Chief Jay Eagle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chief Jay Eagle |
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Chief Jay Eagle in 2020
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| Birth name | Jerry Thomas Bragg |
| Born | August 18, 1953 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Professional wrestling career | |
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| Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Billed weight | 240 lb (110 kg) |
| Billed from | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Trained by |
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| Debut | 1975 |
Jerry Thomas Bragg (born August 18, 1953) is a retired American professional wrestler. He is best known by his wrestling name, Chief Jay Eagle. Besides wrestling, he was also a businessman and a promoter. A promoter is someone who organizes wrestling shows.
Chief Jay Eagle wrestled for many different companies. These included the NWA and other independent groups. He also owned and promoted his own wrestling companies. These were Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW), National Championship Wrestling (NCW), and Big Time Wrestling (BTW). He also owned American Pro Wrestling (APW), which started in 1997.
Contents
Chief Jay Eagle's Wrestling Journey
Starting Out (1975–1983)
Jerry Bragg began his wrestling career in 1975. He was trained by two wrestling legends, Wahoo McDaniel and George South.
In one of his first matches, Jerry wrestled against a tag team called The Bandits. His parents were in the audience watching him for the first time. During the match, his mother, Betty Bragg, thought he was in real trouble. She jumped into the ring to protect him! Jerry said this was a very embarrassing moment for both of them.
Wrestling for Different Companies
Jerry wrestled for Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) for six weeks. He used the name Denny Wolfe. He was a "jobber," which means he usually lost matches to make other wrestlers look stronger. This experience made him realize he preferred working for smaller wrestling companies.
He was the promoter for Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW) from 1983 to 1990. He also promoted National Championship Wrestling (NCW) from 1990 to 1993.
In 1990, while wrestling for South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW), Chief Jay Eagle and his partner David Isley lost to The Nasty Boys.
He wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1993. He defeated Helmut Hessler on August 28, 1993.
Big Time Wrestling (1993–1998)
Chief Jay Eagle was the promoter for Big Time Wrestling (BTW) from 1993 to 1998.
In 1995, BTW held a show in Pomeroy, Ohio. Chief Jay Eagle took part in a special match called a blindfold battle royal. He later won a singles match against T. Rantula at the same event.
Working with Other Promotions
Chief Jay Eagle also wrestled for Pro Wrestling Federation (PWF) between 1994 and 1995. He had several matches, sometimes winning and sometimes losing. He even teamed up with his trainer, Wahoo McDaniel, in one match.
In 1994, he won an Indian strap match against Mad Dog. This was at a Southern Championship Wrestling event.
Between 1996 and 1997, he wrestled for American Championship Wrestling (ACW). He became the ACW United States Champion during this time. He defended his title in several matches.
In 1997, he wrestled for National Championship Wrestling (NCW) again.
He also wrestled for National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Wildside from 1999 to 2000.
In 2005, Chief Jay Eagle defeated Greg "The Hammer" Valentine in a strap match for Exodus Wrestling Alliance (EWA). He also won another match at an EWA event that honored his former trainer, Wahoo McDaniel.
He participated in a benefit show in 2005 to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Many wrestlers and promotions took part in this event.
American Pro Wrestling (1997–2009, 2017–2020)
Chief Jay Eagle owned and promoted American Pro Wrestling (APW). He started this company in 1997. He also owns the American Coliseum in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is where most APW events are held.
He continued to wrestle for APW during these years, winning several matches.
Teaching Wrestling
Chief Jay Eagle also teaches a special class at Wofford College. Every three years, he trains 30 students for a wrestling show called "January Smackdown: A Cultural History of Professional Wrestling." Wofford College even gave him the title "Doctor of Pro Wrestling."
As of 2022, Chief Jay Eagle, at 69 years old, was still wrestling for a promotion in North Carolina.
Chief Jay Eagle's Life Outside the Ring
Jerry Bragg finished high school in 1972 at Boiling Springs High School. After school, he worked as a roofer.
He is married to Rhonda Bragg, and they have four children. His wife, Rhonda, briefly worked as a wrestling announcer. His son, Jeremy, followed in his footsteps and became a professional wrestler known as E.Z. Money. His youngest son, Dustin, also wrestled as Dusty Money. His daughter, Amanda, helped him with his APW business.
Jerry Bragg is a Christian. He also owns a gym and a roofing company called Bragg Roofing.
Over his wrestling career, Chief Jay Eagle had many injuries. These included broken fingers, ribs, and a broken nose. He also had a ruptured Achilles tendon that kept him from wrestling for 10 months. Doctors advised him to stop wrestling after he had surgery for herniated discs in his back. However, he continued to wrestle regularly.
Wrestling Achievements
- American Championship Wrestling
- ACW United States Champion (1 time)
