WWE legend Pat Patterson dies

Pat Patterson has died aged 79.

The WWE legend and pioneer – who leaves behind an unrivalled legacy and was wrestling’s “first gay superstar”, coming out to his colleagues in the 1970s – has sadly passed away, with the industry mourning his death.

In a statement, WWE confirmed: “WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79 … WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.”

The late star’s illustrious in-ring career saw him become the company’s first ever Intercontinental Champion in 1979, while he was a big influence behind the scenes when his grappling days ended acting as a road agent and working with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as his right-hand man.

Patterson is also responsible for giving the WWE Universe the iconic Royal Rumble match which is still one of the highlights of the wrestling calendar to this day.

In his book ‘Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE’, he wrote: “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.”

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Image Source:*oleantimesherald.com

Source:oleantimesherald.com