Ex-WWE Intercontinental Champion Suffers Broken Neck

A former WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champion has sustained a broken neck after a recent fall.

Taking to Facebook, Steve Stasiak of Book Pro Wrestlers shared that WWE legend Ken Patera suffered a fall at his gym, resulting in him breaking his C1 vertebra.

Stasiak claimed that Patera had started his recovery process after undergoing major back surgery a couple of years ago. However, despite making significant progress, the latest incident has come as a setback.

We’re sending our thoughts and prayers to wrestling legend Ken Patera.

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 had made remarkable progress, returned to the gym, and lost a significant amount of weight as he worked to improve his health.

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.

Ken Patera Was The Second WWE Intercontinental Champion

Ken Patera holds the distinction of becoming the second WWE/WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Patera returned to the promotion in 1979 for a second stint. The following year on April 21, he defeated Pat Patterson to become the new IC Champion, ending Patterson’s 240-day reign.

Throughout the year, Patera defended his title against worthy contenders such as Ivan Putski, Bob Backlund, Tony Atlas, Pedro Morales, and even Patterson.

He dropped the title to Morales on December 8, with Patterson acting as the guest referee.

Before transitioning to professional wrestling, Patera enjoyed a successful career as an Olympic weightlifter. In his wrestling career, the 82-year-old has represented various promotions, including American Wrestling Association (AWA), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Everyone at TJR Wrestling wishes Ken Patera a speedy recovery.