Kurt Angle, a celebrated figure in WWE history with four WWE Championship titles and a spot in the Hall of Fame, paid tribute to an often-overlooked individual during his 2017 WWE Hall of Fame induction.
Steve James Bisson, professionally known as Steve Bradley, was once hailed as a rising star in WWE. Starting his wrestling career at just 15 in Boston, Massachusetts, he quickly rose to prominence in various East Coast promotions.
After catching the attention of WWF, Bradley, at 22, signed a three-year developmental deal in 1998. Trained alongside Kurt Angle at the WWF headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, the duo was then sent to Power Pro Wrestling in Memphis to enhance their skills.
In a memorable clash in 1999, Bradley defeated Angle for the PPW Heavyweight Championship, a victory that led to a record-breaking four title wins. Their rivalry was praised as the “Underrated Feud of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Despite his early success, Bradley struggled to maintain momentum, moving between developmental organizations like Ohio Valley Wrestling. He also faced setbacks in house shows, including a bout against Angle on Heat that ended in defeat.
In 2002, Bradley’s contract was terminated, and he ranked 84th in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s global wrestler rankings. Following his departure, he shifted focus to coaching and founded the Top Rope Wrestling Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 2005.
Tragically, at the age of 32, Bradley was found dead in the academy’s former car park, with the cause of death remaining unknown. Angle credited Bradley for his rapid improvement in wrestling skills, highlighting Bradley’s pivotal role in his career.
Bradley battled drug addiction and faced legal issues before his death, with inconclusive drug-test results from an autopsy. Angle expressed regret over Bradley’s unrealized potential and impact on the wrestling world.
For quick access to valuable news, select Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.