James Rocha

Biography

James Rocha is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and World Championship Wrestling under the ring names Jim Steele and Wolf Hawkfield. Rocha began his career in Florida for International Championship Wrestling Alliance in October 1991. He would also wrestle for the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in Tennessee between February and March 1992. Rocha trained in the WCW Power Plant 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. Steele appeared in ECW at Barbed Wire, Hoodies & Chokeslams in June 1995 to face 911. Steele debuted in All Japan Pro Wrestling in late 1994, where he continued to wrestle as Jim Steele. In late 1994, Steele entered the 1994 World's Strongest Tag Determination League tournament, forming a team with Dan Spivey but the team finished in last place with 2 points.[2] 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 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 Determination 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 All Asia Tag Team Championship. In the spring, Hawkfield then entered the 1998 Champion 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 Determination League and the 1999 Champion 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 Determination League teaming with Gary Albright but they finished in 7th place with 2 points.