10 Greatest Canadian Wrestlers Of All Time

The first ever Intercontinental champion, Pat Patterson (born Pierre Clermont) has enjoyed an influence over the wrestling industry only rivaled by a select few individuals in the history of the business. One enormous example of this influence is the fact that Patterson created the Royal Rumble match, which has continued to be a beloved fixture of the WWE calendar since 1988. Furthermore, Pat Patterson was one of the first openly homosexual wrestlers to compete on a large stage. He even went so far as to incorporate his sexuality into his gimmick during his career; adopting the character of "Pretty Boy" Pat Patterson, an effeminate wrestler who wore lipstick and carried a cigarette holder (1962–1965). Although he is now retired, the Montreal native continues to enjoy a role within WWE as a creative consultant and makes the occasional appearance.

As much as Patterson has done outside the ring to influence the wrestling business, this list is more than influence and as such in-ring contributions are extremely important. Fortunately, Pat was no slouch inside the squared circle. Speaking no English, Patterson first made his way into the NWA system, first making a big name for himself in PNW in the early 1960s. Pat moved to San Franciso to form “The Blond Bombers” with Ray Stevens. The duo won the NWA World Tag Team Championship in 1965 and again in 1967. The team were described by Bret Hart as "considered by many to be the best tag team of the 1970s". All in all, Patterson won a combined twenty-seven titles in the NWA.

Competing throughout the late 1970s within the AWA and NJPW, Patterson eventually made his way to the WWF in 1979. Patterson would claim the North American Championship from Ted DiBiase through shenanigans and brass knuckles. In a rather confusing turn of events, Patterson united the title with the fictional South American Championship to create the Intercontinental Championship. This unification occurred in a non-existent tournament ‘held’ in Brazil. Among other notable accomplishments in Patterson’s career, he competed in the 1981 Match of the Year (Wrestling Observer Newsletter) in a Bootcamp match against Sgt. Slaughter.

Despite his amazing career, most fans will remember Patterson as one of Vince McMahon “stooges” during the attitude era. Alongside Gerald Brisco, the two became comedy heels who would aid McMahon in his villainous efforts. Interestingly, Patterson holds the record as the oldest Hardcore Champion in WWE history, winning the title from fellow stooge Brisco. But regardless of his last active run as an in-ring talent, it is impossible to deny the various accomplishment of this great Canadian, and he has more than earned his spot on this list.