Jim Steele (wrestler)
Encyclopedia
James Rocha is an American
Professional Wrestler who competed in World Championship Wrestling
and All Japan Pro Wrestling
. He's perhaps best known for using the gimmick: Wolf Hawkfield, based on the video game character from the Virtua Fighter
video game series.
and turned pro in late 1993 where he used the name "Jungle" Jim Steele. Steele worked for WCW for the next year but was not pushed. He left the promotion in 1994.
in late 1994 where he continued to wrestle as Jim Steele. In late 1994, Steele entered the 1994 World's Strongest Tag League tournament, forming a team with Dan Spivey
but the team finished in last place with 2 points. In 1995, Steele was given a new name: Lacrosse but the new name did little for his All Japan career as he spent the next 2 years having little to no direction as he received only 1 title shot at the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship
and was left off tournaments. In early 1997, Steele helped form the Triangle of Power with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Gary Albright
, however it did little for his career.
In late 1997, Steele left the Triangle of Power and was given another gimmick becoming Wolf Hawkfield, a gimmick based on the Wolf Hawkfield character from the Virtua Fighter
video game series. The character proved to be successful as Steele's stock rose. He formed a team with Johnny Smith and the two entered the 1997 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 5th place with 10 points. On January 9, 1998, Hawkfield and Smith defeated Jun Akiyama
and Takao Omori
to win the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship. In the spring, Hawkfield then entered the 1998 Champion's Carnival but finished in 12th place with 4 points. On October 6, Hawkfield and Smith lost the All Asia Tag Team Championship to Tamon Honda
and Jun Izumida
.
Following the title loss, Hawkfield's stock once again dropped as he wasn't used for either the 1998 World's Strongest Tag League and the 1999 Champion's Carnival and he also received no title shots in 1999. Hawkfield returned to an All Japan tournament by entering the 1999 World's Strongest Tag League teaming with Gary Albright but they finished in 7th place with 2 points. In early 2000, Hawkfield entered the 2000 Champion's Carnival but lost in the first round to Jun Izumida. In the summer of 2000, Mitsuharu Misawa
left All Japan and went on to form Pro Wrestling NOAH
. Misawa would ultimately take the majority of the native roster and a few foreigners with him. Hawkfield, along with the majority of the gaijin side, remained in All Japan. Following the exodus, Hawkfield reverted back to Jim Steele and formed a new tag team
with Mike Barton. The new team entered the 2000 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 4th place with 10 points.
In 2001, Steele entered the 2001 Champion's Carnival where he finished 8th place with 2 points. For the rest of 2001, Steele would continue to team with Barton, in the fall of 2001, the two joined the All Japan Branch of Masahiro Chono
's stable: Team 2000
. In late 2001, Steele and Barton entered the 2001 G1 Tag League where they became the runner-ups losing to Ten-Koji
in the finals. In 2002, Steele would have a busy year as he and Barton challenged for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship
on two occasions but came up short each time. In the spring, Steele entered the 2002 Champion's Carnival finishing in 3rd place with 6 points. In the summer, Steele and Barton won the Stan Hansen Cup in a four way tag team match. By the end of 2002, Steele and Barton left All Japan and signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling
.
. They made iit to the finals but lost to Manabu Nakanishi
, Osamu Nishimura
, and Yutaka Yoshie
. In February 2003, Steele and Barton entered a #1 Contenders Tournament for the IWGP Tag Team Championship which they emerged victorious defeating Makai Club
members: Tadao Yasuda
and Kazunari Murakami
, unfortunately the title match would be delayed when Steele suffered a leg injury putting him out for months. After recoving from his injury, Steele returned in the fall of 2003 as he teamed with Barton in the 2003 G1 Tag League. During the tag league, Steele and Barton would receive their IWGP Tag Team Title shot against champions: Hiroshi Tanahashi
and Yutaka Yoshie but they lost. In the tag league, Steele and Barton finished in 6th place with 6 points. After a few more months in New Japan, Steele and Barton left in early 2004.
in the 2004 World's Strongest Tag League but the team finished 4th place in their block with 4 points. After the tournament, Steele left All Japan again.
promotion in Puerto Rico
. In November 2001, Steele won the WWC Puerto Rican Championship but lost the title 3 weeks later. Steele worked for WWC on and off until 2008.
Steele also wrestled two tryout matches with the WWE in 2003 teaming with Mike Barton in both matches but wasn't hired.
Signature Moves
Nicknames
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Professional Wrestler who competed in World Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling, Inc. was an American professional wrestling promotion which existed from 1988 to 2001. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it began as a regional promotion affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance , named Jim Crockett Promotions until November 1988, when Ted Turner and...
and All Japan Pro Wrestling
All Japan Pro Wrestling
is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. All Japan Pro Wrestling still remains one of the most popular puroresu promotions still in operation.-The Giant Baba Era :...
. He's perhaps best known for using the gimmick: Wolf Hawkfield, based on the video game character from the Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter
is a 1993 fighting game developed for the Sega Model 1 arcade platform by AM2, a development group within Sega, headed by Yu Suzuki. It is the first game in the Virtua Fighter series, and the first arcade fighting game to feature fully 3D polygon graphics. It has been ported to several home video...
video game series.
World Championship Wrestling (1993-1994)
Rocha trained in the WCW Power PlantWCW Power Plant
The WCW Power Plant was a professional wrestling school located in Atlanta, Georgia and owned and operated by World Championship Wrestling. The Power Plant, which was developed from a school operated by Jody Hamilton, was in operation throughout the 1990s...
and turned pro in late 1993 where he used the name "Jungle" Jim Steele. Steele worked for WCW for the next year but was not pushed. He left the promotion in 1994.
All Japan Pro Wrestling (1994-2002)
Steele debuted in All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestling
is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. All Japan Pro Wrestling still remains one of the most popular puroresu promotions still in operation.-The Giant Baba Era :...
in late 1994 where he continued to wrestle as Jim Steele. In late 1994, Steele entered the 1994 World's Strongest Tag League tournament, forming a team with Dan Spivey
Dan Spivey
Daniel Eugene "Dan" Spivey is a retired professional wrestler who worked for World Championship Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation, and All Japan Pro Wrestling between 1984 and 1995...
but the team finished in last place with 2 points. In 1995, Steele was given a new name: Lacrosse but the new name did little for his All Japan career as he spent the next 2 years having little to no direction as he received only 1 title shot at the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship
AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship
The All Japan Pro Wrestling All Asia Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team title in Japanese promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling . It was created on November 16, 1955 in the Japan Wrestling Association when King Kong Czaya & Tiger Jokinder defeated JWA founder Rikidōzan &...
and was left off tournaments. In early 1997, Steele helped form the Triangle of Power with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Gary Albright
Gary Albright
Gary Albright was an American professional wrestler who performed mainly in Stampede Wrestling in Canada and with UWF International and All Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan. Albright was a member through marriage of the famous Anoa'i wrestling family, including Afa and Sika, Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The...
, however it did little for his career.
In late 1997, Steele left the Triangle of Power and was given another gimmick becoming Wolf Hawkfield, a gimmick based on the Wolf Hawkfield character from the Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter
is a 1993 fighting game developed for the Sega Model 1 arcade platform by AM2, a development group within Sega, headed by Yu Suzuki. It is the first game in the Virtua Fighter series, and the first arcade fighting game to feature fully 3D polygon graphics. It has been ported to several home video...
video game series. The character proved to be successful as Steele's stock rose. He formed a team with Johnny Smith and the two entered the 1997 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 5th place with 10 points. On January 9, 1998, Hawkfield and Smith defeated Jun Akiyama
Jun Akiyama
is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently works for Pro Wrestling Noah and All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is the current AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. Akiyama is known for his serious style and outstanding, time-tested work as a tag team wrestler...
and Takao Omori
Takao Omori
is a Japanese semi-retired professional wrestler, currently competing for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He has formerly competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah and Pro Wrestling Zero1.-All Japan Pro Wrestling :...
to win the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship. In the spring, Hawkfield then entered the 1998 Champion's Carnival but finished in 12th place with 4 points. On October 6, Hawkfield and Smith lost the All Asia Tag Team Championship to Tamon Honda
Tamon Honda
is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently a freelancer, he most recently worked for Pro Wrestling Noah.-1984, 1988, and 1992 Summer Olympics:Honda represented Japan in three Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling in 1984, 1988, and 1992...
and Jun Izumida
Jun Izumida
Junji Izumida is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently works for Pro Wrestling Noah.-Sumo wrestling:...
.
Following the title loss, Hawkfield's stock once again dropped as he wasn't used for either the 1998 World's Strongest Tag League and the 1999 Champion's Carnival and he also received no title shots in 1999. Hawkfield returned to an All Japan tournament by entering the 1999 World's Strongest Tag League teaming with Gary Albright but they finished in 7th place with 2 points. In early 2000, Hawkfield entered the 2000 Champion's Carnival but lost in the first round to Jun Izumida. In the summer of 2000, Mitsuharu Misawa
Mitsuharu Misawa
was a Japanese professional wrestler. He made his professional debut on August 21, 1981 for All Japan Pro Wrestling . From 1984 until 1990, Misawa wrestled as the second generation Tiger Mask, as All Japan Pro Wrestling had purchased the rights of the Tiger Mask gimmick from New Japan Pro Wrestling...
left All Japan and went on to form Pro Wrestling NOAH
Pro Wrestling NOAH
is a major Japanese professional wrestling promotion, founded in 2000 by former All Japan Pro Wrestling ace Mitsuharu Misawa. NOAH is broadcast weekly in Japan...
. Misawa would ultimately take the majority of the native roster and a few foreigners with him. Hawkfield, along with the majority of the gaijin side, remained in All Japan. Following the exodus, Hawkfield reverted back to Jim Steele and formed a new tag team
Mike Barton and Jim Steele
The tag team of Mike Barton and Jim Steele was a professional wrestling tag team that competed in several puroresu promotions including All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling.-All Japan Pro Wrestling :...
with Mike Barton. The new team entered the 2000 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 4th place with 10 points.
In 2001, Steele entered the 2001 Champion's Carnival where he finished 8th place with 2 points. For the rest of 2001, Steele would continue to team with Barton, in the fall of 2001, the two joined the All Japan Branch of Masahiro Chono
Masahiro Chono
, is a Japanese professional wrestler. He primarily wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling , but has also made appearances for the now defunct World Championship Wrestling, as a member of the New World Order. Chono was also known as Mister Black Jack when he first started as a villain. He is a...
's stable: Team 2000
Team 2000
Team 2000 was a professional wrestling stable that competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Throughout its tenure, T2000 was New Japan's top heel stable.-Background:...
. In late 2001, Steele and Barton entered the 2001 G1 Tag League where they became the runner-ups losing to Ten-Koji
Ten-Koji
Ten-Koji is a professional wrestling tag team that has competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling. In their history, Ten-Koji currently hold the second longest IWGP Tag Team Championship reign and are currently the first and only team to have won both the G1 tag league and...
in the finals. In 2002, Steele would have a busy year as he and Barton challenged for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship
AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship
The All Japan Pro Wrestling Unified World Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team title in Japanese promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling...
on two occasions but came up short each time. In the spring, Steele entered the 2002 Champion's Carnival finishing in 3rd place with 6 points. In the summer, Steele and Barton won the Stan Hansen Cup in a four way tag team match. By the end of 2002, Steele and Barton left All Japan and signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling
is a major professional wrestling promotion in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in June 1972 and owned by Yuke's since 2005, when Inoki sold the promotion. Naoki Sugabayashi is the current President of the promotion and has held that position from 2007. Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, it...
.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (2002-2004)
Steele and Barton entered New Japan in the fall of 2002. They entered the 2002 Triathlon Tournament teaming with Yuji NagataYuji Nagata
is a Japanese professional wrestler. He was known for his perennial tweener status, currently a solid fan favorite, and his stiff, shoot style wrestling technique....
. They made iit to the finals but lost to Manabu Nakanishi
Manabu Nakanishi
is a Japanese professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.-Amateur wrestling career:...
, Osamu Nishimura
Osamu Nishimura
Osamu Nishimura is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Nishimura formerly worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling and MUGA World Pro Wrestling.-Early years :...
, and Yutaka Yoshie
Yutaka Yoshie
, is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently working as a freelancer in Japan, performing for promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah and Pro Wrestling Zero1...
. In February 2003, Steele and Barton entered a #1 Contenders Tournament for the IWGP Tag Team Championship which they emerged victorious defeating Makai Club
Makai Club
Makai Club was a professional wrestling stable that competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, it was led by Tadao Yasuda and managed by Kantaro Hoshino.-History:...
members: Tadao Yasuda
Tadao Yasuda
Tadao Yasuda is a retired sumo and professional wrestler from Ōta, Tokyo, Japan. He competed in sumo from 1979 to 1992, under the shikona of Takanofuji, achieving the rank of komusubi, and afterwards turned to professional wrestling, in which he competed from 1994 to 2011.-Sumo career:He made his...
and Kazunari Murakami
Kazunari Murakami
is a Japanesefreelance professional wrestler and a retired mixed martial artist, best known for his appearances in Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX and Big Mouth LOUD, of which he was a founding member...
, unfortunately the title match would be delayed when Steele suffered a leg injury putting him out for months. After recoving from his injury, Steele returned in the fall of 2003 as he teamed with Barton in the 2003 G1 Tag League. During the tag league, Steele and Barton would receive their IWGP Tag Team Title shot against champions: Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi
is a Japanese professional wrestler who works primarily for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion in his fifth reign.-Early life:...
and Yutaka Yoshie but they lost. In the tag league, Steele and Barton finished in 6th place with 6 points. After a few more months in New Japan, Steele and Barton left in early 2004.
All Japan Pro Wrestling (2004)
In late 2004, Steele returned to All Japan now using the gimmick Love Machine Steele. Steele teamed with the GREAT MUTAJohn Hugger
John Hugger is an American professional wrestler. He is perhaps best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling as Johnny the Bull, World Wrestling Entertainment as Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli...
in the 2004 World's Strongest Tag League but the team finished 4th place in their block with 4 points. After the tournament, Steele left All Japan again.
WWE and World Wrestling Council
During his time in Japan, Steele competed for the World Wrestling CouncilWorld Wrestling Council
The World Wrestling Council is one of Puerto Rico's two main professional wrestling promotions, the other one being the International Wrestling Association....
promotion in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. In November 2001, Steele won the WWC Puerto Rican Championship but lost the title 3 weeks later. Steele worked for WWC on and off until 2008.
Steele also wrestled two tryout matches with the WWE in 2003 teaming with Mike Barton in both matches but wasn't hired.
In Wrestling
Finishing Moves- Turbo Drop
Signature Moves
- Steele Trap
- DDTDDT (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling a DDT is any move in which the wrestler has the opponent in a front facelock, and falls down or backwards to drive the opponent's head into the mat...
- PowerslamPowerslamA powerslam is a professional wrestling body slam move in which the wrestler performing the slam falls face-down on top of his/her opponent. The use of the term "powerslam" usually refers to the front powerslam and the scoop powerslam.-Emerald Flowsion:...
- Diving Shoulderblock
Nicknames
- Jungle
Championships and Accomplishments
- All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestlingis a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. All Japan Pro Wrestling still remains one of the most popular puroresu promotions still in operation.-The Giant Baba Era :...
- AJPW All Asia Tag Team ChampionshipAJPW All Asia Tag Team ChampionshipThe All Japan Pro Wrestling All Asia Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team title in Japanese promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling . It was created on November 16, 1955 in the Japan Wrestling Association when King Kong Czaya & Tiger Jokinder defeated JWA founder Rikidōzan &...
(1 Time)- with Johnny SmithJohnny SmithJohnny Smith is an American cool jazz and mainstream jazz guitarist.-Early years:... - Stan Hansen Cup Winner (2002)- with Mike Barton
- AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship
- New Japan Pro WrestlingNew Japan Pro Wrestlingis a major professional wrestling promotion in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in June 1972 and owned by Yuke's since 2005, when Inoki sold the promotion. Naoki Sugabayashi is the current President of the promotion and has held that position from 2007. Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, it...
- IWGP Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tournament (2003)- with Mike Barton
- Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
- PWI ranked him 143 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
in 1999
- PWI ranked him 143 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500
- World Wrestling CouncilWorld Wrestling CouncilThe World Wrestling Council is one of Puerto Rico's two main professional wrestling promotions, the other one being the International Wrestling Association....
- WWC Puerto Rican Championship (1 Time)