Wrestler selling mansion to fund LGBTQ+ Zen Buddhism classes

Legendary wrestling villain Kendo Nagasaki, known for his iconic ‘Kamikaze Crash’ slam, is set to sell his £1.5 million, 50-room mansion to fund Zen Buddhism classes for the LGBTQ+ community. At 82, he is also planning a return to the wrestling ring.

Peter Thornley, better known as Kendo Nagasaki, gained fame in the 1970s as a masked ‘Japanese samurai’ on World of Sport. Now, decades later, he aims to relocate from his expansive home in Stoke-on-Trent to Blackpool, where he owns a men-only hotel.

Thornley plans to teach Zen Buddhism to the LGBTQ+ community in Blackpool, a town renowned for its illuminations. He is also training for a comeback to wrestling on the 60th anniversary of his debut, potentially making him the oldest professional wrestler.

A spokesperson stated that Thornley’s move is motivated by his desire to expand his Buddhist teachings. The spokesperson noted that his current residence, Moor Court Hall, is no longer suitable for his charitable work, prompting the planned move to Blackpool.

In 2018, Thornley came out as bisexual, revealing he had been in a relationship with a man since his wife Yvette’s death in 1993. He also disclosed past relationships with men, which he kept secret due to his wrestling persona.

Thornley has been running Blackpool’s Trades Hotel, described as a ‘sanctuary for gay men,’ for several decades. The 60-room guesthouse features three bars and hosts various events.

Nagasaki became a household name after his television debut on ITV in 1971. His fame extended to Canada, where he wrestled for the Hart family. One of his most memorable moments was unmasking himself in a 1977 ceremony on World of Sport.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Nagasaki continued wrestling before semi-retiring. He made sporadic appearances in the early 2000s. His autobiography, released to raise money for a charity founded by the family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, also sheds light on his life and career.

Professional wrestling has evolved significantly since ITV’s World of Sport ended in 1985. Modern wrestling features elaborate pyrotechnics and complex storylines, dominated by stars like The Rock and John Cena. However, nostalgia for the golden era of British wrestling persists.

ITV plans to revive World of Sport for a Christmas special, showcasing top UK talent in a series of matches. The two-hour event will feature commentary from Jim Ross, America’s leading wrestling commentator. ITV’s creative director, Tom Mclennan, expressed excitement about celebrating the best British wrestlers.

World of Sport, which aired from 1965 to 1985, was a staple of British television. Iconic wrestlers like Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, and Kendo Nagasaki became household names during this period.

Big Daddy, born Shirley Crabtree, was known for his imposing 64-inch chest and signature ‘splash’ move. His career was marred by a tragic incident in 1987 when his move resulted in the death of Malcolm ‘King Kong’ Kirk. Crabtree passed away in 1997 at the age of 67.

Giant Haystacks, or Martin Ruane, stood out with his 6ft 11ins frame and distinctive look. He moved to the US in the 1990s, wrestling as ‘the Loch Ness Monster’ in World Championship Wrestling. Haystacks died of lymphoma in 1998.

David ‘Davey’ Boy Smith, known as the British Bulldog, gained fame in WWF but started on World of Sport. He headlined Summerslam at Wembley Stadium in 1992. Smith died in 2002 after battling drug addiction.

Johnny Saint, a lightweight wrestler, is celebrated for his technical prowess. He continues to mentor young wrestlers and remains a highly respected figure in British wrestling.

Marc ‘Rollerball’ Rocco, another high-flyer, found success in the US and Japan. His career ended in 1991 due to a heart condition, but he remains active as a trainer.

Les Kellett, a former merchant navy sailor, became known for his comic wrestling persona. He supplemented his income by running a café and breeding livestock. Kellett died in 2002 at the age of 86.

These wrestlers helped define an era of British wrestling that continues to be remembered and celebrated.