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PAT PATTERSON, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FIGURES IN WWE HISTORY, PASSES AWAY

WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, considered one of the most imaginative and creative personalities in the history of professional wrestling behind the scenes and the inventor of the Royal Rumble concept, as well as the first Intercontinental Champion, has passed away at the age of 79.

Patterson was one of the most important figures in WWE history, one of Vince McMahon's right hand men for as long as McMahon was in charge of the company.  Patterson was one of the company's most important bookers and handled finishes for many of the major PPV matches over the years.  A great example of Patterson's genius in that regard is a sequence in the Bret Hart: Wrestling With Shadows documentary where Patterson lays out the finish for a ten man tag team match that headlined WWF In Your House - Canadian Stampede. 

Patterson was considered a keen eye for talent.  He is as responsible for the rise and success of WWE as anyone.  

WWE issued the following statement:

WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79.

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. 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.

Patterson began his career in 1958 in his native Canada before becoming a fixture in the Bay Area for nearly two decades. After winning the AWA Tag Team Championship with Ray Stevens in 1978, Patterson moved on to WWE. Under the tutelage of The Grand Wizard, Patterson made an immediate impact and became the first Intercontinental Champion in September 1979. Patterson’s most legendary WWE rivalry was undoubtedly his war with Sgt. Slaughter, which captivated the WWE Universe with Boot Camp Matches and a brutal Alley Fight at Madison Square Garden.

Shortly before his in-ring retirement in 1984, Patterson joined Mr. McMahon as a color commentator. Even after hanging up his boots, Patterson was far from finished reimagining the possibilities of the sports-entertainment industry. In 1988, Patterson brought one of the ring’s most groundbreaking ideas to life by creating the original format for the Royal Rumble Match.

Patterson returned to the ring during WWE's electric "Attitude Era," creating many memorable moments alongside Gerald Brisco as one of Mr. McMahon's hilarious "Stooges." Patterson even pinned Crash Holly to claim the Hardcore Title. For all his efforts, Pat Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by Bret Hart.

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. This amazing legacy was captured in Patterson's 2016 autobiography, Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE, a moving chronicle about his life both inside and out of the ring.

WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.

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PWInsider.com issues our deepest condolences to Pat Patterson's family, friends and fans.

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