Kendo Nagasaki: 'I'm not a gay wrestler - I'm a wrestler who happens to be gay'
Wrestling legend Kendo Nagasaki is preparing to go back in the ring - wearing a rainbow mask in LGBTQ+ colours. Kendo - real name Peter Thorley - describes himself as a 'wrestler who happens to be gay' after previously revealing he is bisexual.
The 82-year-old is attempting to break the Guinness world record for the oldest professional wrestler and the longest wrestling career.
He said: 'I'd like to point out that I'm not a gay wrestler - I'm a wrestler who happens to be gay. My manager George was always the outrageous one, I've always been more reserved. But reviewing my whole life for my autobiography I thought it was time to show my fans the full monty, so-to-speak.
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The bout takes place at Fairfield Halls, in Croydon, on 24 November.
Masked samurai character Kendo Nagasaki was a household name thanks to the success of World of Sport, taking on the likes of Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Rollerball Rocco. In his heyday in the 1970s and 80s, Peter, who is from Stoke-on-Trent and has a home in Oakamoor, drew audiences of up to 14 million. He was best known for his famous mask, wielding the Sword of Excellence and his signature 'Kamikaze Crash' slam as he struck fear into his opponents.
Peter is now a multi-millionaire from property deals and has taught Zen spiritualism at his 50-room manor house home, Moor Court Hall, in Oakamoor near Cheadle. However, his home was put up for sale for £1.5 million earlier this year as he planned to relocate to Blackpool where he owns a men-only hotel.
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