Pat Patterson - SAS CLASSIC - The Steve Austin Show

Transcript

Pat Patterson (0:01)

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Steve Austin (0:09)

Does anyone even start?

Pat Patterson (0:11)

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Steve Austin (0:42)

Podcast one.com production he started in a small town in Texas, worked his ass off to become one of the most famous wrestlers of all time. We're gonna take care of business tonight. And that's the bottom line. And now he's dominating of On Demand Audio, and he's doing it for the working man. This is a damn good outlet for me to spew the off my brain. This is the Steve Austin Show. Unleash. All right, man. I'm sitting here with Pat Patterson. Pat, welcome to the show. How long have I known you?

Pat Patterson (1:24)

Oh, well, when you first came to New York, 95.

Steve Austin (1:28)

Then, I guess.

Pat Patterson (1:29)

95.

Steve Austin (1:30)

And you started in what year in the business? Yes.

Pat Patterson (1:34)

1958.

Steve Austin (1:35)

1958. I've always known you just as Pat Patterson, the guy who was the agent and helped guys with their finish. And here's the thing, as you know, because you've been around for so many years in so many different territories in New York specifically. Guy comes in with the different agents. You know, I was kind of a Blackjack Lanza guy.

Pat Patterson (1:57)

Exactly. I was gonna say that, yeah.

Steve Austin (1:59)

He was a guy that kind of handled, you know, my matches in the book. We're sitting there talking about Pat's new book. It's called Accepted. I read this thing from COVID to cover and shit. Let me just backtrack, Pat. The book is mesmerizing. You live such a hell of a fun life. I mean, it had its ups and downs, you know, high spots and your low spots, but it's a very fun book to read. And I thought what we tried to do in our conversation, given the short prep time I had for it, I could sit there and go chapter by chapter and take you through the book, but that would be giving the book away. So I just kind of wanted to pick your brain, shoot the shit, and just talk about the business. And coming up.

Summary

The Steve Austin Show — Pat Patterson – SAS CLASSIC
PodcastOne | September 11, 2025

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This special "SAS CLASSIC" episode features WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin in an in-depth conversation with wrestling legend Pat Patterson, live from Hollywood, CA. Centered around Patterson’s memoir, Accepted, the episode explores his extraordinary journey through wrestling’s territories, his pioneering role as an openly gay figure in the industry, the evolution of match psychology, and his impact on pro wrestling’s backstage culture and booking. The discussion is candid, humorous, and moving, offering valuable insights for fans and students of wrestling history.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS, INSIGHTS & TIMESTAMPS

1. Early Struggles and Finding Wrestling ([01:24]–[10:47])

Patterson recounts his impoverished upbringing in Montreal—living with 11 family members in a two-bedroom apartment, with limited access to hot water and basic amenities.
Patterson’s first encounter with pro wrestling: A promotional wrestling ticket came with a loaf of bread his mother bought—a moment that hooked him for life ([08:48]).
The allure of performing for an audience was apparent from his youth, be it as an altar boy or while attempting to join the circus:

“I went up to perform in front of people. Don’t ask me why. I don’t know.” — Pat Patterson ([08:08])
First steps in the Montreal wrestling scene, learning the ropes (and taking beatings) from veterans, often being “stretched” more than taught, yet persevering ([11:54]).

2. Breaking Through and the Value of Mentors ([10:47]–[22:29])

Patterson’s hustle: Charming his way into wrestling venues and carrying suitcases for English-speaking stars like Buddy Rogers, despite his own language barrier ([10:47]–[11:44]).
Adoption of the name “Pat Patterson” by randomly picking “Patterson” from the dictionary ([20:43]):

“I take the dictionary and I closed my eyes … the first name I saw was Patterson. Pat Patterson. That was it.” — Pat Patterson ([21:28])
Key early stops: Montreal, Boston (under Tony Santos), and Portland (Don Owens’ territory), where he hones his craft and leadership in the ring ([19:05]–[22:29]).
Early realization of the importance of ‘leading the match’ as a worker and the difference between merely following and actively constructing the narrative of a bout ([22:54]).

3. Developing Psychology: The Art of Selling and Being a Heel ([24:00]–[33:34])

The gradual shift from move-based to psychology-based wrestling—“making holds and simple struggles mean something.”
Importance of having a “mean streak” as a heel:

“When you throw a punch, your facial expression—you mean it. You just don’t do it for fun … The facial expression is so important.” — Pat Patterson ([18:46])
Importance of selling, as exemplified by Nick Kozak:

“Put a reverse headlock on him … he would fight it and fight it … then when he came out—Jesus, that was that easy.” — Pat Patterson ([32:24])

4. Famous Partnerships and Territories: Stevens & The Cow Palace ([33:34]–[39:32])

The Ray Stevens partnership as the “Blond Bombers”—highlighted by effortless chemistry and fun in and out of the ring:

“He could have a match with his eyes closed … he was loved by the boys.” — Pat Patterson ([37:02])
Colorful stories about working San Francisco's Cow Palace—recounting riots, genuine fears for safety, and the heat generated in those classic venues ([39:13]–[40:29]):

“I’m lucky to be alive … trying to get out of there. If you just cheated to win the championship, forget it.” — Pat Patterson ([39:13])

5. Learning from Geniuses: Roy Shire, Eddie Graham, and Match Finishes ([40:29]–[46:49])

Roy Shire and Eddie Graham as wrestling “geniuses,” especially in finish design and match psychology.
Patterson’s reputation as a finish guy began to form in San Francisco under Shire’s guidance and later with Vince McMahon Sr.:

“Even the best—even Vince—needs to ask for ideas, it’s no different than a wrestler needing feedback to improve.” — Pat Patterson ([41:22]–[42:15])
Detailed origin story of the Royal Rumble and Vince McMahon’s initial skepticism, only for TV executive Dick Ebersol to greenlight it ([46:51]):

“Tell him your stupid idea … I gave him the idea … he loved it.” — Pat Patterson ([47:28])

6. WWE Years: Transition, Booking, and the Montreal Screwjob ([53:59]–[74:39])

Pat’s move to New York (WWWF/WWF) and consecutive MSG main events with Bob Backlund.
Differences between Vince Sr. and Jr.:

“Senior wanted the northeast … Junior wanted to go to the moon.” — Pat Patterson ([67:24])
Transition into an executive/agent role—booking matches, working behind the scenes, and his affinity for helping talent like The Rock, Shawn Michaels, and Steve Austin.
His account of the Montreal Screwjob:

“I had nothing to do with it. I did not know.” — Pat Patterson ([72:34])
Emotional fallout, including his honest (and heartbreaking) interaction with Bret Hart afterward ([74:39]).

7. Personal Life, Coming Out, and Legacy ([25:25], [77:25]–[86:19])

Meeting lifelong partner Louie, decades-long relationship, and the need to protect both the wrestling business and his identity in an era of homophobia ([25:25]–[29:28]).
Coming out publicly on Legends House and its cathartic effect:

“It felt good to say it. … It felt good to be me now.” — Pat Patterson ([82:55])
Ongoing struggle of kayfabing both personal and business lives for decades:

“I could not live my life the way I wanted to.” — Pat Patterson ([84:31])
Decision to write his memoir Accepted, prompted by Vince McMahon and a desire to help others:

“I wanted to do it before I die, for Christ’s sake.” — Pat Patterson ([86:03])

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS (with timestamps)

On his WWE:

“Two times Vince had talked to me, but I knew he only wanted to bring me in as a mechanic. This time he was at least pitching me a gimmick. It was a bad gimmick, but it was a foot in the door.” — Steve Austin ([03:03])
On being a finish guy:

“You gotta show me that you're twisting it, you know, that's the whole thing—the facial expression is so important.” — Pat Patterson ([18:48])
On the Cow Palace:

“I'm lucky to be alive … There was riots many times.” — Pat Patterson ([39:13])
On psychology vs. moves:

“He didn't care about your moves. He cared if it meant something.” — Steve Austin, paraphrasing Roy Shire ([60:22])
On the importance of selling:

“He tells a story. … He sells. Shawn would crawl and bang. You know what I mean? Dolph [Ziggler] is the same way. He tells a story.” — Pat Patterson ([59:54])
On leading a match:

“I just couldn't let a guy... Are you going to do something? … No, I'm going to lead the match. I'll tell you what to do.” — Pat Patterson ([23:21])
On the Royal Rumble:

“Tell him your stupid idea … First of all, it’s not a stupid idea. I gave him the idea … and [Dick Ebersol] loved it.” — Pat Patterson ([47:27])
On coming out:

“It felt good to finally say it. … I couldn't live my life the way I wanted to.” — Pat Patterson ([82:54], [84:31])
On mentoring and acceptance:

“You rose to the top in every promotion that you went to because your passion for the business, your talent, your mind, your persona … You were always accepted.” — Steve Austin ([87:01]–[87:44])
On life perspective:

“You always made chicken salad out of chicken shit.” — Steve Austin ([88:13])

STRUCTURE & FLOW HIGHLIGHTS

Patterson’s origins: Poverty, French Canadian roots, attraction to performing, and entry to wrestling.
Territory years: Boston, Portland, learning psychology, importance of selling and heat.
Breakthroughs and partnerships: San Francisco stardom, Stevens partnership, Cow Palace riots, creative growth as a finish man.
Career evolution with WWE: Booking, the Royal Rumble, behind-the-scenes mentorship, and cultural changes from Vince Sr. to Vince Jr.
Personal milestones: Hidden relationship with Louie, closeted years, eventual public coming out.
Legacy: Patterson’s advice, reflections on impact, writing the memoir, and closing mutual respect between Austin and Patterson.

RECOMMENDED SEGMENTS (WITH TIMESTAMPS)

“The ringmaster era & breaking in with Vince” ([03:01]–[04:23])
“Poverty and wrestling’s appeal as an escape” ([06:30]–[10:22])
“Learning to lead a match” ([22:29]–[23:21])
“Selling, psychology, and the evolution of wrestling workrate” ([59:53]–[61:55])
“The Royal Rumble’s origin” ([46:51]–[48:05])
“Coming out on Legends House and its meaning” ([82:54]–[86:16])

TONE & CLOSING REFLECTION

The episode is equal parts storytelling and wrestling wisdom, delivered with affection and humor. Austin and Patterson reminisce as collaborators and friends, respecting one another’s legacies. There’s honest discussion of hardships—in the locker room, from promoters, in personal life—and how resilience, ingenuity, and the desire to entertain carried Patterson to the top. The conversation closes on the theme of acceptance, both in wrestling and life.

SUMMARY

This is a must-listen for wrestling fans: it's a fascinating oral history, packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes tales, deep dives on wrestling psychology, the birth of the Royal Rumble, and the heart of a man who helped shape modern WWE—both by his in-ring work and his courageous life outside it.