The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of former WWE talent Steve Bradley, whose body was discovered in a car park outside his former wrestling academy at the age of 32. Bradley, who once trained Olympic gold medallist Kurt Angle during their early careers, was described by Angle himself as an "unsung hero" of the industry.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Steve James Bisson, known professionally as Steve Bradley, entered the world of professional wrestling at just 15 years old and quickly became a headline performer across various East Coast promotions. His talent caught the attention of the then-WWF in 1998, where he secured a three-year developmental contract at age 22.
During his time with the organisation, Bradley underwent training at the company's Stamford, Connecticut headquarters alongside newcomer Kurt Angle. The pair developed an immediate rapport and were dispatched together to Memphis-based Power Pro Wrestling to refine their skills.
The Angle Connection
Bradley's connection with Kurt Angle would become one of the most significant relationships of his career. On August 7, 1999, just one year after joining WWF, Bradley defeated Angle to claim the PPW Heavyweight Championship – a title he would go on to win a record four times. Professional wrestling publication Pro Wrestling Illustrated later dubbed their rivalry the most "Underrated Feud of the Year".
Angle has been vocal about Bradley's influence on his own career, stating: "Steve is the reason I became so good so fast. When I tried out for WWE, he was there at the camp and they glued me to his hip for six months. That's all I did, was work with Steve and train with Steve. He taught me everything!"
Unfulfilled Potential
Despite showing immense promise and being tipped by many as a future star, Bradley struggled to gain traction in the competitive world of professional wrestling. He drifted between developmental organisations including Ohio Valley Wrestling, where future superstars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Batista and Randy Orton all honed their craft.
Angle expressed surprise at Bradley's failure to achieve major success, saying: "I knew he was going to make it big, I knew he was going to be the next Rob Van Dam, maybe even a little more versatile than Rob. Steve was very, very talented and I'm surprised he didn't make it. I'm just surprised and shocked Steve Bradley didn't make it big."
Transition to Coaching
After his WWE contract was terminated in July 2002, Bradley shifted his focus to coaching. In 2005, he established the Top Rope Wrestling Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of wrestlers.
Tragically, just three years later in 2008, Bradley was found dead in the car park where his Academy – which had closed six months earlier – used to be located. Police were unable to determine a definitive cause of death at the time.
Personal Struggles
Bradley had well-documented struggles with drug addiction throughout his life. Approximately one month before his untimely death, he had been arrested for heroin possession. Despite completing two stints in rehabilitation programmes, an autopsy following his death yielded only inconclusive drug-test results.
The wrestling community continues to remember Bradley not only for his in-ring abilities but for his significant contribution to developing one of the sport's greatest talents. As Angle reflected: "He was the reason I made it in the company. With his talents, people would have absolutely loved him."
