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Pat Patterson dead: WWE legend passes away aged 79

<p>Pat Patterson has died</p> (WWE)

Pat Patterson has died

(WWE)

The WWE legend Pat Patterson has died aged 79. The hall of famer was behind many firsts in wrestling including the creation of the Royal Rumble, and followed his career in the ring with time as a co-commentator.

Patterson was the first-ever Intercontinental Champion and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. His final appearance on WWE TV came last year during the Raw Anniversary show when he won the 24/7 Champion, becoming the oldest person to hold a WWE title at 79.

He was a major influence in the growth of WWE as a phenomenon throughout the latter part of the 21st century, working alongside Vince McMahon. His life is chronicled in the autobiography Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.

WWE described Patterson as “a true trailblazer of the industry”, while Shane McMahon tweeted: “I can not express how crushed I feel right now with the loss of Pat Patterson. A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend. I love you Pat. God speed.”