He participated in many bloody and grueling matches, including a classic "Alley Fight" against Sgt Slaughter, rewarded in 1981 as the Match Of The Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Patterson was known for his hardcore side and he was a great brawler. In 2000, four years after his induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame, he became the oldest Hardcore Champion in WWE history, at the age of 59 years old. His reign with the brand new Championship lasted 219 days. He started his pro wrestling career in 1958, but he only joined the WWF in 1979.ĭuring his first year with the company, he became the first ever Intercontinental Champion after he unified the North American Heavyweight Championship won against Ted DiBiase with the South American Heavyweight Title.
He spent a good part of his heel run with Bobby Heenan as manager, but he was also associated with Lou Albano and The Grand Wizard, two other legendary managers. In 19, he received the Most Hated Wrestler Of The Year Award from Pro Wrestling Illustrated. He was not with WWF full-time in the '70s, but he battled Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund on many occasions for the World Championship, but always on the losing end.Īt the end of the '70s and in the early '80s, he was one of the most hated wrestlers, who never hesitated to display his amazing strength, injuring on-screen many opponents with his famous Swinging Full Nelson. He had a successful career as weight lifter, but he decided to focus on pro wrestling in 1973. He was one of the strongest man to have ever stepped in a wrestling ring.
At the same moment, he was also the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion. He defeated Pat Patterson in April 1980 and he held the Title for 231 days. Patera is the second Intercontinental Champion in WWE history.
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