The world of sports and entertainment has lost a legendary figure behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Pat Patterson who was born in 1941 has passed away in the hectic year of 2020.
He was first a contracted worker for Vince Mcmahon’s father in the 1970’s when the now WWE was known as the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation). Patterson became the organization’s first Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in 1979 and the title is one of the top prizes in the company til this day. He was a trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling which the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) would eventually take over as the mainstream juggernaut of the 1980’s with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Andre The Giant.
He began wrestling in the 1950s and had legendary matches with the likes of where he famously engaged in a series of awesome matches with Sgt. Slaughter. Patterson would join the commentary team in the WWF in the 1980’s and would eventually become the originator of one of the company’s biggest events in the Royal Rumble.
In his book — “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE” — Patterson explained how the Rumble came to be.
“The first Royal Rumble was on January 24, 1988, in Hamilton, Ontario. The difference between WWE’s Royal Rumble and a traditional over-the-top rope battle royal is that the participants come into the match at two-minute intervals — not all at the same time at the beginning of the match. I wanted to create something special.”
In latter years during the ever popular “Attitude Era” that was led by the likes of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, he was known as one of the beloved “Stooges” of boss Vince Mcmahon.
Check out the online reactions to the passing of this legendary pro wrestler.
Pat Patterson was more than the first Intercontinental Champion & father of the Royal Rumble Match. He helped lay the foundation for WWE as we know it. His mentorship shaped careers, his creativity sparked innovation and his friendship lifted spirits. Love you, Pat. We miss you. pic.twitter.com/TugpAOrN6O
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) December 2, 2020
Just heard of the passing this morning if the great, Pat Patterson.
True legend of the pro wrestling business.
A wonderful mentor who taught me so much.
RIP old friend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t61R9yCze1— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 2, 2020
The inaugural Intercontinental Champion, Pat Patterson – has passed away at 79. Pat is a trailblazer in professional wrestling, and his openness about being gay should be a motivator for everyone that no matter who you are, YOU have a place and purpose! Canadian boy!
RIP pic.twitter.com/oGB0koP5di
— Keegan Dimitrijevic 🇨🇦 (@KeeganSpectator) December 2, 2020
So sad to hear Pat Patterson has passed away at 79. WWE’s first openly gay star, Pat was a trailblazer. The first IC champ, the inventor of the Royal Rumble, a big part of the Mr. McMahon character success in the 90s, and a masterful wrestling mind for talents backstage #RIPPat pic.twitter.com/uj0tjY6vAm
— Gorilla Position (@WWEGP) December 2, 2020
Incredibly sad to see Pat Patterson has sadly passed away.
Absolutely loved him as part of Vince McMahon's stooges.
Always made me smile watching him.
R.I.P ❤ pic.twitter.com/ADafvBLZmh
— Mark (@WrestlingJebus) December 2, 2020
Hearing Pat Patterson has passed away, he had a huge effect on many people in the industry. Many wrestlers paths would not be the same without Pat Patterson. He came up with the original idea that we now know as the Royal Rumble.
RIP Pat Patterson pic.twitter.com/h2scunXpeK
— Caledonian King (@MarktheMark22) December 2, 2020
RIP the first ever intercontinental champion of the world Pat Patterson https://t.co/4iVliwpFMC pic.twitter.com/1ocElUztnO
— Tony Sanchez (@_tonysanchez) December 2, 2020
A Great Wrestler, He And Ray Were Second To None, A Fabulous Mind, Caring And Thoughtful, Always Had A Smile On His Face. Just To List A Few Of Many! The Last Thing I Can Remember Him Saying To Me Is “She Is So Damn Good Ricky, Are You Sure She Is Your Daughter?” RIP Pat! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/KHzabO7v7G
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) December 2, 2020
