Joe Scarpa, aka 'Chief Jay Strongbow' dies

Joe Scarpa, 83, a Philadelphia native who became one of the best-known professional wrestlers of the 1970s and '80s after he took on the persona of Chief Jay Strongbow, an American Indian whose war dance foretold the downfall of many opponents, died on Tuesday.

He had reportedly suffered a fall at his home in Griffin, Ga., last year and never fully recovered.

Mr. Scarpa began his career in 1947 as Joltin' Joe Scarpa. He put on his feathered headdress in 1970 and began performing as Chief Jay Strongbow, one of many wrestlers who fought as ethnic caricatures in the 1970s and '80s; the Iron Sheik and Mr. Fuji were among the others.

Mr. Scarpa, an Italian American, bought into the role. In addition to his sleeper hold - a choke hold that appeared to render an opponent unconscious - he used signature moves such as the tomahawk chop and Indian death lock.

Mr. Scarpa won the world tag team championship four times. He was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1994.