Thunderbolt Patterson will be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year. WWE issued the following:
Thunderbolt Patterson to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024
As first reported by Andscape, Thunderbolt Patterson will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
A hugely influential, although often overlooked, figure in sports-entertainment history, Patterson’s captivating abilities on the microphone inspired a generation of talkers that followed in his footsteps.
Growing up in Iowa, Patterson moved to Texas and worked with legendary promoter Dory Funk Sr. (father of WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) where he began performing incredible interviews using a delivery inspired by Black Southern pastors.
Patterson backed up his talents on the microphone in the ring as he captured titles across North America while defeating iconic opponents like Bruiser Brody and WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik. Thunderbolt was also a decorated tag team competitor, most famously teaming with Ole Anderson before their partnership erupted into a brutal rivalry, which helped launch the legendary Four Horsemen.
Patterson was also a contemporary of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, and was often credited with inspiring The American Dream’s charismatic persona.
Patterson’s work as a captivating performer was self-evident, but he was also a fierce advocate for the health and welfare of competitors outside of the ring.
His legacy as a showman with his signature quick punches, his incredible blend of power and speed, and his compassion for his fellow man live on as his influence can still be seen in the ring today.
Thunderbolt Patterson, a legendary figure in sports-entertainment history, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Although often overlooked, Patterson’s influential abilities on the microphone have inspired a generation of talkers that followed in his footsteps.
Born and raised in Iowa, Patterson later moved to Texas where he worked with the legendary promoter Dory Funk Sr., father of WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. It was during this time that Patterson began delivering incredible interviews, drawing inspiration from the passionate delivery of Black Southern pastors.
Patterson’s talents extended beyond the microphone as he proved himself in the ring, capturing titles across North America and defeating iconic opponents such as Bruiser Brody and WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik. He also had a successful career as a tag team competitor, most notably teaming with Ole Anderson before their partnership turned into a fierce rivalry, ultimately leading to the creation of the legendary Four Horsemen stable.
During his career, Patterson was a contemporary of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and is often credited with inspiring The American Dream’s charismatic persona. His work as a captivating performer was evident, but he also stood out as a fierce advocate for the health and welfare of his fellow competitors outside of the ring.
Patterson’s legacy as a showman lives on through his signature quick punches, his remarkable blend of power and speed, and his compassion for his fellow man. His influence can still be seen in the wrestling industry today.
The induction of Thunderbolt Patterson into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to sports-entertainment. As fans and fellow wrestlers celebrate his achievements, it is important to remember the impact he has had on the industry and how his influence continues to shape the world of professional wrestling.