Legendary Wrestler Thunderbolt Patterson to be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame

WWE is set to bring out a new list of Hall of Famers next month. Only a few weeks are left for the official announcement and some names have been shared by several sources, as per media reports. One of those inductees is Claude Patterson, popularly known as Thunderbolt Patterson, who emerged in professional wrestling in the late 1970s and went on to rule the circuit for nearly two decades.

Patterson has been an inspiration for many superstars over the years. Wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes is recognised as a great admirer of Patterson, who was also popular for his engaging speech apart from in-ring actions.

Thunderbolt Patterson kicked off his career in wrestling in 1985 with a match against Don Soto which took place in Florida. Patterson shifted his base to Texas in the following year and started working with Dory Funk Sr. He began to hit headlines when Patterson signed a contract with Big Time Wrestling in 1969. Only a year later, he went on to clinch the NWA Brass Knuckles Champions as part of the promotional company.

In 1975, Thunderbolt Patterson switched to the Detroit-based Big Time Wrestling before returning to Florida later that year. He stayed with the NWA promotion till 1976 and during this period, Patterson claimed the coveted NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship by defeating previous title-holder Bruiser Brody.

Thunderbolt Patterson put the title on the line against The Sheik in Toronto and managed to retain it via pinfall. Next year, Patterson began his career with Georgia Championship Wrestling and remained associated with the promotion till 1980. He teamed up with Ole Anderson in 1984 and secured the NWA National Tag Team Championship.

Thunderbolt Patterson announced his retirement from professional wrestling in 1985. Later in 1993. Patterson featured in a Legends Reunion Match at the Slamboree’93. He paired up with Brad Armstrong and triumphed over the duo of Ivan Koloff and Baron Von Raschke in a tag-team fight.

During his illustrious career, Thunderbolt Patterson raised his voice against racial discrimination that allegedly persisted in the industry in the 1970s. Following his retirement, Patterson had his arms and legs amputated owing to diabetic complications. Besides Patterson, Muhammad Ali is also set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. The official announcement will be made at the annual ceremony, scheduled for April 5.