Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has had an illustrious professional wrestling career. Although the ‘Great One’ came from a wrestling family, nothing came on a silver platter for the man. It was at age 28 in 1997 when Rocky Maivia made his debut, and the rest is history.

Earlier today, the professional wrestling world lost one of its finest gems in Pat Patterson and it was this icon who first spoke about the young Dwayne Johnson to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson posts heartfelt tribute

The wrestling world came together to mourn Pat Patterson’s loss. Tons of wrestlers, past and present, came forward to send their tributes to the creator of the Royal Rumble, including the ‘People’s Champion’ The Rock.

The Rock took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt post describing the loss of Pat Patterson in his life. In the post, he explains that Pat Patterson was a wrestling mentor and father figure to him. He also shares that it was the WWE Hall of Famer who recommended the young Dwayne Johnson to Vince McMahon.

Trending

“Ricky Starks and”: Triple H Reportedly Set to Sign Three Top AEW Talents From Tony Khan Following Dynasty

April 23, 2024 06:29 AM EDT

“Good Feud”: Dominik Mysterio May Be Opponent for AEW Star’s Rumored WWE Arrival

April 23, 2024 08:17 AM EDT

“No Real Story”: Cody Rhodes’ Backlash Booking Pointed Out Amid Sudden Fan Uproar Against WWE Champion

April 23, 2024 07:00 PM EDT

“Cooking Up”: Major Jim Johnston Return Update Given Amid Def Rebel’s Entrance Music Criticism

April 23, 2024 09:19 AM EDT

Jey Uso Teases New Alliance With Roman Reigns & Bloodline After Unscripted Matching Gifts Emerge

April 24, 2024 11:26 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The news of Pat Patterson’s passing was a heartbreaking one for the entire professional wrestling fraternity. Pat Patterson lived and breathed for the business. It would be safe to say that professional wrestling business grew a lot under his watchful eye.

Pat Patterson made his debut way back in 1958 before moving to the United States in 1962. The inaugural WWE Intercontinental Champion’s career spanned a whopping 25 years! Even after retirement, Pat Patterson continued doing sporadic roles. One of his most memorable characters was as one of Vince McMahon’s ‘stooges.’

Pat was a pioneer of this business and he played a vital role in the careers of many legends and Superstars we continue to see on TV today. Pat Patterson endured it all for being an openly gay wrestler, but only knew one thing – not to hold grudges and give back to the business.

There will be greater draws in pro wrestling, there will be those who will rewrite history, but there can be no one who can fill the void the legendary Pat Patterson has left in our lives and professional wrestling.