Natalya Neidhart: Pat Patterson was one of WWE’s architects – Calgary Sun

A WWE Hall of Famer, Pat was legendary for his contributions to the industry dating back to the late 50s. The first-ever WWE Intercontinental Champion, Pat was also the man who came up with the idea for the first-ever Royal Rumble, which has been one of the most legendary and memorable events in WWE for over three decades. In his book titled, Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE, Pat explained how he came up with the concept for the first Royal Rumble. The difference between WWEs Royal Rumble and a traditional over-the-top-rope battle royal is that the participants come into the match at two-minute intervals not all at the same time at the beginning of the match. I wanted to create something special. You did indeed, Pat.

I remember Pat being there for my very first match against Charlotte Flair at NXT Takeover in 2014. He was there all day backstage reminiscing with anyone who would let him share old stories. I specifically remember Pat with an iPad in his hand, sitting with Bret Hart at a table watching one of Brets matches. Pat was saying he wasnt great with technology, but someone helped him pull up a match of Brets on the iPad, and Pat was marvelling at Brets in-ring work. In any conversation Ive ever had with Pat, he expressed to me how much he loved watching Bret perform. The image of Bret Hart and Pat Patterson sitting together, laughing, reminiscing about the industry they both love, stuck in my head. I remember thinking of how legendary it was to see two of the greatest Superstars this industry has ever seen, from two different generations, talking about the sport they loved. It also reminded me of how WWE brings people together in the best and most unexpected ways.

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Natalya Neidhart: Pat Patterson was one of WWE's architects - Calgary Sun