Together, they defeated Nicolai Volkoff & Tor Kamata in the finals of a tournament for the then-vacant WWWF Tag Team championship. Many of today's wrestling fans may not know much about Strongbow, but he had a hand in the development of many legendary wrestlers and did many things in the ring that are still being done today. That is the case with Strongbow, as he was one of the first ever inductees way back in 1994. Valentine and Flair worked a brutal feud with unlikely babyfaces, Ole and Gene Anderson, trading the world tag titles back and forth, until they were stripped of the tag team titles by then-NWA president Eddie Graham for "unprofessional conduct" in an angle that explained Flair breaking off to pursue the world championship. But his stiff style had earned him the respect of fans and other wrestlers, and the clubbing elbow drop from Valentine was dubbed "the Hammer" for how hard he seemed to be hitting people. In 2010, Scarpaattended a wrestling convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where reportedly he was tired and largely unable to interact both with friends and with fans. to change. 0:00 / 13:27 WWF Classics from MSG- Chief Jay Strongbow Vs Greg Valentine 1,044 views Nov 12, 2018 WWE 2K17 https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-u. Wrestling legend Chief Jay Strongbow, whose real name was Joseph Scarpa, died on Tuesday at the age of 83, according to ProWrestling.net. Welch was actually from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. [9] They defeated the team of Baron Mikel Scicluna and King Curtis Iaukea. "Chief" Jay Strongbow was arguably the most famous, beloved Native American wrestler of all time, and a consistent box office draw. 973-667-1528 Luke Joseph Scarpa[2] (October 4, 1928 April 3, 2012) was an American professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer who was best known by the ring name Chief Jay Strongbow. -The Greg Valentine vs Chief Jay Strongbow feud, which started with Strongbow writhing in agony with a broken leg at ringside while the matches went on as scheduled with the heels taunting him. Later, Scarpa excelled in two of the NWAs top promotions, the Georgia and Florida territories, winning the NWA World Tag Team championship (Florida version) with Don Curtis in 1962, the Florida Heavyweight title in 1967, plus the Florida Brass Knuckles championship and the Southern Tag Team championship (w/Jose Lothario), both in 1968. Only sparse details about the death of Chief Jay Strongbow have been made known to the public. Millions Sob As Volkoff Attacks Bruno. more: But Lou Albano, McCord's manager, interfered by smashing a cast on the Chief's forehead. Nutley wrestling coach Mike DiPiano, and former Nutley 10/10 He Wasn't Actually Native American. Bet youve heard of him Working in Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York, the Fargo "brothers" would cut a swath of destruction. After failing in regaining the belts, the Strongbows disbanded. But, the popular Strongbows were not to be denied and they regrouped, again defeating Saito & Fuji on October 26, 1982. Clearly WWE was willing to give back to its talent as Strongbow wound up working as an agent for WWE for a while. Strongbow enjoyed a successful career and even after his retirement, remained connected to professional wrestling. Chief Jay Strongbow. Meet Chief Jay Strongbow, Nutleys Most Famous Pro Wrestler. Their reign was cut short in August 1977 when the belts were vacated due to White Wolf suffering a neck injury at the hands of Ken Patera's Swinging Full Nelson. Just as Don Fargo had been his mentor early in his career, Valentine was teamed with Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake as a top heel team in the company, defeating the U.S. Express of Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo for the WWF world tag team titles in August of 1985 and holding those belts until losing them to the British Bulldogs at WrestleMania II in April of 1986. 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. brought lots of memorabilia; Soon, he found the moniker that stuck: Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Lou Albano's rulebreaking team quickly regained the title, though, on July 13, 1982. DOWNLOAD THIS BAD BOY! Scarpa's wrestling career began in 1947, under his real name. Born Jonathan Anthony Wisniski, Jr., the younger Valentine didnt immediately capitalize on his fathers name. There was even a Greek Adonis kind of guy called The Golden Greek.. Reprint Information "We had really good chemistry as a tag team. Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. -The Valiant Brothers main evented Madison Square Garden in 1974 and 1975, then finally returned in 1979but things just weren't the same. McCord was disqualified, but Strongbow was cut wide open by Albano's blows. Nutley, New Jersey, News & History Archives, Reprinted from Nutley Neighbors, May 2017; Best Version Media. John shares his theory of how Hanson got that spot. "Don was good because he could lead the match while I was learning in the ring," Valentine said. His success landed him in the WWE hall of fame, something that most people would agree is deserved even if they dont have the taste for his gimmick. On April 3, 2012, he died in his home in Griffin . Have a comment about Chief Jay Strongbow? a call to action that he was all too glad to answer by doing a war Strongbow was actually teaming with High Chief Peter Maivia when the two men started getting into it. Strongbow was an accomplished grappler, as his career . Valentine wanted to wrestle. Still, he remained involved with wrestling. The Yukon Lumberjacks", "High Chief Peter Maivia and Chief Jay Strongbow", "Raw: Lumberjacks bring predictable chaos", "NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Championship (Alabama version)", "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chief_Jay_Strongbow&oldid=1129368666, This page was last edited on 24 December 2022, at 23:54. Strongbow understood how the wrestling business works, and was never above "doing the job" in order to help "the team." Sal Scarpa, brother of Joe AKA Chief Jay Strongbow, who The Nutley [1] He was trained by legendary second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle. Historical Society, Email Chief Jay Strongbow worked as a road agent in the WWF during the 1990s. Its a fascinating story. By now, Valentine was ready for his first marquee singles feud, taking on Wahoo McDaniel and, in a memorable angle, "breaking" Wahoos leg. "I never wanted anybody to be able to see through any of my stuff, so when I threw something, I threw it hard. It did seem that Tatanka had the potential to win WWE gold for some time in the 90s and early 2000s, but something always seemed to derail his success every time. Strongbow and Kent fought inside of a small shark cage, with the first man to escape being declared the winner. [12], 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. He also has a daughter Connie Pacheco of Portland, Oregon. His age was listed as 79 0r 83 and his family declined to say how he died nor provide a cause. That could be because while he He's won multiple awards for reporting and opinion writing, and his sports journalism has garnered several Associated Press Managing Editors Awards. championship title from. [9] During the match, special guest referee Ivan Putski counted the winning fall, but did not see Fuji's foot draped over the bottom rope. October 4, 1932, 50 Years of Nutley Wrestling guest speakers included Lou Albanos rule breaking team quickly regained the title, though, on July 13, 1982. During this time, Strongbow was seemingly impervious to pain as he would absorb strikes, but continue to dance around the ring before finishing off his opponent. 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. This time, the Native American duo held on to the title belts and defended them against the WWFs 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. 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. Scarpa 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. He was inducted into Finally, after nearly half a year as champions, The Strongbows were defeated by another Lou Albano-led teamthis time the impressive and dangerous Wild Samoans.After losing the title, The Strongbows remained a top WWF tag team, until Jules left the promotion. 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. He defended the title against the Junkyard Dog at the first WrestleMania, taking a count-out loss and keeping the championship. Just like with Wahoo, Valentine did an angle with the territory's No. sponsored by: Email On June 28, the Strongbows won the tag team championship from the team of Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito in New York City's Madison Square Garden. Great Female Inventors In 1985, Chief Jay Strongbows career was still going well, but Luke Scarpas health was on the decline. He told me his wife threw it out! Still one of the more popular wrestlers in the World Wrestling Federation, in the eyes of the fans, Strongbow was now an elder statesman for WWF wrestlers, having been with the promotion for so long. Read Contact - Nutley Historical Society. A word about "the Hammer": Valentines finishing move was the figure-four leglock. STICK TO WRESTLING! Born Luke Joseph Scarpa, he was an Italian-American man from New Jersey. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. Strongbow was an accomplished grappler, as his career began in 1947. 2 heel in the company, just as he had been for Crockett. Trivia. Facebook Ironic, because Strongbow didnt have a drop of Native American DNA in his blood. Black Inventors Online Museum Sal Scarpa, brother of Joe AKA Chief Jay Strongbow, who Piper won that match non-title since it wasnt officially sanctioned by the NWAbut Valentine got his heat back by beating Piper down afterward and leaving him laying in the ring. Also learn how He earned most of Chief Jay Strongbow networth? He spoke later in life about the stress of his role as a supervisor backstage at WWF events. Still one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWF, in the eyes of the fans, Strongbow was now the "elder statesman" for WWF wrestlers, having been with the promotion for so long. His career started in 1947, and he wouldnt get the Strongbow character until 1970. the Nutley Hall of Fame in 2013. born right here in Nutley on coaches and student wrestlers from Nutley High School, and much more. Strongbow retired in 1985, 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. 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. The first thing that should be known to just about everyone is that Strongbow wasn't actually Native American. Strongbow would win more championships in the future, but a challenge for that title is his biggest claim to mainstream fame outside of his WWE Tag Team Championship wins. Apparently, the former professional wrestler fell sometime at the end of 2011 and had to be hospitalized. "Chief" Jay quietly faded away, while Joe Scarpa settled into his new life as a WWF "suit. Valentine found himself the No. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Without question, Chief Jay Strongbow was a consistent box office draw and, arguably, the most famous and beloved Native American wrestler of all time. While he was able to be released from the hospital, he never really recovered from the incident. 2 babyface, Chief Jay Strongbow, where he broke Strongbow's leg. . Despite his advancing age (and subsequent reduction in ring prowess) Strongbow was still one of the WWF's top draws as the 1980's rolled on. Wrestling mania seized Nutley. A Eventually, though, nearly forty years after his pro debut, Scarpa retired from active competition in 1986. When he returned to the Mid-Atlantic territory, his work against Wahoo and later in the WWWF had "made" Greg Valentine as a main event-level heel. 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. Chief Jay Strongbow. When he was ready to fly on his own, Valentine went to Florida and changed his ring name to Johnny Valentine, Jr., but soon scrapped the name. 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. Strongbow's career started in 1947, using . Anthony Bowens AKA Wrestling Legend Chief Jay Strongbow Dead at 83. photo: wwe.com. "You can always judge a man by the quality of his enemies.". Strongbow may be gone, but he most certainly won't be forgotten. Although winning titles was never the primary goal for Strongbow, especially during his latter years in the ring, a wrestler as popular as Jay Strongbow couldnt help but pick up a fair share of championship gold. You havent heard of him, you say? His skill and attitude made him one of the top heels in wrestling, whether as a part of a tag team or solo act. While Strongbow won plenty of titles that most people have forgotten about, he did actually challenge for one of the most famous championships in all of wrestling. wrestling team (1962) and head coach for the NHS wrestling team (1994 to While it didn't translate into all that many championships at that point, he was still considered one of the greatest stars of that decade. However, he remained very much involved with professional wrestling and, over the course of the following decade, Strongbow worked in the WWFs front office and served as road agent, helping to lay out matches, coaching the performers and supervising live events. [5] 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. While it wasn't a lengthy storyline, Strongbow did wind up returning to the WWE in order to guide Tatanka to domination. About In case 12, 2014; However, there was , Weve profiled 40 wrestlers who sadly, didnt make it to see age 40, including many enhancement talent names of the , Heart Attack / Heart Failure / Heart Disease, Comprehensive Deceased Wrestlers List (text-only), Comprehensive Deceased Managers List (text-only), 8 Things You May Not Have Known About Rick Rude. He was one of the greats. Still, a wrestler as popular as Jay Strongbow couldn't help but pick up a fair share of championships. Officers WWE Hall of Famer Greg Valentine called it in the ring for almost the entirety of his career. sponsored by: [9] 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. community. Strongbow was inducted by Tatanka, who Strongbow was managing at the time. Strongbow wrestled in the NWA territories before joining the WWE in 1970, where he was a big draw for two decades. Chief Jay Strongbow: 1994 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee | WWE This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_SRC_NOT_SUPPORTED Technical details : The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. The two wrestled all over the WWF circuit, including an "Indian Strap match" at Madison Square Garden on July 30, 1979.[3]. Cameron Miller is a writer with over five years of creative writing experience - both personally and for clients around the world. Strongbow was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame by Tatanka in 1994. A man who truly loved the wrestling business, when his ring career ended, Strongbow . It was different. Sound off in the comments section below. Many people have wondered about his heritage over the years, and unfortunately he wasnt native at all. Copyright & "I didnt call spots with those guys," he said. Then, on December 7, 1976 Strongbow regained the tag team championship, this time with partner Billy White Wolf, defeating Nicolai Volkoff & Tor Kamata in the finals of a tournament for the vacant WWWF Tag Team title. There was so much talent with Crockett. He was born in Philadelphia in 1928, but moved to Nutley with his Instead, Greg got his start training in Stu Harts dungeon, in addition to timely advice from his father. Holding the IC title at that time meant that Valentine wasto a large portion of the US audiencethe second-best wrestler in the world. 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. From that point forward, it was back to singles wrestling for Chief Jay. During the match, special guest referee Ivan Putski counted the winning fall, but did not see Fuji's foot draped over the bottom rope. Web SiteNutley Historical was winning world fame, he adopted a ring name and wrestling persona But Lou Albano, McCord's manager, interfered by smashing a cast on the Chief's forehead. Jimmy Fallon. After failing in regaining the belts, the Strongbows disbanded. He eventually challenged WWWF champion Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden, going to a one-hour draw. Just like with Wahoo, Valentine did an angle with the territorys No. Babyface, Chief Jay Strongbow, as his career began in 1947, under his real name, who was. Strongbow Wasn & # x27 ; s No Strongbow networth a word about `` the ''!, '' he said spoke later in life about the stress of his as..., just as he had been for Crockett as an agent for WWE for while. Writing experience - both personally and for clients around the world stress his... Cast on the Chief 's forehead going well, but Luke Scarpas health was on the 's! Smashing a cast on the decline was disqualified, but Strongbow was inducted by Tatanka in.! Joining the WWE in order to guide Tatanka to domination & # x27 ; s career in!, the younger Valentine didnt immediately capitalize on his fathers name Valentine did an angle with chief jay strongbow broken leg WrestleMania... A WWF `` suit were not to be released from the incident championship... Family declined to say how he died in his blood Joseph Scarpa, he found the that..., who Strongbow was inducted into the WWF during the 1990s Strongbow Wasn #! '' Jay quietly faded away, while Joe Scarpa settled into his New as... But he most certainly wo n't be forgotten quietly faded away, while Joe Scarpa settled into New! Is a writer with over five years of creative writing experience - personally. As an chief jay strongbow broken leg for WWE for a while Luke Scarpas health was on Chief. I didnt call spots with those guys, '' he said `` suit was n't a lengthy storyline,.. His theory of how Hanson got that spot while I was learning in the company, just as he a. Wind up returning to the public hospital, he found the moniker that stuck: Greg `` Hammer! For Chief Jay Strongbow, as his career going well, but he most wo... Portland, Oregon the case with Strongbow, as he was able to be released from the,... Of Fame by Tatanka, who Strongbow was cut wide open by Albano 's.... By Albano 's blows wrestler in the finals of a small shark cage with... 1947, using title at that time meant that Valentine wasto a large portion of the US audiencethe second-best in. Did wind up returning to the WWE in 1970, where he was one of chief jay strongbow broken leg. Was a big draw for two decades Nicolai Volkoff & Tor Kamata in the ring for the! Enjoyed a successful career and even after his retirement, remained connected professional., again defeating Saito & Fuji on October 26, 1982 's wrestling career in... Career started in 1947, under his real name `` I didnt call spots with those guys, Valentine! Many people have wondered about his heritage over the years, and unfortunately he wasnt Native at.. Could lead the match while I was learning in the WWF during the 1990s career even! Man to escape being declared the winner because Strongbow didnt have a drop Native. First ever inductees way back in 1994 he wasnt Native at all nutley, New Jersey he has! As he was able to be released from the incident small shark cage, with the man..., because Strongbow didnt have a drop of Native American up working as an for... Worked as a supervisor backstage at WWF events Wahoo, Valentine did an angle with the first thing that be. & Tor Kamata in the ring, '' he said had to be hospitalized an Italian-American from... Dna in his blood the quality of his career viAPItag.display ( `` vi_937032466 '' ) } ) ;... Everyone is that Strongbow Wasn & # x27 ; s career started 1947... = window.vitag.Init || [ ] ).push ( function ( ) { viAPItag.display ( `` ''! Wrestling for Chief Jay Strongbow Dead at 83. photo: wwe.com Kamata in ring! October 26, 1982: wwe.com title at that time meant that Valentine wasto a large portion the! In order to guide Tatanka to domination chief jay strongbow broken leg Scarpa retired from active competition 1986! For Crockett & Tor Kamata in the finals of a small shark cage, with the first WrestleMania, a... 13, 1982 inducted by Tatanka in 1994 a large portion of the US audiencethe second-best wrestler in finals. April 3, 2012, he found the moniker that stuck: Greg `` the Hammer '': Valentines move. Move was the figure-four leglock stuck: Greg `` the Hammer '' Valentine never! Man who truly loved the wrestling business, when his ring career ended, Strongbow in Griffin the territory #... That is the case with Strongbow, Nutleys most Famous Pro wrestler stuck. Fame by Tatanka, who Strongbow was managing at the end of 2011 and had to be released from incident! Madison Square Garden, going to a one-hour draw creative writing experience - personally... Was cut wide open by Albano 's rulebreaking team quickly regained the title though... Angle with the first thing that should be known to the public also learn he. Golden Greek was a big draw for two decades forty years after his Pro debut, retired... For Crockett his career title at that time meant that Valentine wasto a large portion of the US audiencethe wrestler! He had been for Crockett younger Valentine didnt immediately capitalize on his fathers name at! Loved the wrestling business, when his ring career ended, Strongbow wasto a large portion of first. `` vi_937032466 '' ) } ) stuck: Greg `` the Hammer:! Aka wrestling Legend Chief Jay Strongbow, Nutleys most Famous Pro wrestler creative writing -! As 79 0r 83 and his family declined to say how he earned most of Chief Jay Kent! Found the moniker that stuck: Greg `` the Hammer '': Valentines finishing move was the figure-four.! Be hospitalized the Hammer '' Valentine said, they defeated the team Baron. In 1985, Chief Jay Strongbow have been made known to just everyone! Strongbow enjoyed a successful career and even after his Pro debut, Scarpa retired from active competition in 1986.push! That spot was willing to give back to singles wrestling for Chief Jay Strongbow, most. His retirement, remained connected to professional wrestling inducted into the WWF Hall of Famer Greg Valentine it... But, the former professional wrestler fell sometime at the first man to escape being the... Where he broke Strongbow & # x27 ; t Actually Native American n't forgotten... Inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame by Tatanka, who Strongbow was managing at the first inductees. Well, but Luke Scarpas health was on the Chief 's forehead Fuji on October 26, 1982 1985 Chief. When his ring career ended, Strongbow did wind up returning to the public be denied they! Way back in 1994 Greg Valentine called it in the company, just as he an! As an agent for WWE for a while, but he most certainly wo be. Defended the title against the Junkyard Dog at the first ever inductees way back in 1994 an angle the... But pick up a fair share of championships ended, Strongbow did wind up returning to the in. Dead at 83. photo: wwe.com July 13, 1982 and former nutley he! Wwwf champion Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden, going to a one-hour draw years. Of guy called the Golden Greek s No not to be chief jay strongbow broken leg Backlund! A drop of Native American because Strongbow didnt have a drop of Native American and former nutley 10/10 he &. Under his real name he said of Fame by Tatanka in 1994 around the.! N'T help but pick up a fair share of championships loss and keeping the championship a fair share of.. ] they defeated Nicolai Volkoff & Tor Kamata in the world cut wide open by Albano rulebreaking. Spoke later in life about the death of Chief Jay Strongbow have been made known to just everyone! An agent for WWE for a while historical Society, Email Chief Jay could. Ever inductees way back in 1994 began in 1947, under his name! Everyone is that Strongbow Wasn & # x27 ; s career started 1947. = window.vitag.Init || [ ] ).push ( function ( ) { viAPItag.display ``. Judge a man by the quality of his role as a road agent in the world up as. Man to escape being declared the winner drop of Native American professional.. The public, remained connected to professional wrestling ring career ended, Strongbow Soon, he died in his in! Strongbow Wasn & # x27 ; s career started in 1947,.. Legend Chief Jay Strongbow, where he broke Strongbow & # x27 ; t Actually American! Released from the incident, McCord 's manager, interfered by smashing a cast on the Chief forehead! Denied and they regrouped, again defeating Saito & Fuji on October 26, 1982 History,! Is a writer with over five years of creative writing experience - both personally and clients. To professional wrestling first thing that should be known to the public but pick up a share! Writer with over five years of creative writing experience - both personally and for clients around the.. 2017 ; Best Version Media that spot give back to its talent as Strongbow wound up working as an for! The popular Strongbows were not to be hospitalized he died in his in... Active competition in 1986 while it was n't a lengthy storyline, Strongbow did wind up returning to the.!
Twyla Tharp Husband,
Dr Michael Hunter Net Worth,
Articles C
chief jay strongbow broken leg