The Wrestling World comes together to celebrate Pat Patterson’s life. The WWE Hall of Famer sadly passed away today at the age of 79.
Pat Patterson is one of the most influential people in professional wrestling. The Hall of Famer was arguably the first openly gay wrestler and he came out all the way back in the early 70’s! He went on to become the ever WWE Intercontinental Champion and is also the oldest champion in the WWE, after winning the WWE 24/7 championship when he was 78. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 1996. In 2019,
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Patterson was just as influential backstage as he was inside the ring. He is credited for coming up with the concept of Royal Rumble! He was crucial to WWE’s rise around the world and helped make it what it is today by investing as much time on the show as on the wrestlers who appeared on it.
The Wrestling World comes together to celebrate Pat Patterson’s life
Several prominent wrestling figures took to social media to recite anecdotes and their memories with the late legend. Here’s a few of them:
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
A Great Wrestler, He And Ray Were Second To None, A Fabulous Mind, Caring And Thoughtful, Always Had A Smile On His Face. Just To List A Few Of Many! The Last Thing I Can Remember Him Saying To Me Is “She Is So Damn Good Ricky, Are You Sure She Is Your Daughter?” RIP Pat! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/KHzabO7v7G
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) 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
Love you Patrick
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
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
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
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of wrestling legend Pat Patterson. We offer our condolences to his friends and family.
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) December 2, 2020
We are saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Pat Patterson. Our thoughts are with Pat’s friends, family and fans. #RIPPat
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) 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 F*CKING STOP ME” pic.twitter.com/jGdFbSjIbp— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) December 2, 2020
ABSOLUTELY NOBODY!
Pat Patterson was a unique wonderful individual. His passion was inspiring. His favorite “rib” /“joke” with me was; “ Paul, do you know who was asking about you the other day? I would reply who Pat? He would say NOOOBBOOODDDYY! “ I loved his wisdom and treasured our friendship.
— “The Big Show” Paul Wight (@WWETheBigShow) December 2, 2020
The outpouring of love for Pat Patterson shows how many lives he impacted. His wisdom was unmatched. He was a trailblazer in this industry, and a top notch jokester.
“Guess who’s been talking about you Drew? …. ABSOLUTELY NOBODY!”
I’ll miss him#RIPPatPatterson
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) 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
Sorry to hear the sad news of Pat Patterson passing away. Pat was a really funny guy…not stop smiling & busting chops. No doubt one of the greatest finish men in the history of the business. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Hy6D2cAKrK
— head honcho (@OfficialTAZ) December 2, 2020
Story about #PatPatterson. I pulled up to the arena for RAW and I waited to be carted into the lot. Pat was next to me and said “Goodluck on your tryout match today kid” . I didn’t bother to tell him he’s met me about 5x already. 😂 I just said thank you sir. R.I.P 🙏🏽
— Lio Rush (@TheLionelGreen) December 2, 2020
A gentlemen, a friend, a legend and one hell of a karaoke singer
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
— THE KING (@BaronCorbinWWE) December 2, 2020
One of the smartest men I ever had the pleasure of working with and learning from. And when it came to “finishes” … a genius.
A gentlemen, a friend, a legend and one hell of a karaoke singer.
GOD BLESS YOU Pat. You will be missed. 🙏🏼#WhatAWonderfulWorld #RIPPatPatterson pic.twitter.com/boT0DRNrp0
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) December 2, 2020
Going to miss him sitting at the monitor, joking all the time, his honesty and knowledge that he would so freely give bc he wanted to help talent, his spirit and energy was one of a kind and will forever be remembered and missed rest easy Pat https://t.co/PgtjpCZVhN
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) December 2, 2020
You’re up there singing with Dusty again
Awe man this was such a good day! RIP pat.. now you’re up there singing with Dusty again ❤️🙏🏻 https://t.co/5os3dsSS2X
— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) December 2, 2020
Saddened to learn of Pat Patterson’s passing this morning. Pat was a true visionary when it came to the psychology behind pro wrestling. He also evolved with an open mind as times & styles changed. I always looked forward to Pat’s karaoke gatherings after Montreal.
RIP Gimmick
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) 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
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) December 2, 2020
When Pat Patterson would join us for live shows, he would sing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Each and every time, he’d receive a standing ovation.
His contributions are immeasurable. As a trailblazer in several ways, he did it his way.
Thank you, friend. pic.twitter.com/PXSgk21bKi
— Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard (@PrichardShow) December 2, 2020
Shook to hear the loss of an absolute legend in Pat Patterson. From an incredible in ring career to influencing countless superstars and matches behind the scenes to finally being able to tell his story and his truth after having to hide for so long. We’re forever in his debt.
— Matt Rehwoldt (@DramaKingMatt) December 2, 2020
You told me that I had found my way
Any interaction I ever had with Pat Patterson, albeit brief, was very enjoyable and an opportunity to learn. RIP to a trailblazer and great professional wrestler. A man who truly broke through barriers and an outstanding credit to our business. Godspeed sir 😢
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) 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
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
Damn 😞 Pat helped me in the early years of my WWE run as much as anyone. His words of advice, while colorful, were some that I kept and used for the entirety of my career. A one of a kind personality for sure. His contributions to the biz are legendary. https://t.co/wDedA4iGHG
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) December 2, 2020
Dear Pat,
Last time I saw you we were at MSG, you told me that I had found my way, that I’d made it. You told me that BlackJack would be proud if he could see me. I’ll never forget it. Thank you Pat, it meant more than you know. Rest well my friend.
— Bray Wyatt (@WWEBrayWyatt) December 2, 2020
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