WWE legend, Pat Patterson, made a shocking announcement on Thursday night in an episode of Legend's House on the WWE Network. The 73-year-old finally admitted he is gay although rumors  about his sexuality have long been spreading in the wrestling industry.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Patterson is one of the biggest WWE stars in the 1960s and 70s.

TMZ said in a report that Patterson kept his sexual orientation secret for about 50 years before finally coming out to his friends.

In the video below, taken from WWE's official Twitter account, the legendary fighter and other WWE legends became emotional during the announcement.

On the 1.45-minute video, Patterson said he did not want to be phony anymore, noting that rumors have already circulated in the wrestling industry about his sexual preference.

According to Hollywood Life, Pat told his colleagues in the wrestling industry, "For once in my life I'm going to be me, now." The revelation, according to the same report, was met with a heartfelt and moving reaction from his fellow legends saying that they love Pat and that they will always love him.

The Legend's House episode, according to Bleacher Report, was filmed two years ago but was only aired on Thursday night.

The same report said that the revelation seemed to have alleviated the fighter's burden and has not affected in any way, his WWE accomplshments which includes his first-ever Intercontinental Champion title.

As noted by South Florida Sun Sentinel's Scott Fishman, Patterson's record in wrestling cannot be matched, adding on Twitter, "Pat Patterson is one of the greatest minds in the business. As if you couldn't respect him any more, you watch."

But Patterson is not the first WWE personality to admit he is gay. In August 2013, Darren Young also came out of the closet and revealed his sexual preference.

Hollywood Life added that Patterson's coming out will help in the promotion of tolerance and respect in the wrestling industry and will also make him an inspiration and a hero not only to his fans but also to his fellow fighters.