WWE’s Bruce Prichard has admitted that he was a homophobe before meeting wrestling legend and openly gay man Pat Patterson.
In addition to being the first WWE Intercontinental Champion, Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. He died in December 2020 at the age of 79.
On a recent edition of his “Something to Wrestle” podcast, Prichard recalled how meeting Patterson changed his outlook on homosexuality. He said,
“I was homophobic until I met Pat Patterson. It was coming from a place of fear and ignorance on my part. Never being educated, never knowing anyone to know that, ‘Well, wait a minute. They’re just people, they have a different preference than you. Some like Coke, some like Pepsi.’ When it gets down to it, that’s kind of what it is, guys.
“Pat was proactive about it and went to Roy [Shire, AWA founder] and says, ‘You’re gonna hear a lot of things about me, I’m gonna tell you straight up, I’m gay. I have a friend of mine [Louie Dondero] that lives with me … If you have a problem with that, I’ll leave tonight.’ Pat and Louie helped me with that so much. They made everything so normal.“
While Patterson’s sexuality was known within the industry and among fans, the WWE Hall of Famer ‘came out’ during WWE’s reality TV series ‘Legends House.’
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WWE’s Bruce Prichard Opens Up About Overcoming Homophobia with the Help of Pat Patterson
Bruce Prichard, a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling and the current Senior Vice President of WWE, recently shared a personal story about his journey towards overcoming homophobia. Prichard admitted that he held homophobic views until he met wrestling legend Pat Patterson, who was openly gay.
Pat Patterson, known for being the first WWE Intercontinental Champion and a respected figure in the industry, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. Unfortunately, he passed away in December 2020 at the age of 79. Despite his accomplishments, Patterson faced challenges as an openly gay man in a predominantly heterosexual industry.
During an episode of his podcast “Something to Wrestle,” Prichard recounted how his perspective on homosexuality changed after meeting Patterson. He revealed that his previous homophobic beliefs were rooted in fear and ignorance, as he had never been properly educated or interacted with individuals who identified as LGBTQ+.
Prichard shared, “Never knowing anyone to know that, ‘Well, wait a minute. They’re just people, they have a different preference than you. Some like Coke, some like Pepsi.’ When it gets down to it, that’s kind of what it is, guys.”
Patterson took a proactive approach to address his sexuality within the wrestling industry. He approached Roy Shire, the founder of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and openly disclosed his sexual orientation. Patterson also introduced Shire to his friend Louie Dondero, whom he lived with. Patterson made it clear that if Shire had any issues with his sexuality, he would leave immediately.
Prichard expressed his gratitude towards Patterson and Dondero for helping him overcome his homophobia. He mentioned how they normalized the situation and made him realize that there was nothing abnormal or different about someone’s sexual preference.
While Patterson’s sexuality was known among industry insiders and fans, he publicly came out during WWE’s reality TV series, “Legends House.” The show provided a platform for Patterson to share his story and shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the wrestling world.
Prichard’s revelation about his transformation serves as a reminder that education and personal connections can play a significant role in challenging and changing deeply ingrained biases. His story highlights the importance of acceptance, understanding, and embracing diversity within the wrestling community and beyond.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals like Prichard to share their experiences openly. By doing so, they contribute to creating a more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In conclusion, Bruce Prichard’s journey from homophobia to acceptance, with the help of Pat Patterson, showcases the power of personal connections and education in challenging prejudices. It serves as a reminder that change is possible and that embracing diversity is essential for creating a more inclusive society.