#joe scarpa

[thethirdbear]

[sbwswrestling]

Gordon Solie interviews Joe Scarpa (by SpoilerNumberOne1978)

[sbwswrestling]

[obitoftheday]

Obit of the Day: "Chief Jay Strongbow"

Chief Jay Strongbow, professional wrestler, was actually an Italian American named Joe Scarpa. Scarpa began wrestling in the 1940s as "Joltin' Joe" Scarpa but did not transform into his most famous role until 1970.

In the 1980s he was one of several well-known stereotypes inside the ring of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) including the Iron Sheik and Mr. Saito. "Chief Jay Strongbow" was a fan favorite, eventually winning the tag team title with his "brother" Jules Strongbow, who was actually a gentleman named Frank Hill.

Scarpa retired from the ring in 1985 but continued to help younger wrestlers including another Native American character, Tatanka, who was actually played by a member of the Lumbee tribe, so that improved. Chief Jay Strongbow was inducted into the World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside another star of '80s WWF - Gorilla Monsoon.

Scarpa's age was unknown. He is listed as dying at either 79 or 83.

(Image courtesy of postercheckout.com)

[roguearrow]

R.I.P Chief Jay Strongbow

You'll be missed </3 Thank you for everything you did for wrestling and for the fans.