Wrestling icons have been leading tributes to late WWE legend Pat Patterson after the Hall of Famer passed away at the age of 79.
Mr. Patterson, who was an iconic wrestling star and the first openly gay performer in the industry, reportedly died at a Miami hospital.
While the cause of death hasn’t been officially disclosed as of this writing, former baseball announcer Rodger Brulotte confirmed that the Hall of Famer had been suffering from cancer prior to his death on Wednesday.
Following the tragic news, WWE icons, including John Cena, Nikki Bella, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, paid their respects to the renowned wrestler and dear friend.
“The greatest champion of all of our hearts. One of my biggest believers. He gave me confidence, he made me believe in me and he made me laugh like no other,” Bella wrote in her Instagram post.
“Pat understood me from the moment we met and his friendship will be one I will always cherish and keep so close and dear to my heart. We will miss your contagious laugh, your beautiful voice and that gorgeous smile! You were a one of a kind. Truly unforgettable. We love you Pat! Forever and always!”
Meanwhile, John Cena shared a photo in which the Hall of Famer is seen getting interviewed by Vince McMahon.
Recalling Patterson as a “dear family member,” Dwayne Johnson dubbed the 79-year-old a “TRUE trailblazer” in an emotional post.
“Rough phone calls to get this morning to tell me, our dear family member, Pat Patterson who was my pro wrestling mentor and father figure has passed away,” The Rock wrote in his post.
“A hall of famer, TRUE trailblazer and one of the most brilliantly creative wrestling minds the industry has ever known.
“He was also responsible for calling Vince McMahon when I was training to become a pro wrestler (my $7 bucks days) and said, ‘Vince you gotta see this kid work in the ring.’”
Concluding his post, The Rock added: “Love you, Pat. And THANK YOU. I’ll see you down the road.”
May he rest in peace.
Replaced!