WWE Hall of Famer and the first ever Intercontinental Champion Pat Patterson recently spoke with News Week to promote the release of his brand new book, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.” Here are the highlights.
On the Montreal Screwjob and if he knew it was going to happen:
“I really did not know. I was so mad when I found out. I grabbed my briefcase and I left the building. I went to the hotel, had a couple of drinks, and I didn’t know what to do—I thought I was going to quit the business. I then had another cocktail and said,“Wait a minute, it’s like I’m hiding.” I went back to the arena and I went right to Bret Hart. He and I get along so good and I helped him in his career. It was hard for him to believe I didn’t know [because of my friendship with Vince]. For a couple of years, he didn’t speak to me. I would bump into him and say: “Bret, all these years, we were so close.” I wanted him to shake my hand and he finally did it.”
On if he thinks Vince McMahon will ever retire:
“Never. [Laughs] There was a convention for workaholics in Chicago once and I said to Vince: “You should go there.” You know what happened? No-one showed up… they were all too busy working.”
Patterson also talked about Roman Reigns’ suspension and more. You can read the entire interview here.