Pat Smith (wrestler)

Pat Smith (wrestler) is an American former professional wrestler and a decorated amateur wrestler, best known for his tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the 1990s. A member of the renowned Smith wrestling family, he is the brother of Olympic gold medalist John Smith and fellow competitors Lee Roy Smith and Mark Smith. In WCW, he was a one-time WCW World Tag Team Championship holder and a founding member of the Dungeon of Doom stable.

Early life and amateur career

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pat Smith was immersed in the sport from a young age as part of one of America's most accomplished wrestling families. He achieved significant success at the collegiate level, wrestling for the Oklahoma State Cowboys under legendary coach Tom Chesbro. Smith was a two-time NCAA All-American, finishing as the runner-up at 177 pounds in 1985. His amateur career, conducted alongside his brothers, helped solidify the Smith wrestling family's legacy within the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Professional wrestling career

Trained by Jack Brisco and Dory Funk Jr., Smith debuted in 1992, initially competing in regional promotions like the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). He signed with World Championship Wrestling in 1994, where he was quickly positioned as a formidable powerhouse. Smith became a founding member of the villainous Dungeon of Doom faction, led by Kevin Sullivan, which was designed to feud with Hulk Hogan. His most notable achievement came in 1995 when he teamed with The Giant to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) on an episode of WCW Saturday Night. Smith also made appearances for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1995, engaging in a notable feud with Taz.

Championships and accomplishments

Throughout his professional career, Pat Smith captured several championships. His primary accolade was winning the WCW World Tag Team Championship one time with The Giant. On the independent circuit, he also held the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship. His amateur honors include being a two-time NCAA All-American for Oklahoma State University–Stillwater and a National Hall of Fame inductee as part of the Smith family.

Personal life

Pat Smith is the son of Lee Roy Smith Sr., and his brothers—Lee Roy Smith, John Smith, and Mark Smith—are all celebrated figures in amateur wrestling. John Smith is an Olympic gold medalist and a successful coach at Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. Pat Smith has two children and has largely stayed out of the public eye since retiring from active competition, though he remains connected to the wrestling community through his family's enduring legacy.

Legacy

Pat Smith's legacy is intrinsically tied to the historic achievements of the Smith wrestling family, one of the most dominant dynasties in American amateur wrestling. While his professional career in World Championship Wrestling was relatively brief, his role in the Dungeon of Doom and his tag team title victory remain notable footnotes in the history of WCW during the Monday Night Wars era. He is remembered as a formidable athlete who successfully transitioned his elite amateur skills into the professional ranks, contributing to the broader narrative of wrestlers from strong collegiate backgrounds impacting sports entertainment in the 1990s.

Category:American professional wrestlers Category:World Championship Wrestling alumni Category:American amateur wrestlers Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:People from Tulsa, Oklahoma Category:Oklahoma State University alumni