What someone does behind the scenes is often more important than what happens in front of the camera. Pat Patterson, an outstanding in-ring performer and inaugural Intercontinental Champion, might be the smartest mind the business has ever seen. In fact, its probably not even close. Today, most ideas run through Stephanie McMahon before they reach her father, who has final say. Not too long ago, Pat Patterson was right there with Vince to put the final touches on just about everything. Both carried around notebooks with the storylines, schedules, and futures of the entire roster, constantly working on making things better. As an innovator, Patterson is the brain behind the Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and the legendary Iron Man Match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart at WrestleMania 12. When Vince McMahon gambled on WrestleMania, Patterson was the one putting the finishes together for some of the shows most important matches. Wrestlers often credit him with teaching them the ins and outs of wrestling psychology. Chris Jericho has mentioned on numerous occasions that he really didnt know what he was doing until he came to WWE and learned from Pat Patterson. Ask any performer who has had the privilege of working with him and they will gush over his brilliance.
Eric Delgado has been writing about professional wrestling for five years and has been involved in the professional wrestling business as a performer for ten. He is also the former host of Steel Cage Radio and has an irrational love for The Ryback.
