John Ralph “Buster” Bilbo (January 22, 1906 – May 13, 1975), better known by his ring name Jules Strongbow, was an American professional wrestler, promoter, commentator, and venue owner. A mainstay of the Los Angeles wrestling scene for decades, he transitioned from being one of the top heavyweights of the 1930s and 1940s to one of the most influential matchmakers and promoters of the 1950s and 1960s. Strongbow was central to the creation of the North American Wrestling Alliance (later Worldwide Wrestling Associates) and helped shape the careers of several stars who went on to international fame.
Early Life
Bilbo was born in De Queen, Arkansas, in 1906, the son of William Edward Bilbo and Hattie Catherine Burt. Though billed in the ring as a full-blooded Cherokee, he was in fact of partial Cherokee ancestry. He grew up in Oklahoma alongside his younger sister Mary and worked as a lumberman before finding his way into professional wrestling. In 1928, he married Betty Mast, his first wife, before later marrying Ramona Rae Roten in 1951.
Early Wrestling Career
Bilbo debuted as a wrestler in 1931, adopting the name Jules (or Julius) Strongbow, playing into a Native American persona that was popular with promoters at the time. He wrestled more than 1,200 matches during his career, becoming known as the “Cherokee Choker”, a formidable heavyweight who could work both singles and tag team matches.
He squared off against names such as Hardy Kruskamp (his most frequent rival), Dutch Heffner, and Wee Willie Davis. One of his most notable bouts came in 1933, when he wrestled in front of comedian Groucho Marx, who later recalled the event in classic Groucho fashion. Strongbow also served as the debut opponent for former boxing champion Primo Carnera, providing a major test for the ex-boxer’s first foray into professional wrestling.
Peak Years and Texas Heavyweight Championship
By the 1940s, Strongbow was among the leading stars of the Los Angeles territory, sharing the stage with Gino Garibaldi, the Dusek Brothers, George Zaharias, and Baron Michele Leone.
On May 11, 1945, Strongbow defeated Hans Schnabel in Houston, Texas, to win the Texas Heavyweight Championship, one of his most significant titles. Though his reign was short, he successfully defended the belt in multiple Texas cities before eventually losing it later that month.
Strongbow wrestled actively until 1948, with his final match taking place in Los Angeles, where he defeated Jack Holland.
Promoter, Commentator, and Matchmaker
Even before his retirement from the ring, Strongbow had begun transitioning into behind-the-scenes work. He became matchmaker at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1937, a position he would hold for nearly four decades. His influence as a promoter and booker grew rapidly through the 1950s, particularly after he teamed with Cal and Aileen Eaton to run the Los Angeles territory.
Strongbow was instrumental in introducing and pushing stars in Southern California, often blending wrestling with showmanship. He became known as a steady presence on wrestling broadcasts, co-hosting “Wrestling from Hollywood”with Dick Lane and later “Championship Wrestling” with Bill Welsh. He was also famous for his public “weight-loss campaign” in 1953, shedding nearly 90 pounds in three months while KTLA provided weekly updates, making him an unlikely TV draw.
Founding of the North American Wrestling Alliance
Following the controversial Lou Thesz–Édouard Carpentier title dispute in 1957, Strongbow and the California Combine promoters broke away from the National Wrestling Alliance. Along with the Eatons, Strongbow co-founded the North American Wrestling Alliance (NAWA) in 1959, which was later renamed Worldwide Wrestling Associates (WWA).
The NAWA/WWA would go on to create its own world championship, with Freddie Blassie and Édouard Carpentier among its early headliners. Strongbow was also crucial in introducing The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) to Japan and booking Japanese legend Rikidōzan in the U.S., helping to establish international wrestling ties that still resonate today.
Later Years and Semi-Retirement
As the 1960s wore on, Strongbow’s influence waned with the rise of Gene and Mike LeBell, who consolidated control of the Los Angeles territory. Still respected, he remained a fixture in wrestling circles, participating in ceremonies such as the 1970 tribute to Jim Londos.
By the 1970s, Strongbow’s health began to decline. After his death in 1975, his wife Ramona attempted to keep the Strongbow name alive by running shows at the family-owned Stelrich Stadium (renamed Strongbow Stadium) for two years. She organized annual memorial tournaments, with the inaugural event won by Chavo Guerrero Sr., who later feuded with Roddy Piper over the memorial trophy.
Legacy
-
Strongbow is remembered not just as a wrestler but as a key promoter, booker, and commentator in Los Angeles wrestling.
-
He helped transition the Southern California territory into television and was part of the wider promotional wars that defined wrestling in the mid-20th century.
-
Wrestling historian Steve Yohe has noted that Strongbow’s death hastened the decline of Los Angeles wrestling, which by the early 1980s had been overtaken by Vince McMahon’s expanding World Wrestling Federation.
-
His contributions were recognized with tribute shows during his life, and his name remained associated with the Los Angeles wrestling scene long after his passing.
Championships and Accomplishments
-
Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
-
North American Wrestling Alliance / WWA – Co-founder and booker
-
Matchmaker of the Olympic Auditorium (1937–1975)
-
Honored with a 35th anniversary Parade of Champions show in Los Angeles (1969)