Kendo Nagasaki: 21 Secrets of a British Wrestling Icon

For decades, Kendo Nagasaki stood as one of the most enigmatic figures in British professional wrestling history. With his iconic red-and-white striped mask, ceremonial entrance complete with katana sword and salt-throwing rituals, and mysterious aura of hypnotic powers, Nagasaki captivated millions of viewers during wrestling’s golden era on British television. But behind this captivating character was a man whose real-life story proved even more fascinating than his in-ring persona. Here are 21 secret facts that peel back the mask on British wrestling’s greatest mystery!

1. The Orphan Who Became a Wrestling Superstar

Peter Thornley (Kendo Nagasaki)’s early life was marked by hardship and abandonment. His childhood has been described as an "emotionally barren upbringing" that shaped his later persona.

Born Brian Stevens in Wellington, Shropshire, on October 19, 1941, he entered the world during the tumult of World War II. His biological mother gave him up for adoption after becoming pregnant while her husband, believed to be a Polish soldier, was away fighting. He was subsequently adopted by Betty and Bill Thornley, taking their surname.

Thornley’s childhood difficulties were compounded by the death of his adoptive mother when he was just seven years old. At school, he struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia, which led him to become something of a loner and troublemaker. These early experiences of isolation and feeling different would later inform the mysterious character he created.

Finding direction through martial arts, Thornley was influenced by Japanese judo master Kenshiro Abbe, who introduced him to Eastern philosophy and combat techniques. Thornley excelled in judo, becoming a black belt and the first-ever British Judo Council Heavyweight champion in 1961/62. His athletic prowess extended beyond judo – he was also a Schoolboy Boxing Champion in 1955/56 and Junior Waterpolo champion in 1957.

His dedication to physical training led to achievements in Olympic Style Weightlifting, becoming Heavyweight champion in both 1961 and 1962.

Thornley harbored aspirations to represent Britain on the 1964 Olympic judo team, but these hopes were dashed when he lost part of his left index finger.

2. The Missing Finger That Fueled a Legend

Although promoter Max Crabtree (the brother of British wrestling icon “Big Daddy” Shirley Crabtree) would later claim his left index finger was lost during an industrial accident, Thornley has stated this is not true.

It was not, as widely reported, due to a freak event when Thornley was working at Jennings, the horse box makers in Crewe.

Instead, it happened after Thornley upstaged a local troublemaker while working at a car showroom. He was later ambushed by a group outside a train station, where one assailant bit his finger. Contracting septicemia, the damaged portion had to be amputated at the hospital.

The lost finger became a major talking point during his in-ring career, fueling speculation he might be a member of the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia, as finger amputation is associated with their rituals.

After losing the finger, he was advised by future opponent Geoff Condliffe (Count Bartelli) to try professional wrestling.

The injury that initially seemed to end his Olympic dreams ultimately set him on a path to becoming one of Britain’s most iconic wrestling figures, whose career would span an incredible 60 years.

3. Creating the Ultimate Wrestling Gimmick

Following his finger injury and with Bartelli’s encouragement, Thornley transformed himself into Kendo Nagasaki, a character that would soon captivate British wrestling fans.

Kendo Nagasaki’s character was that of a mysterious Japanese masked figure, reportedly with powers of healing and hypnosis.

Wearing a ceremonial face visor to the ring and wielding a katana sword, he would throw salt, adding to his aura. Once he removed his entrance attire, fans would get a glimpse of his now-iconic red-and-white striped mask.

Further intrigue was added by his flamboyant manager, “Gorgeous” George Gillette. Dressed in feather boas and sequins, his alignment with Kendo served dual purposes- he acted as a mouthpiece while also generating heat from audiences. As promoter Max Cabtree once explained: “Our audience were mostly working-class, and they hated homosexuality.”

It is believed the two men shared the first man-on-man kiss on British TV.

In his later life, Nagasaki himself revealed that his character was “a spirit guide and sensei” channeled through a mortal like himself. According to this mythology, Kendo was a samurai who had lived 300 years ago in the Japanese city of Nagasaki and had also apparently been alive during the 1333 Siege of Kamakura.

Related: Gorgeous George and the Don Eagle ‘Chicago Short Count’ Screwjob.

4. Kendo Nagasaki Defeated Andre the Giant

Kendo Nagasaki’s path to stardom began at Wigan’s legendary Snake Pit gym, where he trained under Billy Riley alongside future British wrestling icons.

His professional debut on November 13th, 1964, saw him defeat “Jumping” Jim Hussey in Willenhall – a significant victory given Hussey was the father of future World of Sport star Mark “Rollerball” Rocco.

The year 1966 marked Nagasaki’s first major career milestone when he defeated and unmasked Count Bartelli (real name Geoff Condliffe), who had been billed as undefeated for two decades. This career-defining match at Hanley’s Victoria Hall, refereed by Stan Rylands, ended with Bartelli’s brutal unmasking after twenty intense minutes. The bout’s £1,000 prize money and “Loser Unmasked” stipulation created national buzz, cementing Nagasaki as a rising star.

By his 1971 television debut, Nagasaki had already faced British wrestling’s elite, including Les Kellett and Billy Robinson. He even scored a notable victory over a young Andre The Giant (then wrestling as Jean Ferré), handing the future legend his first singles loss.

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5. World of Sport’s Tea-Time Terror

In Britain, pro wrestling soared in popularity through ITV’s World of Sport, which aired in the prized 4 p.m. slot and drew up to 10 million viewers—reportedly including the Queen, Margaret Thatcher, and even The Beatles.

Kendo Nagasaki’s popularity peaked on World of Sport in the mid-to-late 1970s, as he racked up wins over the only two men who rivaled his fame in British wrestling: Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks.

Despite battling mammoth superheavyweights, Kendo Nagasaki showcased remarkable strength, most famously when he lifted the 26-stone (375-pound) Big Daddy for his signature Kamikaze Crash, a rolling fireman’s carry that wowed fans across the UK.

In December 1975, Nagasaki was unmasked on national television by Big Daddy, creating one of the most unforgettable moments in British wrestling history.

Giant Haystacks later called him his "most formidable opponent over the years… an opponent to be in awe of."

According to legend, only Evel Knievel rivaled Nagasaki in merchandise sales at the time.

So intense was the audience’s reaction to Nagasaki’s villainy that one fan stabbed him in the back with a pen, another swung a handbag loaded with a brick straight at him!

6. The Unmasking Seen by 14 Million

In 1977, Kendo Nagasaki orchestrated the most memorable moment of his career when he held an elaborate unmasking ceremony. Taking place at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall on December 20th, the voluntary unmasking was viewed by an astounding 14 million viewers (one in four Britons).

As he removed the hood, the country finally laid eyes on the face of Kendo Nagasaki. They saw a skulleted, red-eyed warrior with a tattooed hexagram on his head. The mask was then ceremoniously burned in a crucible, completing the ritual.

Loaded Magazine later commented that the ceremony was the next best thing for those who had not witnessed the Queen’s coronation in 1953, which shows the cultural significance of this wrestling spectacle.

7. Retired by Doctor’s Orders (Temporarily)

After wrestling a few matches without the mask, Nagasaki received doctors’ orders to retire in 1978, though this would prove to be only temporary.

In 1986, Kendo Nagasaki made a full-time return to the ring as the top heel for All Star Wrestling. His comeback was marked by the infamous Disco Ladder Match against Clive Myers at the London Hippodrome, a spectacle that main evented All Stars’ first television show, predating the mainstream rise of ladder matches by years.

Later that September, Nagasaki captured the promotion’s world title after defeating Wayne Bridges, the same opponent he had bested in his TV debut back in 1971.

Though he briefly formed a tag team with Mark "Rollerball" Rocco, the alliance would later unravel into a heated rivalry, lasting until Rocco’s retirement in 1991.

Nagasaki’s final televised appearance saw him teaming with "The Rock ’n’ Roll Express" Blondie Barratt in a surreal bout. They scored a victory over Steve Regal (later known as William Regal) and Robbie Brookside, after Nagasaki used his signature mystic hypnosis to turn Brookside against his own partner.

8. When Wrestling Died on British TV

In 1988, ITV Director of Programs Greg Dyke made the controversial decision to drop wrestling from the broadcaster. His reasoning centered on what he perceived as professional wrestling’s working-class, down-market image that didn’t align with the network’s evolving brand identity.

This decision ended a remarkable 33-year run of wrestling on British television screens.

The Saturday afternoon slot that had entertained millions and created household names like Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, and Kendo Nagasaki suddenly went dark.

Kendo Nagasaki later offered a scathing assessment of what British wrestling became after losing its television platform, referring to the UK scene after wrestling’s cancellation as being an "unfortunate imitation of Americanized entertainment."

The removal of wrestling from television had profound effects on the British wrestling industry. Without the exposure that television provided, promotions struggled to draw crowds, and many wrestlers found themselves without the platform that had made them stars. For fans who had religiously tuned in every Saturday, it marked the end of an era in British entertainment.

9. Loyalty Through the AIDS Crisis

Not long after British wrestling disappeared from television, another significant event changed Kendo Nagasaki’s career: the death of his longtime manager, George Gillette.

His manager since 1971, "Gorgeous" George was openly homosexual both on-screen and off-screen, and sadly passed away from complications from AIDS in 1989.

Despite rampant tabloid panic and misinformation about AIDS during that era, such as claims it could be transmitted through toilet seats or soap, Nagasaki demonstrated remarkable loyalty to George, personally caring for him in the hospital during his final days.

Although George ultimately succumbed to the illness, he continued performing until the end, embodying his memorable catchphrase: "You can’t keep a good queen down!"

Following Gillette’s death, Kendo’s management was taken over by Lloyd Ryan. A professional drummer, Ryan is best known for having taught Phil Collins. He also shared his musical knowledge with Nagasaki, teaching him how to play the drums.

10. The Comeback No One Saw Coming

Despite British wrestling’s disappearance from television, Kendo Nagasaki continued his in-ring career throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In September 1987, Nagasaki achieved a significant milestone when he defeated Wayne Bridges to become the WWA World Heavyweight Champion. He formed a successful tag team with Mark "Rollerball" Rocco, though this partnership dissolved after a televised match in early 1988, leading to a violent feud that continued at live shows for years after wrestling disappeared from British television.

In October 1991, Nagasaki had a high-profile encounter with Giant Haystacks for what was billed as the CWA World Heavyweight Championship. Taped as part of the BBC documentary "Arena: Masters of the Canvas," the match at Fairfield Halls ended controversially when Haystacks deliberately pulled off Nagasaki’s mask, forcing him to abandon the match.

By 1993, Nagasaki had a kayfabe falling out with manager Ryan, who went on to manage "King Kendo" and other Nagasaki imitators. This storyline was cut short when Nagasaki retired once more to focus on his business ventures.

After a lengthy absence, Nagasaki returned to the ring in June 2007, signing with London-based LDN Wrestling. His comeback included feuds with Robbie Brookside over "The Sword of Excellence" and reuniting with his former tag partner Blondie Barrett.

In October 2008, Nagasaki and Barrett defeated Hakan and Travis to win the LDN British Tag Team Championship at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall, the same venue where he had been unmasked over 30 years earlier. Following this victory, Nagasaki left LDN Wrestling and relinquished the championship, marking what appeared to be the end of his 44-year wrestling career.

11. Guinness World Record Submission at 83

In November 2024, Kendo Nagasaki made wrestling history once again when, at the age of 83, and submitted a Guinness World Record application for ‘oldest active professional wrestler.’ The claim is pending official verification.

The historic bout took place at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, the same venue where he had faced Giant Haystacks decades earlier.

For this momentous occasion, Nagasaki teamed with the tag team known as Dead Gorgeous (Ben and Jordan Nelson) against an LDN Wrestling team led by promoter Sanjay Bagga.

Despite his advanced age, the masked warrior moved with surprising agility. In a fitting nod to his villainous persona, the match ended in controversy when Nagasaki was disqualified for using what officials deemed an "illegal hold." After the match, the legendary grappler quipped, "I was disqualified at the end for being naughty."

The historic event marked the culmination of an extraordinary 60-year career in professional wrestling, making Nagasaki’s run the longest in British wrestling history and the second-longest ever for a male wrestler worldwide.

The historic match put a fitting exclamation point on a career that spanned seven decades and cemented Kendo Nagasaki’s legacy as one of professional wrestling’s most enduring and enigmatic figures.

12. Master of Kayfabe

Kendo Nagasaki dedicated his professional career to preserving the mystique of his character, never speaking in public throughout his decades in the spotlight.

In 1992, he appeared in the acclaimed BBC documentary "Arena: Masters of the Canvas," which chronicled artist Peter Blake’s desire to paint Nagasaki’s portrait. During this rare television appearance, his voice was deliberately muted to hide his accent and maintain the character’s enigma.

That same year, he appeared on Danny Baker’s talk show but remained completely silent throughout, with his manager Lloyd Ryan answering all questions on his behalf.

Promoter Max Crabtree recalled: "Keeping his identity intact was an obsession. You’d never once catch Kendo in the bar. Half of these wrestlers were supposed to have kicked the shit out of each other and then they’d lounge in the bar together. Never Kendo."

In the British wrestling documentary "Everything Stopped at Four O’Clock," produced by Granada Television in 1998, Mark "Rollerball" Rocco revealed that Nagasaki was an "elusive mystery man" even to his fellow wrestlers, often being given his own private locker room to maintain separation from the rest of the roster.

In public, Kendo would wear his mask everywhere- while driving to and from venues, during showers, and anywhere fans might spot him. He even appeared masked on the video game show "GamesMaster" in 1992, where he played a wrestling video game against a young boy- and lost. Despite these extraordinary precautions to protect his character, his carefully guarded identity would eventually be compromised…

13. Art Meets Mayhem: The Sgt. Pepper’s Portrait

In 1992, Kendo Nagasaki transcended sports entertainment by starring in the BBC’s Arena: Masters of the Canvas, a documentary exploring the intersection of wrestling and art. Sir Peter Blake, who was the visionary behind the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, painted Nagasaki’s portrait, capturing his mystique in bold strokes. Blake later mused, "If I weren’t a painter, I’d want to be Kendo."

The finished artwork found a permanent home at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where Nagasaki had headlined 22 times.

Fellow artist Paul Yates likened the wrestler’s masked appearances to "seeing a living Francis Bacon portrait," noting that "the moments when his hood nearly slipped were some of the most dramatic in British television."

Nagasaki’s cultural crossover extended beyond the canvas. He locked horns with football legend Jimmy Greaves in charity matches and shared surreal backstage moments with Hi-de-Hi! star Su Pollard, proving his appeal reached far beyond wrestling audiences.

14. Exposed by a Plumbing Leak

The story of how Kendo Nagasaki’s real name became known is documented in Simon Garfield’s book, “The Wrestling,” which is often considered the holy grail of documented British wrestling history.

Before his name became public, many wild theories circulated about the man beneath the mask, with speculation ranging from pop icon Elvis Presley to Catcher in the Rye writer J.D. Salinger, or aristocrat-turned-fugitive Lord Lucan. One of the most outlandish theories suggested he might be a member of the royal family.

A humble plumber was the one to discover who the real man was.

In the late 1970s, a plumber arrived at a house to fix a bathroom leak. Himself a wrestling fan, he was surprised to see "Gorgeous" George Gillette answer the door. George called out to his housemate Peter that the plumber was there, as a maskless Kendo Nagasaki sat reading the newspaper on the couch.

The observant plumber was then able to deduce the real name of Nagasaki as Peter Thornley, the name given to pay the bill.

This revelation came despite Thornley’s careful efforts to protect his identity throughout his career. The wrestler’s true identity would become more widely known years later during a 2002 court case over a land dispute with his neighbor.

Interestingly, while the plumber incident exposed Thornley’s identity to some, Nagasaki had already voluntarily unmasked himself during a televised ceremony in December 1977 at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall. However, this ceremonial unmasking didn’t reveal his real name to the public, only his face, which featured a distinctive tattooed hexagram on his shaved head.

15. The Identity Controversy

The plumber’s discovery soon escalated into a public campaign.

At a wrestling show one night, "Bomber" Pat Roach informed the promotion that a fan outside was distributing leaflets revealing Nagasaki’s real name and address. This unwanted exposure continued for several weeks, with the plumber following Nagasaki to various venues.

The situation reached new heights when the plumber noticed that wrestling events were routinely advertised in the local Express and Star newspaper. In a calculated move, he placed a small advertisement directly beneath Nagasaki’s match promotion, which brazenly stated: "Please note that the above wrestler is Peter Thornley and he lives at this address…"

Max Crabtree later recounted the resolution: "So enough is enough. The plumber ended up in the local magistrates court. We’d got his address, and put an injunction on him to stop him from doing it again. The plumber doesn’t turn up at the court. He sends a letter in and says he’s very sorry, it won’t happen again."

What made this situation particularly sensitive was that in the 1970s, Thornley was cohabiting with George Gillette at a time when homosexuality, though decriminalized, still carried significant social stigma. The plumber’s actions were not just exposing a wrestling character but potentially threatening Thornley’s private life.

16. Land Wars & Digger Drama

People remained intrigued by Kendo Nagasaki’s identity well into the turn of the century, despite his ceremonial unmasking decades earlier.

In August 2002, a quarter of a century after his televised unmasking, Thornley’s identity was thrust into the national spotlight during a contentious land dispute with his neighbor, Angela Randall. This legal battle officially confirmed "Peter Thornley" as the man behind the mask in court documents.

Randall, Thornley’s neighbor at the impressive Moor Court Hall residence in Staffordshire, accused Nagasaki of "using the same tactics as he did in the ring" during their property disagreement.

The Daily Mirror reported that "the mum of one claims Thornley hired a JCB digger to tear down hedges and ivy covering the front of her 90-year-old Grade II listed £500,000 home." The dispute centered around access to a shared driveway and the boundaries between their properties.

This public legal battle inadvertently revealed more about Thornley’s life outside the ring, including his ownership of the 50-room manor house and his various business ventures.

In 2024, it was reported that Thornley was selling this same mansion for approximately £1.5 million as he planned to relocate to Blackpool, where he owns the exclusive Trades Hotel.

17. The Final Unmasking: Autobiography Reveals All

In October 2018, after more than five decades of mystery, Kendo Nagasaki finally revealed his complete story in a comprehensive 500-page autobiography titled "Kendo Nagasaki and the Man Behind the Mask." The book was published as part of a fundraising effort for the Lee Rigby Foundation, with hopes of raising £1 million for the charity.

The autobiography’s release was accompanied by a ceremonial "re-masking" event at London’s Coventry Club, where Thornley, then 77, donned a new golden mask. The ceremony featured Nagasaki’s signature theatrical elements, with incense, gongs, and his acolytes in attendance.

Lee Rigby, the soldier for whom the foundation is named, was brutally killed by extremists in 2013 near his barracks in Woolwich. The foundation is devoted to helping bereaved families who have lost loved ones in military service, providing them with support and retreat facilities.

Through both his autobiography and subsequent public speaking events, fans finally learned the complete story of the man behind the mask- from his difficult childhood and early career to his business ventures, spiritual beliefs, and personal relationships.

18. Coming Out at 77

In real life, Peter Thornley is bisexual, having known this about himself since the age of 17. At that time, homosexuality was illegal in Britain and could lead to imprisonment.

Thornley met George Gillette, with whom he later lived, in 1967 at a Wimpy Bar in Earl’s Court, then a gay hotspot in London. Their personal relationship would eventually evolve into the professional partnership that captivated wrestling audiences.

Although Thornley was married to his wife Yvette until her death in 1993, he has been with a male partner since then, living with his longtime companion Lawrence Stevens.

In his 2018 autobiography, Thornley publicly revealed his bisexuality.

He explained, “People would never have accepted it, but thank goodness we live in different times and I just hope my story helps others be the best they can be – like I have always tried to be – and that my fans understand and stick by me because they mean the world to me.”

More recently, Thornley has made statements suggesting that societal pressures influenced his sexual identity.

In October 2024, he remarked, “Society does not allow you to be who you really want to be. If I’d have been born now, I’d be gay, not bisexual.” He has also clarified, “I am not a gay fighter, I am a fighter who happens to be gay.”

In October 2024, Nagasaki made a rare public appearance at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch wrestling event in Liverpool, where he debuted a special rainbow-colored mask in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The event, which showcases LGBTQ+ wrestlers, featured Nagasaki as a special guest who was also available for meet-and-greets after the show.

Despite maintaining silence throughout his wrestling career, Thornley has also spoken about his personal politics, supporting the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community and remarking he “would like Kenneth Clarke as the next leader of the Conservative Party.”

19. Business Mogul with a Heart (and a Lawsuit)

Peter Thornley’s business ventures rivaled his wrestling career in both scope and success. His portfolio spanned luxury car dealerships, including one on London’s Stockwell Road, where he mingled with the infamous Richardson Gang. "They liked me because I was Kendo," Thornley recalled. "I wasn’t a gangster, but I was a tough guy, and they gravitated toward tough people."

In Blackpool, he owns Kaos, a flagship gay bar, and the Trades Hotel, dubbed by The Sun as "the UK’s most exclusive men-only retreat," serving LGBTQ+ patrons since the 1990s.

His property empire peaked with Moor Court Hall, a 50-room Jacobean mansion purchased in 1989. Once a women’s prison, the estate featured sprawling grounds with alpacas and horses before its £1.5 million listing in 2024.

Thornley plans to relocate to Blackpool to teach Zen Buddhism to the LGBTQ+ community.

After retiring in 1978, Thornley pivoted to music management, guiding Cuddly Toys (known for "Madman," co-written by Marc Bolan and David Bowie) and Hi-NRG singer Laura Pallas, who toured with drag icon Divine.

20. Global Influence: From Stampede to WCW

In 2000, Kendo Nagasaki was crowned Wrestler of the Millennium, cementing his status as Britain’s most iconic living wrestler. This accolade sparked a comeback tour, with fans packing venues just to witness his ceremonial salt-throwing rituals and hear his manager speak for him.

His signature Kamikaze Crash-a rolling fireman’s carry-became a global phenomenon. World of Sport star Fit Finlay adopted the move, while Japanese wrestler Ricky Fuji reimagined it as the "Kamikaze Bomb" in FMW. Terry Funk, who first saw the maneuver during Thornley’s 1972 Stampede Wrestling stint, reportedly named it for its high-risk impact.

Funk’s influence extended beyond the move. Impressed by Thornley’s mystique, he suggested the gimmick to Kazuo Sakurada, a Japanese-Canadian wrestler in Stampede. Sakurada’s version, wearing face paint instead of a mask and wielding a kendo stick, dominated the American Wrestling Association, Florida Championship Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. There, he trained Bret Hart and later joined WCW as "The Dragonmaster," embedding the Nagasaki name in international wrestling lore.

21. Zen, Philanthropy, and Controversy: The Moor Court Hall Legacy

Peter Thornley’s 50-room Staffordshire mansion, Moor Court Hall, became the epicenter of his spiritual and charitable work. Purchased in 1989, the former women’s prison-turned-estate housed alpacas, horses, and the Kendo Nagasaki Foundation, a Zen Buddhist initiative teaching meditation and mindfulness since 2015.

The foundation’s work extended to Kendo’s Day Care, supporting adults with autism and learning disabilities. "I understand wanting to achieve something but being unable to," Thornley explained, referencing his lifelong struggle with dyslexia.

In 2013, Thornley donated part of the estate to the Lee Rigby Foundation after meeting the murdered soldier’s mother, Lyn, at a retreat. Renamed Lee Rigby House, it provided solace to bereaved military families-until financial disputes forced Lyn out in 2019. "It’s a dreadful situation," she told The Sun, "but I’ll always be grateful for Peter’s kindness."

In 2024, Thornley listed Moor Court Hall for £1.5 million, planning to relocate to Blackpool. There, he aims to teach Zen Buddhism at his LGBTQ+-friendly Trades Hotel, closing a complex chapter on an estate that symbolized both his generosity and the fragile nature of philanthropy.

The Undertaker of British Wrestling: Why Kendo Nagasaki’s Legacy Endures

Kendo Nagasaki’s career defied every convention of professional wrestling. For six decades, he maintained an airtight commitment to his character, turning a simple mask into a symbol of intrigue that transcended the sport itself. Unlike his contemporaries, who relied on brute strength or charisma, Nagasaki crafted a legacy built on silence, ritual, and unshakable discipline.

His influence stretches far beyond British wrestling’s golden age. From inspiring WCW’s Kazuo Sakurada to shaping Terry Funk’s hardcore philosophy, Nagasaki proved a regional gimmick could become a global blueprint. Even in retirement, he continued innovating-breaking Guinness records at 83 and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights through his Blackpool businesses.

As promoter Max Crabtree noted: "Peter didn’t just play Kendo Nagasaki-he became Kendo Nagasaki. You’d sooner catch the Queen shopping at Tesco than see Thornley out of character." This devotion to kayfabe, paired with his Zen Buddhist philanthropy and business empire, cemented his status as Britain’s most multifaceted wrestling icon.

The comparison to The Undertaker is apt but incomplete. While both mastered supernatural gimmicks, Nagasaki’s legacy is uniquely human: a working-class orphan who turned personal trauma into a mythos that outlived television itself. As Thornley himself reflected: "Authenticity isn’t about removing the mask-it’s about making people forget there’s a face underneath."

From tea-time TV to art galleries, courtroom dramas to Zen retreats, Kendo Nagasaki remains British wrestling’s greatest paradox: a man whose true power lay in convincing the world he wasn’t human at all.

These stories may also interest you:

• 12 British Wrestlers From the Past Who Paved the Way
• “Big Daddy” Shirley Crabtree: Secret History of a British Giant
• Chick “Cocky” Knight: The Heroic Life of a British Wrestling Pioneer

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