WWE Legend Pat Patterson Comes Out As Gay

by Chelsea ReganJune 14, 2014, 12:00 amNews >

Pat Patterson, the 73-year-old WWE legend, came out as gay during the finale of reality TV show Legends’ House.

WWE's Pat Patterson Comes Out

During the finale of the WWE Network show, Patterson revealed that he’d been hiding his sexuality from the public for 50 years. "Sitting here tonight, I'm gonna say something that I would never want to say, publicly," Patterson said. "For once in my life, I'm gonna be me now.”

Tearing up, Patterson added, "I survived all this, being gay. I lived with that for 50-something years. I had a friend with me for 40 years and I lost him because he had a heart attack… It's tough guys, it was tough."

"I gave my life to the business, I don't regret nothing," Patterson continued. "For the rest of my life, I want to be happy."

In response to Patterson’s confession, the former wrestler’s friends showed their support, saying, “We love you, Pat.”

Patterson became the WWE’s first-ever “Intercontinental Champion” upon joining the organization. Best known for his signature move the “atomic bomb,” Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. Years after his retirement, Patterson still remains involved in the organization as a creative consultant.

With his announcement, Patterson becomes the second WWE superstar to come out as gay. Darren Young came out last August in an impromptu interview with TMZ in the airport.