Pat Patterson: Wrestler, Innovator, and LGBTQ Trailblazer

Pat Patterson, born Pierre Clermont in Montreal, Canada, was a professional wrestler and businessman. He began training to wrestle at 14 and made his debut at 17 as “Killer Pat Patterson”. In 1962, he moved to the United States to pursue a full-time wrestling career and joined various regional associations before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. Patterson was the first-ever WWF Intercontinental Champion, held the North American Heavyweight and Hardcore Championships, and was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1996.

Patterson was known for his creativity and innovation in wrestling, inventing the Royal Rumble match. He was also described as Vince McMahon’s right-hand man and worked as a consultant for WWE until his death in 2020. Patterson was openly gay, having come out in the early 1970s and was in a 40-year relationship with Louie Dondero until his death in 1998. In 2016, he authored the book, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE”. At the time of his death, Patterson had a net worth of $10 million.

Photo Credit: Miguel Discart/flickr/creative commons

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