WWE legend Ken Patera has suffered a broken C1 in a gym accident.
Steve Stasiak of Book Pro Wrestlers took to Facebook to announce that former WWE/WWF Intercontinental Champion Ken Patera (83) suffered a fall at his gym, which resulted in a broken C1 vertebra.
He noted that the wrestling legend worked hard to recover from a major back surgery he underwent over two years ago. Stasiak also stated that Patera made significant progress after the surgery and returned to the gym, but has now faced another 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 — Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers,” the post read.
Ken Patera is the second person to hold the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Following a highly decorated career as an Olympic weightlifter, Ken Patera transitioned into professional wrestling in 1972. He spent his career bouncing between major territories, starting in the AWA before moving through the NWA Mid-Atlantic and St. Louis regions. He has also competed for AJPW and NJPW in Japan.
He hit his peak in the WWF, where he became the second person in history to hold the Intercontinental Championship after defeating Pat Patterson in April 1980, and held it for 230 days.
WrestleZone wishes Ken Patera a speedy recovery.
Read More: WWE Champion Sami Zayn Trolls Cody Rhodes With ‘Friendly’ Birthday Message
