WWE’s first openly gay superstar dead at age 79

Hearts are breaking across the wrestling world following the death of WWE Hall of Fame icon Pat Patterson, a wrestling visionary.

Pat Patterson with Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels. Photo: Kurt Angle, Twitter.

WWE legend Pat Patterson is dead at the age of 79.

Patterson, born Pierre Clermont, had long been battling cancer before his death. He was known as WWE’s first gay superstar.

“WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79,” WWE said in a statement.

“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.”

Patterson, a Montreal native, started his pro wrestling career in Canada in 1958 before establishing himself in the Bay Area and then moving over to the WWE, then WWF, to become the company’s first Intercontinental Champion. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

Patterson retired from the ring in 1984, but had a long career as an announcer and WWE executive and was credited with the invention of the Royal Rumble.

Pat Patterson in action for the WWE. Photo: WWE

Condolences from WWE personalities poured in after news of Patterson’s passing broke.

WWE icons Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon were among the first to pay their respects.

“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,” WWE godfather Vince McMahon posted on Twitter.

“His mentorship shaped careers, his creativity sparked innovation and his friendship lifted spirits. Love you, Pat. We miss you.”

Former Olympic wrestling champion Kurt Angle posted a treasured image of himself with Patterson.

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

Shane McMahon wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Triple H wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Stephanie McMahon also posted a message of thanks.

“#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,” she wrote.

“Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze.”

Pat Patterson was a WWE trailblazer.

Patterson’s former colleague The Iron Sheik posted a message in all capital letters: “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.”

WWE announcer Jim Ross remembered Patterson as a true legend of the sports entertainment industry.

“Just heard of the passing this morning if the great, Pat Patterson. True legend of the pro wrestling business,” he wrote on Twitter.

“A wonderful mentor who taught me so much. RIP old friend. Folded hands.”

Patterson came out as gay publicly in 2014. He had a 40-year relationship with Louie Dondero, who died of a heart attack in 1998.

Patterson emerged from behind the scenes during WWE’s famed Attitude Era in the late 1990s as one of Vince McMahon’s hated corporate stooges, alongside Gerald Brisco. It introduced him to a whole new era of wrestling fans as WWE skyrocketed in popularity during a ratings battle with rival promotion WCW.

“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,” WWE’s statement read.

“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.”