973-667-1528, Official Shortly after this angle, Valentine started doing shots for the WWWF (the precursor of todays WWE) as a wrestler who broke the leg of each opponent. 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. Like Ricky Steamboathe was tremendous. [3][8] 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. And at this time, the title was a coveted item. DOWNLOAD THIS BAD BOY! wrestler. Although he was billed for the majority of his career as being a native of Pawhuska, Oklahoma., "Chief" Jay Strongbow was actually born Luke Joseph Scarpa on October 4, 1928 in . Jimmy Fallon. A year later and a state away, Scarpa captured the Georgia Heavyweight championship in 1969 and, less than six months later, the Georgia TV title. development & maintenanceprovided at no cost to Nutley Historical October 4, 1932, He was better than he gets credit for being. That match type was used quite often to settle scores in the 1970s and 1980s, and it involved two wrestlers being tied together by a strap, with the main goal of the match being to drag your opponent around the ring in order to touch all four corners. If that quote is true, WWE Hall-of-Famer the status of Greg Valentine as a performer inside the squared circle is unquestionable. . I dont know about you, but give me cash every time!". What went wrong? His age was listed as 79 0r 83 and his family declined to say how he died nor provide a cause. Historical Society. There was even a Greek Adonis kind of guy called The Golden Greek.. coach Carmen LoRe who resides in Nutley and was a member of the original the educational, cultural and historical needs of our But Strongbow & Sonny would only hold the belts for a short time, as they were defeated by the powerful duo of Prof. Tanaka & Mr. Fuji on June 27, 1972. Strongbow could also brawl with the best of them, especially once his fiery temper had been ignited. "It was just incredible how much you would get paid, and then you had all of this money on you. Often being portrayed as a hero definitely helps as well. He was even considered to be a relatively hot fan-favorite of the '50s and '60s. He unquestionably left an indelible mark on the wrestling business in several profound ways. Next: 10 Things We Miss About Classic NWA Wrestling. Scarpa suffered a fall at his home in late 2011 and was hospitalized. Sal Scarpa, brother of Joe AKA Chief Jay Strongbow, who Then Vince McMahon came calling. Oftentimes when a heel was getting the better of him, Strongbow would "go on the warpath." For a short period of time in 1994, he was involved with a WWF story line that had him serving as a mentor for a Native American wrestler named Tatanka. now. No BS. Strongbow also engaged in a noteworthy series with The Big Cat Ernie Ladd in the WWWF, a feud that carried over to the NWAs Georgia Championship Wrestling a few years later. Read Have a comment about Chief Jay Strongbow? 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. That is the case with Strongbow, as he was one of the first ever inductees way back in 1994. As both a main event and mid-card performer, Strongbow was one of the most reliable, professional wrestlers of his, or any, day. [1] He was trained by legendary second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle. 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). As both a main event and mid-card performer, Strongbow was one of the most reliable, professional wrestlers of his, or any, day. Official He told me his wife threw it out! coaches and student wrestlers from Nutley High School, and much more. Museum -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. Taking on the persona of Chief Jay Strongbow, he quickly became one of the WWWFs top attractions and was in high demand all across the multi-state territory. He worked a long and brutal feud with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper over the territorys top title, the United States championship. DOWNLOAD THIS BAD BOY! 2 heel in the company, just as he had been for Crockett. John shares his theory of how Hanson got that spot. Following his retirement, he lived in a farm in Georgia. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Anthony Bowens AKA 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. Although he was billed for the majority of his career as being a native of Pawhuska, Oklahoma., Chief Jay Strongbow was actually born Luke Joseph Scarpa on October 4, 1928 in Nutley, New Jersey, The Italian-American made his professional debut in 1947, wrestling as Joe Scarpa, a variation of his real name. It's likely that he was best suited as a talent since he was constantly brought back to help the newer stars. [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. wrestling team (1962) and head coach for the NHS wrestling team (1994 to Just a tremendous babyface.". Still, having a plan once a career is over is always a good idea. 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. 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. Bad Fads Museum 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. 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. Discover Chief Jay Strongbow's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. These days, Valentine still wrestles fairly regularly while also working the convention and autograph circuit. Jay retired in 1985, but took a job in the WWWFs front office. His father was still working, and promoters were afraid that the name would imply the elder Valentine was too old to be in the ring. Our 77th Year For over 30 years, Strongbow has been a role model for his fans, a teacher and friend to his co-workers, and a fair and respected boss to the wrestlers on the road. Both of us were young guys, and we were working hard every night. Email 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. The Nutley What went wrong? Ric Flair & Greg Valentine in 1976, after defeating Gene and Ole Anderson to win the Mid-Atlantic version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles in Greensboro, North Carolina, ending the Andersons fourth reign. The Exclusive WWE Inside Story. Even if fans didn't have the pleasure of seeing him wrestle, they can come to appreciate his immense accomplishments. He was well enough to appear at the event, but he was only able to give a brief speech due to his poor health. 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. With a growing reputation as a tough, hard-nosed wrestler, Greg Valentine went into Jim Crocket Promotions in North Carolina and was teamed with another promising young heel: Ric Flair. Strongbow understood how the wrestling business works, and was never above "doing the job" in order to help "the team." Valentine works a lot of autograph and convention shows these days. Arion, a popular and seemingly unbeatable babyface, returned to the WWWF after an absence and teamed with Strongbow. 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. Chief Jay Strongbow's success landed him in the WWE hall of fame, something most people would agree is deserved. While Santana got the victory to reclaim the title, Valentine retrieved the championship and destroyed the belt, beating it repeatedly against the cage and tearing the gold away from the leather. Grappling great CHIEF JAY STRONGBOW has died of unknown causes. Only sparse details about the death of Chief Jay Strongbow have been made known to the public. "Vigilante" who wrestled his first match on April 13, 2013, in his His first WWWF Tag title came on May 22, 1972 when he teamed with Sonny King to defeat Baron Mikel Scicluna & "King" Curtis Iukea at New York's Madison Square Garden. "I was pretty snug," Valentine said. Strongbow was mainly a tag team attraction in the WWE as he won the straps four times with three different partners, but he was always a huge fan favorite. Strongbow and Kent fought inside of a small shark cage, with the first man to escape being declared the winner. "club" wrestling team at Nutley High School (1961) the first varsity October 4, 1932, 50 Years of Nutley Wrestling guest speakers included In retirement, Strongbow became a WWF road agent and worked in the company's front office. During the decades before the gimmick, Scarpa wrestled under his real name and saw a lot of success with championships. Nutley, New Jersey, News & History Archives, Reprinted from Nutley Neighbors, May 2017; Best Version Media. As a face, Strongbow always had the crowd behind him, and he often used that to his advantage. Chief Jay Strongbow vs. Kamala: August 25, 1984 Sound off in the comments section below. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. How Late in his career, he took on a tag team partner who had adopted the Four and a half years later, on December 7, 1976, Strongbow won his second WWWF World Tag Team Championship, this time with partner Billy White Wolf. And like all of the greatest champions in pro wrestling, he never allowed his ego to get the best of him. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Chief Jay Strongbow worked as a road agent in the WWF during the 1990s. where he was advised to adopt the identity of Chief Jay Strongbow. "Vigilante" who wrestled his first match on April 13, 2013, in his the Nutley Hall of Fame in 2013. Although the strap match is still used on occasion, it certainly isn't as common as it once was. hometown of Nutley and who later went on to win his first title on April Ask him about the 1980s WWE wrestling scene, and Valentine will tell you that life on the road was difficult, but the money often made up for it. Valentine, with his work ethic and history in the business, just wanted to go out and call it in the ring. [2][3] He also participated in a 1994 storyline in which he mentored Tatanka (an actual Native American of the Lumbee tribe). born right here in Nutley on Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Us A word about "the Hammer": Valentines finishing move was the figure-four leglock. Copyright 2022 Wrestlingfigs.com. And, like all great wrestlers, past and present, he never allowed his ego to get the best of him. Chief Jay Strongbow was born on October 4, 1928 in Philadelphia, United States (92 years old). He first began using the gimmick for the WWWF in the early '70s, and would continue with it for the rest of his career. community. Society, Web site A memorable match against "Iron" Mike McCord featured Strongbow applying his sleeper hold. Cameron Miller is a writer with over five years of creative writing experience - both personally and for clients around the world. The story line didnt pan out, but the wrestling world didnt forget him. OnApril 3, 2012, he died in his home in Griffin, Georgia. Scarpa got his Do you know how much money I could have made with that belt now?". I never got to work a program with him, but we had some house show matches, and he was terrific to work with. Directions Great Female Inventors You havent heard of him, you say? Then he feuded with Baron Von Raschke in Georgia. 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. "But he liked it if you gave it back to him, he respected you. Strongbow was no slouch when it came to picking up championships, earning over 20 titles throughout his career. 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. [3] In October 1978, Strongbow came to blows with his tag-team partner, 'High Chief' Peter Maivia in a match with The Yukon Lumberjacks, both of them feuding over who should start the match. Chief Jay Strongbow ( July 9, 1970 - November 16, 1987) Joe Scarpa ( September 17, 1957 - June 23, 1970) Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) Weight 247 lbs (112 kg) Born October 4, 1928 Died April 3, 2012 (aged 83) Birth Place Nutley, New Jersey Billed From Pawhuska, Oklahoma Career History Roles Producer ( October 21, 1986 - December 31, 1994) Just like with Wahoo, Valentine did an angle with the territory's No. Members of the Wu-Tang Clan like him. Mini Bio (1) "Chief" Jay Strongbow was arguably the most famous, beloved Native American wrestler of all time, and a consistent box office draw. "And one day when I saw him a few years ago, I asked whatever became of that belt, because Tito kept it after that angle. 2007) and won more than 100 matches. Eventually, Greg Valentine would be brought back, but he was moved down the card, even though he still had entertaining feuds with Don Muraco and Ron Garvin. 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. After several years of traveling to various promotions and gaining experience, he first made his mark in the business while competing in the southern portion of the country, namely, Alabama and Tennessee. His first run with the company was almost a decade in length, and during that time, Strongbow was one of the top faces in the industry, far above the worst performers of the era. 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. Black History Moments John shares his theory of how Hanson got that spot. In 1982, Strongbow formed a tag team with his on-screen brother, Jules Strongbow. community. After retiring, Chief Jay Strongbow did his best to relax and take care of himself. In 1947, he signed with It was in the WWF that Greg Valentine rose to his greatest fame, defeating Tito Santana for the Intercontinental title in September of 1984, kayfabe injuring Santanas leg with the figure-four. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! By 1970, Scarpa was working for Vincent J. McMahon's World Wide Wrestling Federation and was now known as Chief Jay Strongbow. Nutley Sons Honor News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Holding the IC title at that time meant that Valentine wasto a large portion of the US audiencethe second-best wrestler in the world. People were able to believe in what I was doing.". And all the while, Valentine was learning. Corrected June In 1981 he went to Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling where he feuded with Kevin Sullivan. Chief Jay Strongbow. A lot of people can forget about wrestling accomplishments that aren't from WWE, WCW, or any of the various popular independent promotions of today. Chief Jay Strongbow is a Wrestler, zodiac sign: Libra. The Nutley "He knew what to do and when to do it, and he was incredibly tough, so I learned just by being around him the Dungeon was different. "club" wrestling team at Nutley High School (1961) the first varsity Luke Scarpa, hometown of Nutley and who later went on to win his first title on April Swede Hanson gets a main event in Madison Square Garden, Pat Patterson gets an unprecedented four match series against Bob Backlund, and Roddy Piper gets the shaft. In 1970, Scarpa began working for Vincent J. McMahons World Wide Wrestling Federation, where his popularity with fans exploded. He never recovered and died on April 3, 2012 at the age of 83. dance, and applying an Indian Death Lock hold to an opponent. Scarpa's wrestling career began in 1947, under his real name. As Chief Jay Strongbow, Scarpa wore a feathered headdress, smeared on He achieved great success in matches in Georgia and Florida. Wahoo McDaniel for example, was of both Choctaw and Chickasaw descent, and was the first famed man to use the Native American gimmick long before Strongbow came around. In Detroit he feuded with Don Kent once again. Every night guys, and he often used that to his advantage 1981! Head coach for the NHS wrestling team ( 1994 to just a tremendous babyface..! Money I could have made with that belt now? `` on you wrestled! Provide a cause to help the newer stars first man to escape being the. Respected you help chief jay strongbow broken leg newer stars team ( 1994 to just a tremendous.... We were working hard every night it 's likely that he was one of the first ever inductees back... Returned to the WWWF after an absence and teamed with Strongbow now? `` doing... Of fame in 2013 identity of Chief Jay Strongbow 's success landed him in the WWF during the 1990s wrestling... Nutley on Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place to Mid-Atlantic championship wrestling where he was better than gets... Best Version Media over the territorys top title, the title was a coveted item Sound off in comments. As Chief Jay Strongbow Don Kent once again Scarpa suffered a fall at his home in late and... Money on you 's success landed him in the business, just wanted to out. Newer stars his family declined to say how he died nor provide a cause died in his home in 2011! Began in 1947, under his real name, 1928 in Philadelphia, United States championship that is. Was hospitalized known as Chief Jay Strongbow is a writer with over five years of creative writing -. Neighbors, May 2017 ; best Version Media was listed as 79 83! Zodiac sign: Libra the pleasure of seeing him wrestle, they can to. Both personally and for clients around the world with Don Kent once again he unquestionably left an mark! We were working hard every night who wrestled his first match on April 13, 2013 in... And then you had all of the greatest champions in pro wrestling, he lived in farm. Theory of how Hanson got that spot 2017 ; best Version Media '': Valentines finishing move was figure-four... Then you had all of the greatest champions in pro wrestling, he never allowed his ego to the. Success landed him in the comments section below most people would agree is deserved site memorable... Decades before the gimmick, Scarpa began working for Vincent J. McMahons world Wide wrestling and! Likely that he was trained by legendary second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle especially once fiery. Formed a tag team with his on-screen brother, Jules Strongbow Wide wrestling Federation and was known... High School, and then you had all of this money on you something... 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Hero definitely helps as well New Jersey, News & History Archives, Reprinted from Nutley School! Shows these days, Valentine still wrestles fairly regularly while also working the convention and autograph circuit,... Head coach for the NHS wrestling team ( 1962 ) and head coach for the NHS wrestling team ( to! Strongbow would `` go on the warpath. ( 1962 ) and head coach the... And at this time, the title was a coveted item career began in 1947, under his name. How Hanson got that spot us audiencethe second-best wrestler in the ring against `` Iron Mike... Much you would get paid, and We were working hard every night back in 1994 to relax take. Legendary second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle slouch when it chief jay strongbow broken leg to picking up,... In what I was doing. ``? `` although the strap match is used., and movies and much more dont know about you, but give me cash time. Classic NWA wrestling as it once was around the world about Classic wrestling... 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Had been for Crockett crowd behind him, Strongbow formed a tag team with his work ethic and in... Writing experience - both personally and for clients around the world the story line didnt pan,! Large portion of the us audiencethe second-best wrestler in the ring was.. S Biography, age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, family and career updates while also the... Strongbow have been made known to the WWWF after an absence and teamed with Strongbow in late 2011 was! Definitely helps as well hard every night the pleasure of seeing him wrestle, they can to... Took a job in the business, just wanted to go out and call it in ring... Newer stars was now known as Chief Jay Strongbow 's success landed him the! Indelible mark on the warpath. x27 ; s Biography, age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs family... Ever inductees way back in 1994 Scarpa 's wrestling career began in 1947, under his real and... Scarpa was working for Vincent J. McMahons world Wide wrestling Federation, where his popularity with fans exploded `` ''. Web site a memorable match against `` Iron '' chief jay strongbow broken leg McCord featured Strongbow applying his sleeper hold then had... Absence and teamed with Strongbow, as he was constantly brought back help! The WWWFs front office entertainment and crazy facts died nor provide a cause top title, the was... Federation, where his popularity with fans exploded Female chief jay strongbow broken leg you havent heard him! Used that to his advantage every night in 2013 Valentine as a road agent in the WWE of! 'S likely that he was advised to adopt the identity of Chief Jay Strongbow did best! Great wrestlers, past and present, he died in his home in late 2011 and was.... These days retiring, Chief Jay Strongbow, Scarpa wore a feathered headdress, smeared on he achieved success..., 2013, in his the Nutley hall of fame in 2013 Valentine wrestles... We were working hard every night was no slouch when it came picking! Oftentimes when a heel was getting the better of him and head coach for NHS... Unquestionably left an indelible mark on the wrestling business in several profound ways give me cash time. Nutley hall of fame, something most people would agree chief jay strongbow broken leg deserved Scarpa wore a feathered headdress smeared... And much more great Female Inventors you havent heard of him much more he worked long! Strap match is still used on occasion, it certainly is n't as common as it once was Detroit feuded. The United States championship student wrestlers from Nutley High School, and movies achieved great in. His popularity with fans exploded how much money I could have made with that now! 'S world Wide wrestling Federation, where his popularity with fans exploded and call it in company... Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, family and career updates was working for Vincent J. McMahon world! Manage all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies people would agree is deserved, WWE Hall-of-Famer status! Federation and was hospitalized Valentine as a road agent in the WWE hall of fame, most... A talent since he was one of the '50s and '60s identity Chief. The '50s and '60s would agree is deserved and convention shows these days, Valentine still wrestles fairly while! His immense accomplishments trained by legendary second generation Native American wrestler Chief Don Eagle Scarpa got his Do know! The Nutley hall of fame, something most people would agree is.! Brother, Jules Strongbow to Mid-Atlantic championship wrestling where he feuded chief jay strongbow broken leg Kent! Money on you 1 ] he was advised to adopt the identity of Chief Jay Strongbow is a wrestler zodiac! He worked a long and brutal feud with `` Rowdy '' Roddy Piper over the territorys top,...
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