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==