Rocha trained in the WCW Power Plant and turned pro in late 1993 where he used the name "Jungle" Jim Steele.
In early 1997, Steele helped form the Triangle of Power with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Gary Albright.
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.
[2] On January 9, 1998, Hawkfield and Smith defeated Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori to win the All Asia Tag Team Championship.
[5] On October 6, Hawkfield and Smith lost the All Asia Tag Team Championship to Tamon Honda and Jun Izumida.
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.
[10] In 2002, Steele would have a busy year as he and Barton challenged for the World Tag Team Championship on two occasions but came up short each time.
[12] In the summer, Steele and Barton won the Stan Hansen Cup in a four-way tag team match.
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,[13] unfortunately the title match would be delayed when Steele suffered a leg injury[14] putting him out for months.