10 Secrets To Vince McMahon's Success

8. Pat Patterson

Vince McMahon WWE Champion
WWE.com

Pat Patterson was an invaluable henchman who contributed massively to the WWF's growth.

A veritable wrestling genius, Patterson's most famed creation was the Royal Rumble - the initial pitch for which McMahon rejected out of hand with the condemnation "stupid". A clearer head - and astute trust - prevailed; the Rumble did materialise, and became a hallmark of WWE. It's almost as enticing to lapsed fans as WrestleMania. The match layout is such genius - when else would fans actively, and loudly, count down every last appearance knowing it might be a Tom Brandi, a Mantaur, or a Michael Cole? - that people will still buzz in Philadelphia, despite the stain left on the January classic by Roman Reigns in recent years.

This expertise extended to the remaining 11 months; Patterson was and is a major component of so much storytelling brilliance. The WWF was never the most athletic wrestling company. It was never the most technically proficient, nor the most violent, nor the most realistic - but with Agent Patterson at the helm, it was almost the most dramatic, the most memorable.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!