WWE legend Pat Patterson dead at 79, first gay wrestling superstar

WWE Legend Pat Patterson – the man who created the “Royal Rumble” – has died, the organization confirmed. He was 79 years old.

“WWE offers its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends,” the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Patterson – who considered himself wrestling’s “first gay superstar” – was a key part of WWE for decades, widely known as Vince mcmahonis the right arm.

He started wrestling in the 1950s – and eventually joined WWE in the late 1970s, where he embarked on a series of impressive matches with Sgt. Slaughter. Pat became the company’s first Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in 1979.

Patterson later became a commentator of color for WWE – and continued to work in the ring and in the booth until his retirement in 1984.

At this point, Patterson joined McMahon as Director of WWE – and in 1988 he pitched the idea for the Royal Rumble.

In his book – “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE” – Patterson explained how the Rumble was born.

“The first Royal Rumble took place on January 24, 1988 in Hamilton, Ontario. The difference between WWE’s Royal Rumble and a traditional tug-of-war battle royale is that participants enter the match at two-minute intervals – not all at the same time at the start of the match. I wanted to create something special.“

Pat turned gay on an episode of “WWE Legends House” in 2014 … opening up to guys like Roddy piper and Jimmy hart. It was a strong moment.

Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

TEAR

Tributes are already pouring in …

Triple H – “No words can describe what he has given us. His body as a performer in the ring, his storytelling spirit and his spirit as a beloved member of our great WWE family. I will miss him for many reasons … it’s never goodbye, see you soon. I love you, Pat. Abooze. “

Shane McMahon – “I can’t express how crushed I feel right now by the loss of Pat Patterson.” A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend. I love you Pat. God speed.

Jim ross – I just learned of the death this morning of the great, Pat Patterson. A true legend in the world of professional wrestling. A wonderful mentor who taught me so much. RIP old friend. “