WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson Dies at 79

WWE announced Wednesday that Hall of Famer, Pat Patterson (real name Pierre Clermont), passed away at the age of 79.

Patterson was born on January 19, 1941 in Montreal, Canada. He made his wrestling debut in 1958 in Quebec, Canada. He eventually immigrated to the United States to wrestle. Patterson wrestled for Big Time Wrestling, Pacific Northwest Wrestling, Big Time Wrestling (San Francisco), Championship Wrestling from Florida, American Wrestling Association, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Lutte Internationale.

In 1979, Patterson debuted for World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and worked as a heel. He was managed by The Grand Wizard. His main feuds were with Ted DiBiase and Bob Backlund. He became the first WWF  Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in 1979 and retired in 1984 from wrestling.

Patterson wrestled on occasion after his official retired. But he continued working in various roles for WWF (now WWE). These roles included color commentator, referee, road agent, creative consultant and right hand man to Vince McMahon. Patterson is also credited with inventing and booking the Royal Rumble match. Pat Patterson was also the first openly gay wrestler.

Pat Patterson died of cancer on December 2, 2020 in Florida.