Pro wrestler and WWE creative consultant and producer Pat Patterson died on December 2, 2020 after battling cancer. He was 79 years old.

The WWE official Twitter account posted the news, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson has passed away.”

Patterson was known in front and behind the camera as a champion wrestler and often credited as Vince McMahon’s right hand man.

Born Pierre Clermont in Quebec, Canada on January 19, 1941, Patterson made his wrestling debut in 1958. He joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in ’79 and became the first intercontinental champion. During his tenure he engaged in an in-ring feud with Sergeant Slaughter.

Patterson retired from wrestling in ’84 and became a commentator for the WWE’s French-language broadcast. He refereed the first WrestleMania main event that saw Hulk Hogan and Mr. T in the ring against Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper. Transitioning to a behind the scenes role as a producer, he was the creator and creative mind behind the Royal Rumble. As an agent Patterson booked and set up the Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior match at WrestleMania VI.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in ’96 and continued working for WWE in a limited capacity through the 2000s.

Patterson kept making on-screen appearances, notably as one of the McMahon “stooges” in the Attitude Era. In 2019 he became the oldest male title holder when he won the 24/7 championship from Drake Maverick in a backstage skit.