A trailblazer and a true legend of the pro wrestling world, Pat Patterson passed away on December 2 at the age of 79.
The news of his passing was shared by Tony Marinaro on Twitter. He said that Pat Patterson passed away in the morning at a Miami hospital after suffering from cancer.
Just got a text from my buddy Rodger Brulotte letting me know that legendary wrestler Pat Patterson of @WWE passed away earlier this morning in a Miami hospital. Patterson, had cancer. He was 79. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIP. #WWE
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) December 2, 2020
Pat Patterson was the first-ever WWE Intercontinental Champion and the brain behind the conception of the first Royal Rumble match.
The first Royal Rumble match in 1987, won by the One Man Gang, was held at a house show as an experiment that Pat Patterson had to convince Vince McMahon to do. It went poorly and Vince hated the idea. Thankfully, it got a second chance. One of the staples of my childhood. pic.twitter.com/rts1eg30qg
— Jason Solomon (@solomonster) December 2, 2020
Post retirement from the ring, he dedicated his life to the business and to WWE, working as a producer and working closely with Vince McMahon.
WWE Superstars pay respect to Pat Patterson
The McMahon family were joined by other WWE Superstars and personalities in remembering the icon and sending thoughts and prayers to his family. Shane McMahon were among the very first to tweet about it. Iron Sheik, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan, and several other current and former Superstars posted on social media after the news of his demise broke out.
They were joined by Roman Reigns and John Cena as well.
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
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
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
#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
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
Few could speak the art of our industry into existence. Pat spoke to me, taught me so much, and helped me see what was really possible to achieve in my career. God bless you, Pat.
Rest In Peace. https://t.co/wfyiwbrkCA— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) December 2, 2020
I don't have the words to properly convey the respect and admiration I have for Pat Patterson.
Whatever I can offer, it's simply not enough. #RIPPatPatterson — your contributions to our lives will forever be appreciated! pic.twitter.com/vm4C6cRXLl
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) December 2, 2020
❤️🥃@TheRock pays tribute to a man who helped him break into WWE, Pat Patterson. pic.twitter.com/NETr5SFgNq
— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) December 2, 2020
Bret Hart on the passing of Pat Patterson. #RIPPatPatterson pic.twitter.com/7ilGtORq15
— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) December 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/ScrapDaddyAP/status/1334169489433309189?s=20
#PatPatterson was the #Yoda to my Luke. He taught me 90% of what I know about putting together a wrestling match. He was a confidant, a mentor, a collaborator, a comedian, a singer and most importantly… a friend. I love you Pat…this hockey puck is gonna miss you. pic.twitter.com/FnqzSZD8pH
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) December 2, 2020
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
Truly saddened to hear the loss of Pat Patterson.
Thank you Pat for all you did for our sport & believing in the lil guy! It’s time to help book in Heaven with Eddie!!#RIP 🖤🙏🏼 #YouWillBeMissed✝️ @ 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷. https://t.co/XboWMtvEw4
— ♛Rey Mysterio❔ (@reymysterio) December 2, 2020
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 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
#PatPatterson memories 💔 https://t.co/5nRq7tpOle
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) December 2, 2020
Heaven gained an angel! As my heart breaks a bit! Pat Patterson would fill a room w/ laugher, always sit & make me laugh every week in catering by barking & people would wonder where the dog was! Would joke w/ @HEELZiggler & I, & most importantly supported me! #RIPPatPatterson pic.twitter.com/7D65WHToY9
— Dana Brooke WWE (@DanaBrookeWWE) 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
This was a extremely hard hit today Pat Patterson is truly a special person. I enjoyed so many wonderful conversations with him throughout my time here. From talking @wwe to playing golf & some horrible jokes in between. This man is one I along with so many others will truly miss
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) December 2, 2020
When I won the NXT Title, Pat was so proud & so happy, he HAD to be there to celebrate with me.
If you watch it now it’s so funny, all the NXT kids…and Pat Patterson.
He’s the happiest one there.
They told him “Pat you can’t go out there” and he said,
“TRY AND FUCKING STOP ME” pic.twitter.com/jGdFbSjIbp— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) 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 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
Pat Patterson knew @WWE was his home away from home, a place where he felt completely accepted and truly loved. Someone like Pat made all the difference because he wasn’t afraid to be himself and he made no apologies for it. Pat did it his way. Rest in power, Pat♥️ pic.twitter.com/3hRYmaCb5W
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) December 2, 2020
WWE’s statement on Pat Patterson
WWE released a statement extending their condolences to Pat Patterson’s near and dear ones.
WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at age 79.
A true trailblazer of the industry, Patterson was linked to many “firsts” in sports-entertainment throughout his storied career, including the first-ever Intercontinental Title reign and the creation of the Royal Rumble Match. 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.
Patterson began his career in 1958 in his native Canada before becoming a fixture in the Bay Area for nearly two decades. After winning the AWA Tag Team Championship with Ray Stevens in 1978, Patterson moved on to WWE. Under the tutelage of The Grand Wizard, Patterson made an immediate impact and became the first Intercontinental Champion in September 1979. Patterson’s most legendary WWE rivalry was undoubtedly his war with Sgt. Slaughter, which captivated the WWE Universe with Boot Camp Matches and a brutal Alley Fight at Madison Square Garden.
Shortly before his in-ring retirement in 1984, Patterson joined Mr. McMahon as a color commentator. Even after hanging up his boots, Patterson was far from finished reimagining the possibilities of the sports-entertainment industry. In 1988, Patterson brought one of the ring’s most groundbreaking ideas to life by creating the original format for the Royal Rumble Match.
Patterson returned to the ring during WWE’s electric “Attitude Era,” creating many memorable moments alongside Gerald Brisco as one of Mr. McMahon’s hilarious “Stooges.” Patterson even pinned Crash Holly to claim the Hardcore Title. For all his efforts, Pat Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by Bret Hart.
In his 25-plus years in WWE, Patterson was synonymous with making history. From the Intercontinental Title to the Royal Rumble Match and beyond, his name will forever be revered in WWE lore. This amazing legacy was captured in Patterson’s 2016 autobiography, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE,” a moving chronicle about his life both inside and out of the ring.
WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.
