Natalie Oganesyan editorPat Patterson, the first openly gay pro wrestling star and a WWE Hall of Famer, has died, the organization announced Wednesday.
He was 79.“In his 25-plus years in WWE, Patterson was synonymous with making history,” WWE wrote in the announcement of his death. “From the Intercontinental Title to the Royal Rumble Match and beyond, his name will forever be revered in WWE lore…WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.”Throughout his trailblazing career in sports and entertainment, Patterson pioneered the creation of the Royal Rumble Match in 1988 and reigned as the first-ever Intercontinental champion in 1979.