Every Wrestling Rookie Of The Year: Where Are They Now?

41. 1982: Steve Williams

Essa Rios Lita
WWE.com

Steve Williams was every bit as great as Jim Ross heralded him as - just not when JR put him over as zealously as he did.

An awesome blend of speed, power and intimidation, he looked and wrestled like a supercharged mountain in his heyday and is most fondly remembered by hardcore wrestling fans for his run in AJPW. Kenta Kobashi turned heads - and, gruesomely, his own - in a famous 1993 match with 'Dr. Death'.

He was broken down by the time he got his big break in the US - the industry had conspired against him when Bill Watts tried it the first time - and he passed away from throat cancer in 2009. He was 49.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!