Professional wrestling legend Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79.
As well as being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996, the Canadian–American superstar is officially recognized as the company's very first Intercontinental Champion and the man behind the popular Royal Rumble match concept.
Writing on the official WWE website, officials from the company said:
"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."
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The company's statement describes how Patterson (born Pierre Clermont) started his career in Canada back in 1958, before "becoming a fixture in the Bay Area for nearly two decades".
Following a 1978 AWA Tag Team Championship reign alongside partner Ray Stevens in 1978, Patterson signed with WWE, where he will forever be remembered in the history books as the first Intercontinental Champion, capturing the title in a fictional tournament in Rio De Janeiro.
He would only hold the prestigious title until November 8, but will forever be recognized as the very first IC champ.
The company also details how Patterson's "most legendary WWE rivalry" was against former WWE Champion Sgt. Slaughter - with the pair being praised for their "brutal Alley Fight at Madison Square Garden".
Last year, Patterson made history once again when he became the oldest titleholder in WWE history, claiming the 24/7 Championship from Drake Maverick on the July 22 episode of Raw. He lost the title later in the night to fellow "stooge" Gerald Brisco.
You can watch that moment below:
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Many fans and fellow wrestlers have since taken to Twitter to share their tributes to Patterson, including 14-time world champion and WWE EVP Triple H, who wrote:
"No words can describe what he gave to us. His body as an in-ring performer, his mind as a storyteller, and his spirit as a beloved member of our large @WWE family.
"I will miss him for so many reasons... it’s never goodbye, it’s see ya down the road. Love you, Pat. Abooze."
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Stephanie McMahon also tweeted her thoughts on the sad news, and highlighted that Patterson was the very first openly gay professional wrestler of his time. She tweeted:
"#RIPPatPatterson I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with @wwe Hall of Famer, the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, the father of the #RoyalRumble and the first openly gay wrestler of his generation.
"Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze Red heart."
Patterson would go on to detail his legacy in his 2016 autobiography, Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.
Our thoughts are with Patterson's family, friends, and fans at this time.