Professional wrestling Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, a tag-team star who later invented the Royal Rumble match and was the industry’s first openly gay performer, has died, World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed Wednesday. He was 79.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79,” WWE said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.”
Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by Bret Hart.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson has passed away. https://t.co/SDMTR6skZn
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2020
Born Pierre Clermont on Jan. 19, 1941, Patterson made his wrestling debut in 1958 in his native Montreal. He achieved fame as a tag team partner with Ray Stevens, forming the Blond Bombers. Patterson wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance through most of the 1960s, particularly in the San Francisco area. He also starred in the Minneapolis-based AWA, run by Verne Gagne.
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
Patterson made his debut in the WWE (then known as WWF) in 1979 and became the organization’s first Intercontinental Champion in September 1979. Patterson later had a well-publicized feud with Sgt. Slaughter in 1981 tha culminated with a series of Boot Camp Matches.
I can not express how crushed I feel right now with the loss of Pat Patterson. A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend.
— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) December 2, 2020
I love you Pat.
God speed. pic.twitter.com/FdaAFnsw8m
Patterson retired as an active wrestler in 1984.
Patterson’s enduring legacy to WWE was the invention of the Royal Rumble match, first televised in 1988. It was similar to a battle royale match, except wrestlers would enter the ring at different intervals. He pitched the idea to WWE head Vince McMahon Jr., who was skeptical at first. However, it has evolved into one of the organization’s signature matches.
Very saddened to hear about the passing of one of my best friends..Pat Patterson. He had an infectious personality where you always wanted to be around him. This photo of Pat, @ShawnMichaels and me was from Wrestlemania 21. Pat helped us create an incredible Story. #RIPHOFer pic.twitter.com/APHVs7hRoi
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) December 2, 2020
“The more I kept running the idea over in my mind, the more it took shape and I was sure I was on to something,” Patterson wrote in his 2016 biography, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.”
“I felt it: every instinct in my body told me it would work. So I finally brought the idea to Vince. He laughed at the concept at first, saying that an hour was way too long to keep fans interested. The first Royal Rumble was a success, but until it was over, we didn’t really know if it would work. I knew it was a unique idea, but until a crowd responds, it’s hard to know for sure.”
Saddened to hear the news about Pat Patterson. Coming to WWE in 2002 was a “unique” situation. Pat was one of the first to go out of his way and genuinely make me feel at home. We shared many hours, stories, and yes a cocktail or 2. RIP Pat. You did it your way.
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) December 2, 2020
He was a member of “The Corporation” for WWE, described by Hart in his 2007 book, “Hitman,” as “some guy who looked like Barney Rubble.”
“Pat was famous for his bumps and his ring psychology,” Hart wrote. “Behind the scenes, he was also famous for being gay and not caring whether the wrestlers knew.”
Just heard of the passing this morning if the great, Pat Patterson.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 2, 2020
True legend of the pro wrestling business.
A wonderful mentor who taught me so much.
RIP old friend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t61R9yCze1
“Pat Patterson’s legacy will live forever in the world of professional wrestling,” former wrestler and “Corporation” member Gerald Brisco told Cox Media Group. “One thing that he loved to do was pass knowledge along to the younger talent.
“As long as talent is out there, Pat will be there.”
Been searching all day to find the right words. Nothing but sorrow is in my mind. Thanks Pat Patterson for being such a great mentor and most of all the friendship you gave Awoawchipisacho. Till we meet again RIPPat. Give brother Jack a hug for me
— Gerald BRISCO 🤼♂️ (@Fgbrisco) December 2, 2020
RIP Pat Patterson 😥🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/6PFXuxClcw
— 90s WWE (@90sWWE) December 2, 2020
Patterson briefly returned to the ring during WWE’s “Attitude Era” of the 1990s, becoming one of McMahon’s “Stooges” along with Brisco.
Although Patterson was gay, he kept that private from the public until his career in the ring was over, ESPN reported. He later spoke about it publicly on WWE’s “Legends House” reality series.
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
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson paid tribute to Patterson in an Instagram post.
“RIP Pat. You’ll be missed,” Johnson wrote. “Rough phone calls to get this morning to tell me, our dear family member, Pat Patterson who was my pro wrestling mentor and father figure has passed away.
“Love you, Pat. And thank you. I’ll see you down the road.”
Pat Patterson always sat in or near gorilla and not only watched the shows, but made sure to compliment us on our way back ❤️. But I’ll always remember Pat most for coming to Xmas karaoke in NXT to sing the same song every year! Always the main event. He will be missed.
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) December 2, 2020
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