Kurt Angle, a renowned figure in WWE history with four WWE Championship titles and a spot in the Hall of Fame, highlighted an often overlooked individual during his 2017 WWE Hall of Fame induction. This individual, Steve James Bisson, also known as Steve Bradley, was a highly promising talent in the wrestling world.
Coming from Boston, Massachusetts, Bradley ventured into professional wrestling at a remarkably young age of 15, swiftly rising to prominence in various promotions along the East Coast. His talents drew the attention of the WWF, leading to a tag team match alongside Joe DeLeon against former WWF Tag Team Champions The Bodydonnas, which, despite ending in defeat, impressed senior figures and earned Bradley a three-year developmental deal with the organization at the age of 22 in 1998.
Training alongside Kurt Angle at the WWF headquarters in Connecticut, Bradley and Angle developed a strong bond and were sent to Power Pro Wrestling in Memphis to further hone their skills. In a notable event on August 7, 1999, Bradley defeated Angle for the PPW Heavyweight Championship, a title he would subsequently win four times, earning recognition as the “Underrated Feud of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Despite his early success, Bradley struggled to establish a lasting impact in the wrestling world, moving between developmental organizations like Ohio Valley Wrestling. Unfortunately, his contract was terminated in July 2002, and he faced challenges in gaining traction in the independent circuit. Bradley eventually shifted focus to coaching, establishing the Top Rope Wrestling Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2005.
Tragically, at the age of 32, Bradley was found deceased in the car park where his Academy once stood, with the cause of death remaining undetermined by the authorities. Angle credited Bradley for his rapid improvement in wrestling, emphasizing the significant influence Bradley had on his career development.
Bradley’s life was marked by struggles with drug addiction, including a heroin possession arrest shortly before his passing. Despite efforts at rehabilitation, inconclusive drug-test results from an autopsy left unanswered questions about the circumstances of his death. Angle expressed regret over Bradley’s untimely departure, recognizing the immense potential Bradley possessed that could have endeared him to wrestling fans worldwide.
