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Jules Strongbow

Francis Huntington (born November 29, 1952), better known by the Jules Strongbow, is an retired wrestler of Native American descent. He is most renowned for his early 1980s tenure with the World Wrestling Federation (), where he portrayed the brother of and formed a popular that captured the WWF Tag Team Championship twice in 1982. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighing 275 pounds (125 kg), Strongbow competed as an all-rounder with signature moves including the Gory Special and . Huntington's wrestling career began in 1973 under the name Frank Hill, debuting as a jobber in the (AWA) before gaining momentum in 1978. He traveled extensively through U.S. territories, including Mid-South Wrestling, and ventured internationally to , establishing himself as a reliable mid-card performer. In 1981, prior to his WWF arrival, he secured the NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship while partnering with wrestlers like and . Upon joining the WWF in 1982, Strongbow was integrated into storylines emphasizing Native American heritage, teaming with Chief Jay Strongbow against notable rivals such as Mr. Fuji, Don Muraco, and the team managed by Freddie Blassie. The Strongbow brothers defended their tag titles successfully until they lost them to the Wild Samoans in March 1983, after which the partnership dissolved, and Jules transitioned to singles competition and enhancement matches against rising stars. His WWF run, though brief, solidified his legacy within the promotion's golden era under Vince McMahon Sr. Post-WWF, Strongbow continued wrestling across independent promotions and regional circuits, including in 1984 and the , where he won the NWF Tag Team Championship in 1999 alongside partners like Navajo Warrior and Al Bold Eagle. His in-ring career spanned nearly three decades, concluding with retirement in 2001 after a total of 28 years in the industry.

Early life and background

Birth and family

Francis Huntington, best known by his ring name Jules Strongbow, was born on November 29, 1952, in . Huntington is an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation, a federally recognized tribe located in . Details regarding his , including siblings or parental influences, and specific aspects of his childhood environment or early exposure to physical activities remain limited in public records.

Heritage and pre-wrestling years

Huntington maintained a connection to his Native American roots as a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation, a federally recognized tribe located in . Details on his pre-wrestling years, including any specific engagements with tribal community or cultural activities, remain limited in .

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1973–1982)

Francis Huntington, who would later adopt the ring name Jules Strongbow, made his professional wrestling debut in 1973 under the name Frank Hill. Initially working as an enhancement talent, or jobber, he focused on putting over established stars while building fundamental skills in the ring. His early style emphasized an approach, incorporating basic holds, chops, and drops to complement opponents' performances without drawing undue attention to himself. From 1976 to 1978, Hill primarily competed in the (), where he appeared in matches across the Midwest, often facing top talent to gain experience. This period allowed him to develop his in-ring fundamentals and adapt to the demands of territorial wrestling schedules. By 1979, he expanded internationally, touring with and teaming with in the Real World Tag League tournament. Their partnership featured bouts against prominent Japanese and international competitors, exposing Hill to a more rigorous, endurance-based style that contrasted with American regional bookings. In the early 1980s, Hill continued in smaller U.S. territories such as Central States and Tri-State, wrestling under variations of his real name while experimenting with initial character elements inspired by Native American heritage. In 1981, he secured the Tri-State Tag Team Championship partnering with and . These regional appearances solidified his reputation as a reliable mid-card performer, paving the way for greater opportunities. By 1981, he began transitioning toward the "Jules Strongbow" persona in select promotions, incorporating cultural motifs into his presentation to appeal to audiences in the territories.

World Wrestling Federation (1982–1983)

In 1982, professional wrestler Frank Hill debuted in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the Jules Strongbow, adopting a Native American gimmick as the brother of veteran to enhance the established character's family storyline. This partnership quickly formed the known as the Strongbow Brothers, portraying resilient Native American warriors who appealed to audiences through their underdog persona and traditional war dance entrance. Their debut match together occurred on June 5, 1982, at , where they defeated and . The Strongbows' primary feud centered on the WWF Tag Team Championship against the villainous team of and Mr. Saito, managed by , which highlighted cultural clashes and high-stakes brawls that drew strong fan support for the babyface duo. On June 28, 1982, at , Jules and captured the WWF Tag Team Championship from Fuji and Saito in a pivotal upset victory. They lost the titles back to Fuji and Saito on July 13, 1982, in , but regained them on October 26, 1982, in a rematch taped for Championship Wrestling, marking their second reign. During this period, they defended the belts successfully, including a Texas Death match retention against Fuji and Saito on December 28, 1982, at . The team's momentum shifted in early 1983 amid a new rivalry with the powerhouse (Afa and Sika), culminating in a title loss to them on March 8, 1983, during an episode of Championship Wrestling in . Following this defeat, Jules Strongbow transitioned to sporadic singles matches, including losses to established stars like on February 18, 1983, and on March 20, 1983, both at , before his final WWF bout against on May 23, 1983. Strongbow departed the promotion later in 1983 after the tag team disbanded.

Later career (1983–2001)

Following his departure from the World Wrestling Federation in late 1983, Jules Strongbow returned to the independent circuit and regional territories, where he secured bookings in promotions such as (WCCW). In 1984, he adopted a mid-card role in WCCW, competing in multiple events across and surrounding areas, often portraying the resilient warrior to engage audiences in and televised matches. Representative bouts included a two-out-of-three-falls encounter with on July 4, 1984, in , and a victory alongside Iceman Parsons over The Missing Link and Super Destroyer #2 later that year. Strongbow's schedule remained active but varied throughout the mid-to-late 1980s, with appearances in National Wrestling Alliance-affiliated territories like and other regional groups. He wrestled numerous matches across multiple promotions during this period, including a strap match against DC Drake in the (NWF) in the late 1980s. By the 1990s, he shifted focus to smaller independent outfits, including Pennsylvania's NWF and Ohio's International Wrestling Alliance, where he took on occasional tag team roles partnering with wrestlers like Navajo Warrior and Al Bold Eagle. In the NWF, he maintained an adaptation of his Strongbow persona, billed at times as Chief Jules Strongbow, and participated in matches such as a singles win over via sleeperhold. As Strongbow entered his late 40s, his in-ring activity tapered off significantly, with only a handful of documented matches in promotions like the in 1999 and Northern Championship Wrestling in 1996. He wrestled his final matches around 2001, marking the end of a 28-year career, after which he retired from because, as he later stated, "it just wasn't fun anymore."

Championships and accomplishments

WWF Tag Team Championship details

Jules Strongbow, partnering with his on-screen brother , captured the Tag Team Championship for the first time on June 28, 1982, at in , defeating the reigning champions and Mr. Saito by pinfall. This victory initiated a brief 15-day reign, during which the Strongbows made limited defenses amid an ongoing feud with the Japanese duo, emphasizing themes of cultural clash in storylines. The titles were lost back to and Mr. Saito on July 13, 1982, in , via a roll-up pin, highlighting the team's vulnerability in quick reversals typical of the era's tag division. The Strongbows regained the WWF Tag Team Championship on October 26, 1982, defeating and Mr. Saito in a match taped in , for the Championship Wrestling program, marking their second reign as champions. This 133-day title run featured several successful defenses, including victories over jobber teams like and Williams, while building tension through non-title encounters with challengers such as the Wild Samoans. The storyline centered on the Strongbows' portrayal as resilient Native American warriors defending their legacy against aggressive international foes, culminating in heated rivalries that drew crowds during WWF's expansion phase. The second reign concluded on March 8, 1983, when the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) defeated the Strongbows in , to claim the titles via a and pin on , ending the partnership's championship era. This loss impacted the tag team's dynamic, as Strongbow departed shortly afterward, shifting Chief Jay to singles and underscoring the transient nature of alliances. As two-time Champions, the Strongbows played a key role in the promotion's early tag division, bridging regional territories to national television by incorporating ethnic heritage narratives that resonated with diverse audiences during Jr.'s expansion. Their reigns against established heels like Fuji, Saito, and the Wild Samoans helped solidify the division's competitive structure, with 148 combined days as champions demonstrating endurance in a landscape dominated by short-term title changes.

Regional and independent achievements

Throughout his career, Jules Strongbow, performing under names such as Frank Hill and Frank Hill, achieved several titles in regional territories and independent promotions, particularly during his pre-WWF years from 1973 to 1982 and post-WWF period from 1983 to 2001. In the (AWA), where he debuted as a jobber in 1973 and received a in 1978, Strongbow did not capture major singles or tag titles but gained recognition through high-profile matches and tours, including a stint alongside . Strongbow's territorial successes were most prominent in NWA-affiliated promotions. He won the with in July 1979, in a match that highlighted his mid-card role in the Midwest circuit. In the NWA Tri-States region, he secured the tag team titles twice in 1981: first via tournament victory with , and later by defeating David and Joel Deaton alongside . Additional regional honors include the (1 time, early 1980s), the IWA United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time), and the MWCW Tag Team Championship on two occasions—with and George Wells, respectively—establishing his versatility as both a singles competitor and tag specialist in southern and western territories. Internationally, Strongbow participated in All Japan Pro Wrestling's 1979 , teaming with in a tournament that showcased talent against Japanese stars, though they did not win the league. This excursion built on his momentum and exposed him to a broader . In the independent circuit, particularly after leaving , Strongbow continued to earn accolades in smaller promotions. He captured the NWF North American Heavyweight Championship and the NWF Championship twice—once with The Navajo Warrior on May 8, 1999, and once with Al Bold Eagle—reflecting his enduring appeal in Native -themed storylines. Other independent triumphs include the Americas Championship and Los Angeles World Championship, both with , as well as the WWA Championship with Al Bold Eagle and the WWWA Championship in 1993. In (WCCW), he competed in the 1984 Texas Heavyweight Title Tournament and challenged for the Heavyweight Championship on July 4, 1984, underscoring his role in feuds without securing those belts. Documented match records from non-WWF promotions indicate Strongbow participated in at least 18 bouts across , territories, AJPW, and WCCW, with a favorable outcome of 10 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws, though comprehensive statistics from the territorial era remain incomplete due to limited archiving. These achievements contributed to a career spanning over 28 years and hundreds of unrecorded , emphasizing his reliability as a wrestler in regional and independent scenes.

Personal life and legacy

Family and residence

Jules Strongbow, born Francis Huntington, has maintained a high degree of privacy regarding his adult family life and relationships, with no public details available on marriages or children from verified sources or interviews. No family members are documented as having pursued careers in or provided public support during his tenure in the industry. He was born in , and his career involved extensive travel across U.S. wrestling territories, including stints in and the Midwest. This separation of his public wrestling persona from private affairs underscores a deliberate effort to shield his family from the spotlight of the profession. As of 2009, he resided in .

Post-retirement contributions

After retiring from in 2001, Francis Huntington, known in the ring as Jules Strongbow, transitioned to civilian life by taking a night shift position at a large retailer in , as of 2009. He cited the loss of enjoyment in the industry as the primary reason for his retirement. Huntington has contributed to his community through volunteering with the Native American Students Association at , supporting educational and cultural initiatives for Native American students. In the wrestling community, Strongbow has made occasional appearances at fan conventions, including a notable event at the Icons of Wrestling Convention in 2023, where he participated in discussions and signings. These engagements allow him to connect with fans and share insights from his career spanning nearly three decades.

Cultural impact and recent activities

Jules Strongbow's portrayal as a Native American wrestler in the and contributed to the evolution of ethnic gimmicks in , bridging stereotypical tropes with more authentic representations due to his genuine heritage as a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Unlike many performers who adopted Native personas without cultural ties, Strongbow's background lent credibility to his character, influencing subsequent wrestlers to incorporate elements of real Indigenous identity amid ongoing discussions about cultural appropriation in the industry. His career highlighted challenges in media depictions of , advocating implicitly for respectful portrayals through his kayfabe partnership with , which emphasized family-oriented narratives rooted in traditions rather than . This dynamic helped shift perceptions, as noted in analyses of how genuine Native wrestlers like Strongbow paved the way for modern performers seeking to transcend "feathers and " stereotypes in entertainment. Strongbow's influence extended to inspiring talent, with historians crediting him as a foundational figure in the sparse but impactful lineage of wrestlers in mainstream promotions. In recent years, Strongbow has remained active in the wrestling community through interviews and appearances, sharing insights into his career and the era. In 2025, he participated in multiple discussions, including a March interview detailing his two-year negotiations with Sr. to join the promotion alongside , and April sessions recounting encounters with legends like and . He also addressed his experiences and name association with the in a late March 2025 talk. Strongbow made convention appearances, notably at the Icons of Wrestling event in July 2023, where he posed for photos with fans and fellow alumni like , reinforcing his enduring fanbase. These engagements, along with a 2023 feature on Native American wrestlers, underscore tributes to his legacy as an authentic voice in the sport's history up to 2025. While no major hall of fame induction has occurred as of November 2025, his contributions continue to be recognized in wrestling retrospectives and heritage discussions.

References

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