Ken Patera suffers broken neck in gym accident

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Ken Patera in action. | WWE Pro wrestling legend Ken Patera, 83, reportedly suffered a broken neck recently from an accident at a gym. The news was first announced by Steve Stasiak of Book Pro Wrestlers, who wrote about Patera’s injury on Facebook. “We’re sending our thoughts out to wrestling legend Ken Patera,” Stasiak wrote in the post. “Ken recently suffered a fall at the gym that resulted in a broken C1. The news is especially difficult because Ken had fought so hard to get back on his feet after major back surgery about two and a half years ago. Friends say he made remarkable progress, returned to the gym, and lost a significant amount of weight as he worked to improve his health.” Stasiak continued: “Anyone who has followed Ken Patera’s life knows determination has always been one of his defining traits. It’s what made him one of the toughest competitors of his generation, and it’s the same strength we hope carries him through this latest challenge. “Everyone at Book Pro Wrestlers is keeping Ken in our thoughts. Please join us in wishing him strength, healing, and a full recovery.” After a decorated career as a powerlifter, Patera successfully transitioned to pro wrestling in the 1970s (while still competing in powerlifting) and became a star in the 1980s of the then-WWF. He held the promotion’s Intercontinental Championship and was one of the superstars to have an action figure made in his likeness in the famous toy series by the LJN company. His momentum in WWE was stalled by a stint in prison for assaulting a police officer during an incident at a McDonald’s in Wisconsin. He continued his career following his release but never reached his previous level of success again. Even still, many people believe Patera should be a member of WWE’s Hall of Fame. Among those who have called for Patera’s induction is Jesse Ventura, who has brought up the subject in recent interviews. The Cauliflower Alley Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in the wrestling industry, wrote a message on social media on Tuesday about Patera’s injury. “Everyone here at the Cauliflower Alley Club would like to extend our best wishes and prayers to the legendary Ken Patera, who recently suffered a fall resulting in a broken neck,” a post on X (Twitter) read. Everyone here at the Cauliflower Alley Club would like to extend our best wishes and prayers to the legendary Ken Patera, who recently suffered a fall resulting in a broken neck. pic.twitter.com/Wx6Z223OaQ — Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) June 30, 2026 We at Cageside Seats wish Patera a quick and full recovery. Please share your thoughts about Patera’s injury, as well as memories about his career, in the comments.