Pro Wrestling legend Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79.
As first reported by TSN host Tony Marinaro, the WWE Hall of Famer died at a Miami hospital Wednesday morning. Patterson was battling cancer.
Without a doubt a pioneer in the wrestling business, Patterson first burst onto the scene back in 1958 and competed in places such as New Japan Pro Wrestling before making his WWE debut in 1979. Patterson became the inaugural Intercontinental Champion and successfully defended the belt against names such as Baron Mikel Scicluna, Captain Lou Albano, Ted DiBiase, and Bob Backlund.
Patterson retired from in-ring competition full time in 1984 and worked as an producer/agent for the WWE. The 70-year-old is credited for inventing the annual Royal Rumble match. Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. Despite retiring from full-time wrestling in the 80’s, Patterson competed here and there throughout the years.
Along with Gerald Brisco, both men fought the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The New Age Outlaws during the Attitude era of the company. Patterson’s last on-screen appearance was the July 22, 2019 episode of RAW, where the WWE Hall of Famer won the 24/7 Championship.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Patt Patterson.