Pat Patterson, first openly gay professional wrestler, dies aged 79

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

Pat Patterson, first openly gay professional wrestler, dies aged 79

2 December 2020

Canadian professional wrestling star Pat Patterson, the first openly gay performer in the industry, has died at the age of 79, officials say.

Patterson, who created the original format for the popular Royal Rumble event, "left an indelible mark" on wrestling, the WWE said in a statement.

Wrestling stars including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena have paid tribute to a man who "helped so many".

The cause of Patterson's death has not yet been disclosed.

His career in the industry, not just in the ring but as a commentator and a trainer for younger potential stars behind the scenes, spanned six decades.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55166055


Pat Patterson (bottom) seen here wrestling his long-time rival Sgt Slaughter in 1981 (Getty Images)

[mr_lebowski]

1. I totally remember that dude on Big Time Wrestling, the only wrestling show there was

AFAIK back when I was a kid in the mid 70's. That shit was awesome but I was kinda crushed when my mom finally broke it to me that its all fake ... I was kinda crushed, between that an the whole Santa debacle that came not too long before.

He had lots of bouts with Dwayne's old man Rocky (or was it uncle? I forget) ... those are the only two names I remember from that show ... Pat Patterson and Rocky Johnson.

If he was openly gay, that was not advertised on the Big Time Wrestling show circa 1974, I can tell ya that!