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Pat Patterson was a WWE Hall of Famer and a longtime loyal employee close to the McMahon Family. The late wrestler was also surrounded by controversy at times. A fellow Hall of Famer has made troubling remarks about Patterson and his time with the company.
The Dream Of Quebec began wrestling in 1958 and moved to the United States three years later. Patterson joined WWE in 1979 as a wrestler, referee, and commentator, then retired in 1985, but continued wrestling and appearing at times and working various backstage roles until his death in 2020. He was described as McMahon's 'right-hand man' and played a crucial role in the company's massive growth. Patterson was touted as the inaugural Intercontinental Champion, credited as the Royal Rumble creator, and often described as the first openly gay wrestler.
Netflix's new docuseries on Vince McMahon covers many scandals, including the WWE Ringboy scandal of 1992. Mel Phillips and Terry Garvin, along with Patterson, were accused of sexual misconduct with underage ring crew employees. After the charges were rescinded, Patterson was re-hired a year later and maintained his innocence over the years.
In episode two of Mr. McMahon's docuseries, longtime employee and current Executive Director of the Creative Writing Team, Bruce Prichard said he doesn't believe the allegations against Patterson, but Tony Atlas disagreed. The Hall of Famer, who earlier made very concerning remarks, then accused Patterson of sexual assault.
"We all knew Pat was doing this stuff... I didn't like Pat because he kept grabbing my pecker in the locker room," Tony Atlas said.
Mr. USA was asked if he complained about Patterson. Atlas wondered who he would have gone to when Patterson was the booker and the number two person in WWE's office. The interviewer suggested Atlas could have gone to McMahon, but the 70-year-old let out a hearty laugh before responding:
"You know nothing about the wrestling business, don't ya? [chuckling] There's nobody to go to, son. You either take it, or you're going home. Who are you going to complain to? [interviewer suggested Vince again] For what, to get fired? He needed Pat more than he needed me," Tony Atlas said.
Patterson, Atlas, and six other Hall of Famers appeared together on the WWE Legends House reality show in 2014. They never faced off in singles action but did work a few multi-man bouts over the years. Patterson also served as special referee for Atlas' DQ win over Sgt. Slaughter in December 1983.
Update on the career of WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas
Tony Atlas began his pro wrestling career in 1974 and held multiple titles in pro wrestling, powerlifting, and bodybuilding.
Mr. USA had runs with WWE, WCW, the AWA, NWA, and several other promotions. Atlas was last signed to a World Wrestling Entertainment talent contract in 2010, but he has found steady work on the indie scene for many years.
Atlas regularly appears at weekend indie shows, as seen in this video from his recent Limitless Wrestling booking in Maine. Atlas tweeted about the gig and said he was having a good time.
Atlas was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, the World Bodybuilding Guild Hall of Fame in 2007, and the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009. He once held the WWF Tag Team Championship with Rocky Johnson.
Please credit Netflix and give an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.
