83-year-old WWE legend breaks neck in gym accident
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 Wrest
7/1/2026