Chief Jay Strongbow

Professional wrestling career

National Wrestling Alliance (1947–1970) Scarpa's wrestling career began in 1947, under his real name. He was trained by second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle. He was a standout in the Georgia and Florida territories of the National Wrestling Alliance throughout the 1950s and 1960s, winning several championships and becoming a fan favorite. During his time in Georgia he was also the Inaugural NWA National Television Championship when he won an 8-man tournament by beating Assassin #2 in the finals. By the time he went over to WWWF, he was already a 12 Tag-Team and 6 Time singles champion.

World Wide Wrestling Federation (1970–1979)

In 1970, Scarpa began working for Vincent J. McMahon's World Wide Wrestling Federation as Chief Jay Strongbow, a Native American gimmick complete with a traditional headdress and Native themed wrestling moves. He feuded with the likes of "The Golden Greek" Spiros Arion, "Handsome Jimmy" Valiant, and Superstar Billy Graham, nearly winning the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. A memorable match against "Iron Mike" McCord featured Strongbow applying his sleeper hold. But Lou Albano, McCord's manager, interfered by smashing a cast on the Chief's forehead. It was alleged that Strongbow had previously jumped Albano in the locker room, breaking his arm. McCord was disqualified, but Strongbow was cut wide open by Albano's blows. Strongbow settled the score in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden, beating Captain Lou Albano convincingly.

Strongbow picked up a win at Madison Square Garden in the summer of 1970, shortly after he entered the WWWF, pinning top contender Crusher Verdu, who was managed by Lou Albano.

In 1975, he began feuding with Spiros Arion. Arion, a popular and seemingly unbeatable babyface, returned to the WWWF after an absence and teamed with Strongbow. Arion turned on Strongbow, destroying his headdress on Philadelphia television after he had tied Strongbow in the ropes, and rubbed the feathers in his face. Arion was now a heel, and pinned Strongbow in eastern arenas as he went on to challenge champion Bruno Sammartino.

Strongbow won his first WWWF World Tag Team Championship on May 22, 1972, with partner Sonny King. Strongbow and King held the title for a month before losing it to the team of Mr. Fuji and Professor Toru Tanaka on June 27.

In 1979, he feuded with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, who broke Strongbow's leg. The two wrestled all over the WWF circuit, including an "Indian Strap match" at Madison Square Garden on July 30, 1979. Strongbow went into jobbing. In 1986, he teamed with Steve Gatorwolf as The Indians.

Retirement (1986–2011)

Strongbow retired in 1986, but would still step back into the ring from time to time, most notably for a legends battle royal in East Rutherford, New Jersey in 1987. In retirement, Strongbow became a WWF road agent and worked in the company's front office.

He also participated in a 1994 storyline in which he mentored Tatanka (an actual Native American of the Lumbee tribe).

Personal life Though his Chief Jay Strongbow character was billed as coming from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, he actually hailed from Nutley, New Jersey, and attended Nutley High School.

His son, Joe Jr. wrestled in the 1980s and early 1990s mainly as Mark Pyle and Mark Young in the WWF from 1986–1990 and Vince Young in WCW. Joe Jr. died in 2016 at the age of 48. He also has a daughter Connie Pacheco of Portland, Oregon. Following his retirement, he lived on a farm in Georgia.

Death Scarpa fell at his home in late 2011 and was hospitalized. He died in that hospital on April 3, 2012, at the age of 83. He was buried in Griffin, Georgia.

Championships and accomplishments Georgia Championship Wrestling NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Georgia version) (1 time) - with Chief Little Eagle NWA National Television Championship (1 time) Jim Crockett Promotions NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (2 times) - with Don Curtis Championship Wrestling from Florida NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Florida version) (2 times) NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (1 time) Mid-South Sports NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship (1 time) PWI ranked him # 214 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (Class of 2009) World Wrestling Council WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship (1 time) World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation WWWF/WWF Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Sonny King (1), Billy White Wolf (1), and Jules Strongbow (2) WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1994) Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Washed Up Wrestler (1983)