(Above photo courtesy WWE.com)
Pat Patterson, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) legend who created the popular “Royal Rumble” and called himself the “first gay superstar,” passed away at the age of 79, WWE reported Dec. 2.
“In a career spanning six decades, the renaissance man left an indelible mark on the industry in the ring, on the microphone and behind the scenes,” WWE said in a statement.
Patterson’s wrestling career began in 1958 in his native Canada before making his WWE debut in 1978, where a year later he became the company’s first Intercontinental Champion.
After retiring as a wrestler in 1984, Patterson continued working for WWE behind the scenes. He was commonly referred to as WWE owner Vince McMahon’s “right-hand man” and is credited for bringing “one of the ring’s most groundbreaking ideas to life by creating the original format for the Royal Rumble Match.”
Patterson, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by fellow wrestling legend Bret Hart, publicly came out in 2014 during an episode of the WWE reality series “Legends House.” Two years later, Patterson chronicled his journey in his memoir, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.”
After the news broke, many wrestling legends took to Twitter to post their condolences.
“PAT PATTERSON I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OTHER THAN I LOVE YOU. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL MIND FOR THIS BUSINESS AND BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR THIS WORLD. MY HEART IS BROKEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP #rip,” wrote The Iron Sheik.
PAT PATTERSON I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OTHER THAN I LOVE YOU. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL MIND FOR THIS BUSINESS AND BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR THIS WORLD. MY HEART IS BROKEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP #rip pic.twitter.com/XASbSUG0qO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 2, 2020
“I loved the man. I could listen to his stories for hours. One of the all-time great wrestlers, one of the best minds in the business, and a dear friend,” Mick Foley posted.
I just heard the terrible news about the passing of Pat Patterson. I loved the man. I could listen to his stories for hours. One of the all-time great wrestlers, one of the best minds in the business, and a dear friend.#RIPPatPatterson https://t.co/SozhlF8bQY
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) December 2, 2020
“True legend of the pro wrestling business,” said Jim Ross. “A wonderful mentor who taught me so much.”
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
“Pat Patterson lived life as it should be lived with passion, love and purpose,” said John Cena. “He helped so many and always entertained with a story or joke. He will live on in my life always. Love you Patrick.”
Loss is incredibly difficult. Those we love are only truly gone if we stop caring. Pat Patterson lived life as it should be lived with passion, love and purpose. He helped so many and always entertained with a story or joke. He will live on in my life always. Love you Patrick.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 2, 2020
