WWE Announce Overlooked Star For Hall Of Fame
WWE has announced the latest inductee in the Hall of Fame as the company looks set to honour a star who began their career in the sixties.
Thunderbolt Patterson was a trailblazer in and out of the ring with a career that spanned several decades. The 82-year-old was a fixture in several territories across the NWA and shared the ring with the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, and Wahoo McDaniel among many other legends of the business.
WWE issued a statement on Patterson’s induction as the company celebrated the overlooked star:
A hugely influential, although often overlooked, figure in sports-entertainment history, Patterson’s captivating abilities on the microphone inspired a generation of talkers that followed in his footsteps.
Growing up in Iowa, Patterson moved to Texas and worked with legendary promoter Dory Funk Sr. (father of WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) where he began performing incredible interviews using a delivery inspired by Black Southern pastors.
Patterson backed up his talents on the microphone in the ring as he captured titles across North America while defeating iconic opponents like Bruiser Brody and WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik. Thunderbolt was also a decorated tag team competitor, most famously teaming with Ole Anderson before their partnership erupted into a brutal rivalry, which helped launch the legendary Four Horsemen.
Patterson was also a contemporary of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, and was often credited with inspiring The American Dream’s charismatic persona.
Patterson’s work as a captivating performer was self-evident, but he was also a fierce advocate for the health and welfare of competitors outside of the ring.
His legacy as a showman with his signature quick punches, his incredible blend of power and speed, and his compassion for his fellow man live on as his influence can still be seen in the ring today.
Who Else Is In 2024 WWE Hall Of Fame?
Paul Heyman was the first inductee announced for the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame after a career that has seen him gain great acclaim both in front of and behind the camera.
Japanese legend Bull Nakano will be honoured with an induction as will former WWE Tag Team Champions Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham, collectively known as The U.S. Express. Boxing superstar Muhammad Ali will also be inducted at the ceremony over the weekend that WrestleMania 40 will take place.