WWE stars mourn the passing of Hall of Famer, first openly gay wrestler Pat Patterson
By Sam Gladen
Pat Patterson passed away today at 79 years old.
The WWE announced earlier today via their Twitter account that WWE and American wrestling legend Pat Patterson had passed away at 79 years old. The inaugural Intercontinental champion had spent the last 36 years working backstage with the company in a number of roles.
He most recently worked as a producer focusing his time on enhancing the young talents on both the RAW and SmackDown rosters. Following the announcement of his passing many current and former WWE Superstars took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news and share stories of the legendary presence backstage.
The family of Vince McMahon the current owner of the WWE and the person who brought Pat into the company in the late 1970s expressed their grief over the loss.
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.
— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) December 2, 2020
I love you Pat.
God speed. pic.twitter.com/FdaAFnsw8m
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
Also sharing thoughts and prayers was the former head of WCW, and a great foil to Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff.
Thank you @SteveWrightJr for this photo. I will miss Pats laugh. pic.twitter.com/us5hbpvBN9
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) December 2, 2020
Current and former members of the roster also shared condolences
Among those who mourned his passing were several former WWE superstars and Hall Of Famers.
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
Loved @wwe Hall of Famer Pat Patterson as a great friend and a mentor. The incredible times we had traveling the world, watching him sing karaoke, telling stories, talking golf are something I’ll treasure forever. Love you Pat, RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/xk3y08J24H
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) 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
There were also many stories and sentiments shared by members of the active roster who had worked with him closely over the last few years.
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
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
So much to say & so many stories to share about Pat Patterson. For now I’ll just say this, when I got to NXT, NO ONE was a bigger supporter, advocate, or believer in me than Pat Patterson. NO ONE went to bat for me more often than him. I feel lucky to have had him in my life. RIP
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) December 2, 2020
Patterson was considered to be the first openly gay wrestler.
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