WWE’s Pat Patterson, 79, Passes Away

Wrestling fans are in mourning following the death of industry icon, Pat Patterson.

According to a statement made by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the Canadian professional wrestler passed away on Wednesday, 2 December, at the age of 79. He was being treated for cancer at a hospital in Miami, Florida when his death occurred.

Born Pierre Clermont in 1941, Patterson began his wrestling career in 1958 in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec.

Achieving fame as a tag team wrestler throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, he signed with the WWE in 1979, where he became the first Intercontinental Champion that same year. Another career highlight included his legendary in-ring feud with Sgt. Slaughter in 1981.

After retiring in 1984, Patterson took on roles that ranged from doing colour commentary to producing wrestling matches. He is also best known for creating the iconic Royal Rumble match in 1988, one of the company’s signature events.

Additionally, Patterson was a prominent member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and was in a 40-year-long relationship with Louie Dondero until the latter’s death in 1998.

No doubt Patterson will be sorely missed by the global wrestling community.

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