WWE's First 10 Intercontinental Champions: Where Are They Now?
10. Pat Patterson
Most wrestling fans know Pat Patterson more for being Vince McMahon's right-hand man during the '90s, and as the guy who created the Royal Rumble, than they do as Intercontinental Champion. Patterson was the first to hold the belt, and he did so for 233 days. Nowadays, he's still involved in WWE affairs.
A creative consultant for WWE behind the scenes, Patterson has popped up every now and then on TV too. His French-Canadian accent is legendary to hardcore fans who enjoy hearing stories of his backstage meltdowns from Bruce Prichard, but it's the respect top names like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Steve Austin have for Pat that best sells the imprint he has left on the industry.
Patterson released a book last year which discusses his sexuality and explores his lengthy career in detail. 'Accepted' tells the story of a man who retired from the ring full-time in 1984 only to become a trusted McMahon lieutenant, one more important away from the ring than he was inside it.