Wrestling Federation, where his popularity with fans exploded. Taking on the persona of “Chief” Jay Strongbow, he quickly became one of the WWWF’s top attractions and was in high demand all across the multi-state territory. Standing 6`0″ and weighing 245 lbs., Strongbow was a formidable challenge for anyone who faced him in the ring and he often served as a “roadblock” for future opponents of WWWF champion Bruno Sammartino. If a wrestler could get past Strongbow, a title opportunity often followed. His Tomahawk Chop was a weapon to be feared and led to many victories, as did his Sleeper hold and several variations of the suplex. Strongbow could also brawl with the best of them, especially once his fiery “Native American” temper was ignited. If the “Chief” started his War Dance, the fans in attendance knew the end was near because no one could (or, perhaps more appropriately, was allowed to) stop him once a fired-up Strongbow began circling his opponent.
After seeking revenge on Patera over the intentional injury of his partner, Strongbow then went on to face the reigning WWWF Heavyweight champion “Superstar” Billy Graham in a top-drawing feud. Strongbow also engaged in a noteworthy series with “The Big Cat” Ernie Ladd in the WWWF, a feud that carried over to the NWA’s Georgia Championship Wrestling a few years later. On June 28, 1982, Strongbow again brought home the WWF tag team gold, teaming with his “nephew” Jules Strongbow to defeat the Japanese tandem of Mr. Saito & Mr. Fuji. Lou Albano’s rule breaking team quickly regained the title, though, on July 13, 1982. But, the popular Strongbows were not to be denied and they regrouped, again defeating Saito & Fuji on October 26, 1982. This time, the “Native American” duo held on to the title belts and defended them against the WWF’s best teams until, after nearly a half-year as champions, The Strongbows were defeated by another Albano-led team, this time the impressive and dangerous Wild Samoans. After losing their belts, the Strongbows remained a top WWF tag team, until Jules left the promotion. From that point forward, it was back to singles wrestling for “Chief” Jay.
“Chief” Jay Strongbow is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame (1994), the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2009) and the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011).
On April 3, 2012, Joe “Chief Jay Strongbow” Scarpa passed away at the age of 83.