Wrestling Legend, Pat Patterson, tragically passed away on December 2, 2020 at a hospital in Miami after battling cancer, at 79.
Several Superstars paid tribute to him and reacted to his tragic demise.
A major loss for the @WWE family today. Pat worked alongside my family for years and was always invested in my success.
Brilliant mind for the business and always ready to make a joke … at your expense!
Rest In Peace, Pat. God bless.— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) December 2, 2020
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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
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.
I love you Pat.
God speed. pic.twitter.com/FdaAFnsw8m— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) December 2, 2020
No words can describe what he gave to us. His body as an in-ring performer, his mind as a storyteller, and his spirit as a beloved member of our large @WWE family. I will miss him for so many reasons… it’s never goodbye, it’s see ya down the road. Love you, Pat. Abooze
— Triple H (@TripleH) December 2, 2020
#RIPPatPatterson I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with @wwe Hall of Famer, the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, the father of the #RoyalRumble and the first openly gay wrestler of his generation. Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze ❤️
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 2, 2020
So sad to hear of the passing of @wwe legend Pat Patterson. One of the greatest minds in the business and just an all around great guy. I will miss him and his karaoke! RIP my friend. You are a hero to many! pic.twitter.com/WXFwJ1fjkO
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) December 2, 2020
Wow – what a loss for the @wwe family. There was never a time I saw Pat Patterson backstage at a show or event where he wasn’t smiling or trying to make people laugh. Thanks for always being kind to me during our interactions. Your bright spirit will be missed.
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) December 2, 2020
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
Gutted to hear about Pat Paterson’s passing, but I have many great memories to hold on to forever! From dinners, to kareoke, to long conversations about life, to wrestling advice, the list goes on. Thanks for everything Pat #RIPPatPatterson
— Santino Marella (@milanmiracle) December 2, 2020
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
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
RIP, Pat Patterson. Like so many others, I greatly benefited from Pat's knowledge and passion for the sport. He is an absolute legend. https://t.co/NVfnVEKiai
— Kane (@KaneWWE) December 2, 2020
Patterson was a huge success both inside and outside the ring. Inside the ring, he was as good with his wrestling performance as with the mic. Outside, he was a dedicated commentator. He progressed to taking on the role of a WWE Official as one of the trusted individuals of Mr. McMahon.
Pat Patterson has several achievements to his name
Starting from his debut back in 1958 at Montreal to his retirement in WWE in 1984, he continued to make a tremendous impact within the wrestling industry.
Whether it was individual matches or Tag Team matches, Patterson would show up, dominate, and leave with the belt over his shoulders.
In fact, Patterson is the very first Intercontinental Champion; additionally, he is the oldest champion that WWE has witnessed till now.
It was in June 2000, over twenty years after he won the very first Intercontinental championship, when he secured the Hardcore gold. He pinned Crash Holly and immediately had another achievement to his name. This time it was not just the title, but his age which made him the oldest champion to have walked the WWE ring.
He held the title for a week before losing it to Crash Holly at King of the Ring.
After his retirement in 1988, Patterson continued contributing to the WWE Universe. He was the brains behind the Royal Rumble Match format. Even though WWE expanded and changed it as the years progressed, it was Patterson who originally presented the idea to the company.
He opened up about his personal life
Pat Patterson broke another boundary in WWE by opening up about his personal life. He was the very first openly gay Superstar during a time when no one spoke about it.
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He documented the experience of being openly gay and WWE’s reaction to it in his book ‘Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE‘. Patterson released this book in 2016, two years after he spoke about his experience on WWE Network on the popular show – Legends’ House.
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