Pat Patterson Sadly Passes Away Aged 79

In some rather sad news, we must share that Pat Patterson (born Pierre Clermont) has sadly passed away at the age of 79.  Tony Marinaro revealed on Twitter that the former Intercontinental Champion had cancer and passed away this morning in a Miami hospital:

Just got a text from my buddy Rodger Brulotte letting me know that legendary wrestler Pat Patterson of @WWE passed away earlier this morning in a Miami hospital. Patterson, had cancer. He was 79. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIP.

After several years working in the territories and all over the world, Pat Patterson joined WWE (then WWF) in 1979. During his time with the company, Patterson became the first-ever Intercontinental Champion and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

Pat Patterson, who was described as Vince McMahon’s “right-hand man” by Dave Meltzer was the first openly gay WWE star, but his sexuality was not referenced on TV until an episode of Legend’s House on the WWE Network in 2014.

Pat Patterson was described as having been influential to the heel Mr. McMahon authority figure character in the 1990s, and was the inventor of the Royal Rumble match, one of wrestling’s most popular match types.

Patterson’s final appearance on WWE TV came last year during the Raw Anniversary show when he was one of the many legends to win the 24/7 Champion, becoming the oldest person to hold a WWE title (aged 78) in the process.

Everyone here at WrestleTalk would like to extend their best wishes to the family, friends and fans of Pat Patterson after this incredibly sad news.

• intercontinental champion
• pat patterson
• hall of fame
• wwe

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