Ken Patera Then and Now

Ken Patera Then

Ken Patera, born on November 6, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, emerged from a family with a strong athletic legacy. 

His family background played a significant role in shaping his sporting career. 

His brother, Jack Patera, had a notable career in football, playing for the Baltimore Colts and later serving as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 to 1982. 

Another brother, Dennis Patera, also made his mark in football with the San Francisco 49ers.

Ken’s athletic journey began in high school, where he excelled in football and wrestling, competing at 193 pounds. 

Although track and field was his primary passion, a serious ankle injury led him to pivot from the high hurdles and high jump to the shot put and discus. 

Despite this setback, Ken quickly became one of the nation’s leading weight throwers, showcasing his remarkable talent at Brigham Young University.

Following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the shot put at the 1968 Olympic trials, Ken Patera redirected his focus towards Olympic weightlifting. 

This shift marked the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic career, eventually leading him to prominence in the world of professional wrestling.

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Ken Patera Wrestling Career

Ken Patera, a renowned professional wrestler, transitioned into wrestling from a successful career in weightlifting in 1972. 

His entry into the world of wrestling was marked by a notable feud with Johnny Valentine in the Mid-Atlantic territory in 1975. 

Patera, positioned as a babyface, was part of a compelling storyline where Valentine was tricked into facing him. 

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This feud showcased Patera’s skill and charisma, establishing him as a significant figure in the wrestling scene.

Throughout the 1970s, Patera made a substantial impact across various wrestling promotions, including the American Wrestling Association (AWA), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

His tenure in the WWWF, which later became the WWF, saw him challenging top stars like Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund, and achieving notable success by holding the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. 

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His reigns and feuds, particularly with Hulk Hogan and other prominent wrestlers, solidified his status as one of the top heels of his time.

Patera’s wrestling career was also marked by his involvement in major storylines and factions. 

In the AWA, he was a prominent member of the Heenan Family and engaged in memorable feuds with wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Greg Gagne. 

His alliance with Jerry Blackwell, forming “The Sheiks,” was a notable chapter, and the duo’s feud with the High Flyers over the AWA World Tag Team Championship was a highlight.

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However, Patera’s career faced a significant setback when he was imprisoned in 1985 for assaulting a police officer.

This period out of the ring affected his momentum, but upon his return to the WWF in 1987, he attempted to rebuild his career with a new look and storylines, including a notable feud with former manager Bobby Heenan.

Despite his efforts to stay relevant, Patera struggled with injuries and a declining career trajectory. 

His time in the WWF ended with him being phased out in favor of newer talent. 

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His brief return to the AWA in the late 1980s, including a short-lived tag team championship run, did not fully recapture his previous success.

Ken Patera’s wrestling career, marked by both highs and lows, reflected his dedication to the sport and his adaptability in various wrestling environments. 

Despite the challenges, his contributions to professional wrestling, including his time as a major heel and his championship reigns, remain a significant part of his legacy.

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Ken Patera Wrestling Competition

• American Wrestling Association (AWA)
  • Debuted in 1972
  • Tag Team Champion with Jerry Blackwell (1983)
  • Feuds with Hulk Hogan, Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell
• National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
  • Competed in various territories (1976–1980)
  • NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion (1980, 1981)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
  • Debuted in 1976
  • Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (1980)
  • Feuds with Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan
• World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
  • Debuted in 1976
  • Challenged Bruno Sammartino for WWWF Heavyweight Championship
• All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
  • Debuted in 1977
  • Competed in various tours
• New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)
  • Debuted in 1980
  • Competed in tours in 1981 and 1984
• Central States Wrestling
  • Competed (1983–1984)
• Montreal Wrestling
  • Competed (1983–1984)
• Toronto
  • Competed (1977–1981)
• St. Louis Wrestling
  • Competed (1980–1984)

Ken Patera’s Wife and Children

Ken Patera’s personal life has seen him through three marriages and divorces. 

Over the years, he has been married three times, reflecting the complexities that can accompany a high-profile career in professional wrestling. 

Despite the challenges in his personal relationships, Patera has two daughters from his marriage, indicating that his family life has been an integral part of his journey. 

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Each of these relationships has contributed to the multifaceted nature of his life outside the wrestling ring. 

While his wrestling career took him across various promotions and international arenas, his personal life has also played a significant role in shaping who he is today.

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Ken Patera Now

Ken Patera, now 80 years old, remains a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling and weightlifting. 

Patera’s career has been marked by his impressive achievements in both sports and entertainment.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Patera gained significant fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he became well-known for his powerful persona and strongman skills. 

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His tenure in the WWF spanned from 1976 to 1981, and he returned for two additional stints from 1984 to 1985 and 1987 to 1988. 

During these periods, he established himself as a formidable competitor, challenging some of the top stars of the time and holding titles like the Intercontinental Championship.

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Before his wrestling career, Patera was an accomplished Olympic weightlifter, and he also made a mark in strongman competitions.

In 1977, he finished third in the World’s Strongest Man competition, showcasing his exceptional strength and athleticism on an international stage.

Despite his retirement from active competition, Ken Patera’s legacy endures through his contributions to both professional wrestling and weightlifting.

His influence is remembered by fans and peers alike, reflecting a career that left a lasting impact on both sports.

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