On a recent edition of his “Oh…You Didn’t Know” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Brian “Road Dogg” James discussed his relationship with Pat Patterson, the right-hand man of Vince McMahon and the creator of the Royal Rumble match.
Road Dogg said, “What I love was Pat Patterson. He knew my father. He worked with my father. He loved my father. He was really a Bob Armstrong fan, and was a fan of mine, too. We had a relationship [that] no matter where he was or where I was, when we saw each other, it was big smiles and big hugs … He was a great guy. And to be honest — this sounds weird — but he was the first ever gay guy that I knew, and he taught me a lot in life about relationships. And that sounds crazy, but that’s just the truth of it.”
On a recent edition of the “Under The Ring” podcast, Tom Lawlor recalled doing commentary work for CES MMA.
Lawlor would have been interested in taking up the vacant NJPW commentary role if only Walker Stewart didn’t take over as the newest member of NJPW’s English broadcast team.
Lawlor said, “Unfortunately, the pandemic put a kibosh on it, but I was doing commentary consistently for CES MMA, which is one of the top promotion in the Northeast. They put probably 20 guys into the UFC. I loved doing work there, but the pandemic kind of took that down. I was also hoping, and maybe this will happen in the future. I think I should have gotten a one-on-one contest with Walker Stewart to decide who was going to get this New Japan commentary gig. I would have preferred, instead of them just hiring him because he has a great voice, make him do a shoot fight against me. Maybe an academic decathlon. We’ll see if he knows more wrestling than I do.”
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Pat Patterson: The Man Behind the Royal Rumble and a Mentor in Life
Pat Patterson, the right-hand man of Vince McMahon and the creator of the Royal Rumble match, is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Brian “Road Dogg” James shared his thoughts on his relationship with Patterson and how he influenced his life.
Road Dogg spoke highly of Patterson, stating, “What I love was Pat Patterson. He knew my father. He worked with my father. He loved my father. He was really a Bob Armstrong fan, and was a fan of mine, too. We had a relationship [that] no matter where he was or where I was, when we saw each other, it was big smiles and big hugs … He was a great guy.”
But it wasn’t just their shared love for wrestling that bonded Road Dogg and Patterson. Road Dogg revealed that Patterson was the first openly gay person he knew and that he learned a lot about relationships from him. This aspect of their relationship highlights the impact Patterson had on Road Dogg’s life beyond the wrestling industry.
Patterson’s contributions to professional wrestling cannot be overstated. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Royal Rumble match, which has become one of WWE’s most popular annual events. The concept of 30 superstars entering the ring at timed intervals, with the last man standing earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania, revolutionized the industry.
Patterson’s creativity and innovative thinking brought the Royal Rumble to life, and it has since become a staple in WWE programming. The match has provided countless memorable moments and surprises over the years, captivating fans around the world.
Beyond his work on-screen, Patterson was also instrumental behind the scenes. He served as a trusted advisor to Vince McMahon and played a crucial role in shaping the careers of numerous wrestlers. Many wrestlers credit Patterson with helping them develop their characters and in-ring skills, highlighting his keen eye for talent and his dedication to the industry.
Patterson’s impact extended beyond WWE as well. He was a respected figure in the wrestling community, and his knowledge and expertise were sought after by promotions around the world. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
Sadly, Pat Patterson passed away on December 2, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the wrestling world. His influence on the Royal Rumble match and his mentorship of countless wrestlers will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
As fans, we can honor Patterson’s memory by appreciating the incredible moments he helped create and by recognizing the impact he had on the lives of those he worked with. Pat Patterson will always be remembered as a trailblazer, a creative genius, and a mentor who left an indelible mark on professional wrestling.