KENDO NAGASAKI | The Man Behind The Mask!! - Wrestle Me Review

Hear the FULL EPISODE AND MANY MORE at / wrestleme
Marc & Pete peek under the mask of KENDO NAGASAKI, and discover how he may just be the most interesting man who has ever lived!!
Hosted by Marc Haynes & Pete Donaldson; Edited by BanyaBat
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[@Kaltagstar96]

Hearing about Kendo having a property portfolio makes me want to see him present Homes Under The Hammer with Dion Dublin while dressed in full gimmick.

[@jimmanycricket3756]

In a ladder that leads up to the bedroom match 🤣

[@ThunderWarrior01]

Fantastic

[@Kaltagstar96]

@@jimmanycricket3756 Now I'm just getting the visual of Kendo doing a tour of a house but he's not saying a word but everyone's acting like he's talking.

[@Dr_C_Smith]

Get David Dickinson involved to discuss furnishings and you’ve got a winner in your hands.

[@trevorhoward2254]

Dion used to train with the Royal Ballet so maybe he could do it in a tutu?

[@gbrodie49]

Either the most kayfabe man that ever existed or he genuinely believes it. Either way, he seems like a smashing bloke. I met him this past Saturday at a Pride wrestling event in Blackpool, coincidentally almost the same time as this video was uploaded. He had time for everyone that came up to him after the show, had a chat with them, signed autographs and took photos with them. Very kind, polite and gentle with everyone.

[@honesto4696]

I don't care if Peter Thornley really believes a 300-year-old spirit possesses him. In either case, I just love how he is paradoxically able to just be himself, maintain his kayfabe persona and do it all out in the open. A big thanks to Marc and Pete, for giving the rest of us across the pond, these crash course videos, on the history of British wrestling.

[@jubeaumont6305]

Yeah, this was a good one. I didnt realise kendo Nagasaki was so cool.

[@craigchampagne7797]

They are are good reminder of our history too . World of Sport is a bit of a joke over here. It will be looked back on with great respect like Music Hall/Vaudeville is now

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

@@craigchampagne7797 I see a great deal of that heritage now in British indie promotions. That fine balance of characters, comedy, and drama.

[@arostwocents]

He was as great as Undertaker for keeping to his gimmick.

[@Ozma2]

I really hope you carry on focussing on British wrestling. It's a niche that NO ONE else on the whole of YT covers and you're both so knowledgable about it.

[@markant9534]

Made me remember why I liked it a a kid, all I could remember was Big daddy and giant Haystacks.

[@WrestleMe]

We're definitely going to do some more, because it's great to see the reception from people who love it as much as we do, Ozma!

[@BiggieTrismegistus]

I'd read that Kendo Nagasaki, Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks were the UK's most popular wrestlers but beyond that I didn't know much. These videos are great.

[@pooddescrewch8718]

I imagine his sexuality factored into his decision to wear a mask . No one was going to say they saw Kendo kissing a man in a club and thereby ruining his career .

[@hydorah]

Kendo Nagasaki plays Premier. He truly is a master

[@johngillis7734]

"I can put a tennis racket up against my face and pretend that I am Kendo Nagasaki " taken from the song, Everything's A.O.R by Half Man Half Biscuit. Love the channel by the way 👍👍👍

[@just_j_like_the_letter]

I knew nothing of Kendo Nagasaki before this video but he is now my favorite wrestler and will be made in every wrestling game I have and win every title

[@arostwocents]

He is a British legend. As committed to his gimmick as Undertaker.

[@arostwocents]

He was the one of the big three of him, Big Daddy & Giant Haystacks who could actually wrestle.

[@themodelrailwayman5470]

​@@arostwocentsnot sure about Haystacks but Big Daddy could actually wrestle - he just didnt need to when he got well known. Id recommend looking up his match with John Elijah from '77 (i think, its not dated but someone mentions his age at the time in the comments)

[@arostwocents]

@@themodelrailwayman5470 wasn't that from before he was big Daddy and famous though? I know he could wrestle before he was brought back? I'll check it out but thanks

[@andycain4351]

I got told by someone who worked closely with Kendo Nagasaki that he used to put his mask on five miles away from the venue he was wrestling at and drive the rest of the way wearing his mask in order to avoid being seen without a mask on when he got to the venue. Now, that's commitment to your wrestling character ❤️👍

[@Ceej_MM]

I mean, that's cool and all but he could've done it in the toilets at the venue and no one would've known any different too 🤷‍♂️

[@BuJammy]

They might have recognised him from the missing finger@@Ceej_MM

[@lucag.lisickza425]

@@Ceej_MM yup, i also read about this on kendos website

[@pmc8451]

You’re doing a great service! British wrestling history has been almost completely ignored or even derided by current commentators. Even the British wrestling channels on KZbin and other platforms only ever cover American wrestling and to a lesser extent Japanese wrestling, rehashing the same old stories.

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

Couldn't agree more! I haven't watched WWE or AEW for a few years now. I discovered Attack Pro wrestling in Cardiff, and then Progress during lockdown and, even as smaller indie promotions, they are lightyears ahead in talent. In comparison the American wrestling does not even enter into the same conversation.

[@____K_____989]

Greetings from the 🇺🇸 This channel is criminally underrated and should have more subs. A lot more subs. Patreon here we come.

[@sam-sharp]

Literally just finished watching Rollerball Rocco and Dynamite Kid go to a double countout and a 20 minute old Wrestle Me is next recommendation. Thanks Marc, I'm obsessed with Rocco now.

[@vaudevillian7]

He’s amazing isn’t he, glad we have channels like this championing classic British wrestling, there’s so much good stuff

[@edzombie78]

Always remember watching this guy fight pat roach live then bumping into pat in chip shop bout hour after it all finished was surreal as a kid

[@TeeTee-zm2re]

Found this channel a few days ago and it is the best wrestling Channel on KZbin!

[@lewisb85]

I remember talking to Adrian Street at Jim Cornette's talk night in Cardiff Wales, he said that peter due to being a trained catch wrestler and judo black belt was actually a tough guy but the perception was there that he wasn't tough he said if you messed with peter you would quickly regret it.

[@runningsuperska]

Amazing. That BBC portrait programme was really good.

[@drifter7458]

Excellent video really entertaining. Have you ever covered The Royals ?

[@davidbowie2046]

Hats off to Kendo. Loved seeing him when i was a kid in the 70's. Actually saw him live back then too with my Mum. The amount of old dears at the live shows was unbelievable! All hitting them with their handbags if they came off the stage. But, Kendo was my all time favourite and respect him even more these days. Great video too guys. Chuckled all the way through it :)

[@arostwocents]

Excellent stuff. Kendo Nagasaki was a fantastic gimmick and i would have loved to have had him as a hasbro figure. Kendo Nagasaki debuted the same year as the Bushwhackers. One of the Bushwhackers has had one of the longest wrestling careers, still wrestling in his 70s, wrestling as recently as 2017 or even more recently perhaps. One interesting thing about British wrestling is it was before near falls were invented. In one of the clips here, he is on top of Big Daddy who's shoulders are down but as it was before kickouts, there was no count by the referee. It would make an interesting video regarding the lack of near falls, the very fast counts and how that changed, i assume via foreign influence.

[@stephenberry7876]

That arena episode is stunning. I'm an artist and he was always an inspiration. You're totally right if he'd decided to be a straight up performance artist the world would be talking about him

[@martyscurll]

Love that you guys are covering the golden age of British Wrestling, there’s so little documentation of this time, it’s great what you guys are doing 👍

[@princeofstrongstyle6683]

Before watching the video, I was initially thinking of the Japanese Wrestler Kazuo Sakura who not only also went under the name Kendo Nagasaki but later in the early 90s as Dragon Master. I was amazed to learn of this man's, Peter Thornley, story. Really makes me wanna look up more about him including his work.

[@kerryjk3968]

I love that you did this, you summed up everything I love about Kendo. Not mentioned (presumably in order not to sully a deserving positive tribute to the man and his work) were two pieces of spectacular wrestlecrap involving Kendo: the Disco Challenge Ladder Match (mocked by Edge and Christian on their podcast) and the Hypnosis of Robbie Brookside. Unless of course you are saving these for future episodes. 😉

[@WrestleMe]

Both of those are on the list, never fear Kerry!

[@unusedsub3003]

Okay, now you're officially my favourite KZbin channel.

[@Rocketboy1313]

I only discovered and subscribed to this channel today and this is the day I learned of the existence of Kendo Nagasaki. This was so fun and interesting to learn about with your wonderful presentation. Thank you for this great video.

[@markwrenn5965]

If my band replaced me with Kendo Nagasaki, i wouldnt even be mad.

[@paulhobson8987]

Thanks for this! I grew up watching that Arena episode countless times (my Dad introduced me to Kendo Nagasaki). The bit in the episode where he is fighting Giant Haystacks in slow motion with the music being played over the match is quite simply awesome and should be seen by every wrestling fan at least once!

[@robrob9250]

Kendo was always the guy who stood out to me amongst the wrestlers in Britain my grandparents used to tell me about, the others seemed more or less like normal blokes but Kendo had more of that American bullshit to his gimmick that was more familiar to me having been raised on WWF. He was still making appearances up to a few years ago and has a KZbin channel, it’s true that he is bisexual, he sometimes wears an adapted mask with the pride colours. I personally thought he looked bad ass without the mask, too. I’m loving this coverage of British wrestling, by the way, long may it continue

[@Kaltagstar96]

You know, mentioning America makes me think that Kendo would've absolutely killed it in the US territories and I don't know how Rollerball and Kendo never made it big in the US during the 1980s (unless they just didn't want to go to the states for something that might not have panned out, which is totally understandable)

[@robrob9250]

Totally agree-I only saw Rollerball Rocco recently through this channel but it surprises me his fame was limited to the UK, I think he would have been a star anywhere

[@johnny5805]

Adhering to Kayfabe for 60 YEARS is incredible !!

[@trunter20]

This video made my day. One of the most interesting folk in a mainly forgotten but super interesting period of wrestling discussed by the two best people to do it. Brilliant job lads ❤

[@carsong2001]

There was a Japanese wrestler (Kazuo Sakurada) who wrestled as Kendo Nagasaki in North America in the 70's and 80's. I remember seeing him in Florida when he was managed by JJ Dillon. Same gimmick with a kendo mask and kabuki make up when he wrestled. He was a champion in several federations over here.

[@CuteLesbo69]

He was the first person I saw blow the mist.

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Yes ! Thank you ! I knew both existed but I was tripping out on why it wasnt mentioned . I thought I was crazy for a second ! lol

[@Brando-Lee3725]

@@CuteLesbo69 I saw Kabuki first but I remember him doing it too around the same time in the early 80s .

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

I thought he was the same guy and got fat.

[@kerryjk3968]

As Thornley tells it in his autobiography, Sakurada’s character was inspired by the British Kendo’s tour of Stampede Wrestling in the 1970s. Despite his Canadian adventures and later grandstand challenges to Hulk Hogan on World of Sport, Kendo was never interested in following Alfred Hayes and Adrian Street stateside, which would have meant abandoning his UK business interests. This left the coast clear for Sakurada to do his own interpretation in North America.

[@izocshow2158]

Kendo is one of the best gimmicks created in the wrestling world and underrated.

[@ThunderWarrior01]

Your videos are so fantastically informative and I’m learning more and more about British wrestlers here than anywhere else 🙌

[@glencurtis6052]

3 videos in a row, I saw Kendo the same night as Big Daddy and Rollerball Rocco at Ipswich Corn Exchange in the late 80s

[@ThunderWarrior01]

We’ve had four of the main headliners what with Haystacks,Big Daddy,Rollerball and now Kendo..please do a video on Alan Kilby

[@johnytwotimes4072]

This is my new favorite graps channel. I'm from the states and I haven't heard most of these stories and Nagasaki sounds like an icon and a national treasure He's a Jean Claude Van Dam character who portrays a wrestler instead of a wrestler who is portraying a Jean Claud Van Dam character😮

[@smokerloafer2473]

Hanging on the landing by my bathroom is a framed 80s Wrestling poster from Blackpool. Featuring usual Daddy v Haystacks Tag match. But also has kendo and Haystacks Autographs on it.

[@paulpetroleum]

I remember this so well. It's probably the best unmasking ever. It actually asked more questions than it gave answers... He looked crazier without the mask.

[@Kaltagstar96]

I also realised something, in the unmasking you see these other two dudes who kinda look similar to Kendo, I'm surprised they didn't have them two as a tag team with Kendo being the leader of this spooky cult. Although I don't know if factions like that were used in British wrestling at the time?

[@MisterBeauJanGels]

​@@Kaltagstar96At the time, UK wrestling was built around singles matches. Tag team matches were considered a special attraction and were fairly rare, especially on TV. Also, the unmasking ceremony occurred in 1977 if I remember correctly. That same year, they developed a tag team called the Caribbean Sunshine Boys. The gimmick was so controversial, it almost got them kicked off TV. It came only a few years after Adrian Street's gimmick, which also threatened their TV deal.

[@hopefultraveller1]

Great video about a true star of British wrestling. When Peter Thornley began talking I wondered if we'd lose the mystical Kendo, but now Kendo himself is talking from behind the mask... He's on his own You Tube channel going on about how zen and meditation can make you rich, like it did for him - probably worth a go? Typical Kendo and fascinating as always.

[@stalfithrildi5366]

Cowards said that Kayfabe is dead, Peter Thornley has decided to double down and become haunted by Kayfabe.

[@jondoe-qi3vo]

KENDO NAGASAKI was the original stig everyone wanted to know who was behind the mask

[@AldershotDave]

Kendo's finishing move wasn't the Kamikazi Roll, it was the Kamikaze Crash. Also, George Gillette's surname is pronounced, "Jill-ett"!

[@mal_752]

🙏🙏🙏

[@michaellee8816]

This is my favourite Wrestling Channel now by far......the passion you have for this stuff is fantastic

[@ThunderWarrior01]

Just come across “Everything Stopped At Four O’clock” an half hour documentary from 2002 featuring British wrestling legend like Rollerball and Mick McManus

[@CujoKelly]

I'd like to hear more about Atlantis Chrono Goth.

[@thehjt7071]

Hearing Borehamwood and Potters Bar in these videos really threw me through a loop

[@michaellee8816]

Kendo Nagasaki hypnotising Robbie Brookside has to be reviewed please......

[@BONDJAMESBOND350]

Keep up the great work lads !

[@DavidUKesb]

I think the most remarkable thing about Kendo was that he kept up the act for years/decades thereby amplifying the mystic surrounding his persona.

[@mwk_powerlifting]

What a wonderful legend

[@drail37]

I absolutely love this jaunt through British wrestling history.

[@mrharry448]

My memory was of him being 'unmasked' for a few seconds in a big bout by a McManus or a Brakes and the commentator shouting 'MY GOD HE'S UGLY'. I think it was set up to contrast with pretty blond 'Kung Fu' who had recently unmasked. Seemed a bit harsh.. I'd love to see that clip again.

[@squattingnevil]

I was a teenager at a show in the early 90s that Kendo was on. As he was doing his usual ceremonially entrance I shouted out "Kendo Nappysack". He spun around so fast and knew exactly where I was. He glared directly into my eyes like he knew who I was. It was amazing. Truly a great presence and character. Love him

[@BuJammy]

Kendo had a rich older girlfriend (not an aunt), and she left him most of the property he owns. The more you know.

[@secularbeast1751]

What a terrific character.

[@KRPeloquin]

Kendo's appearing at PCW's Pride of the Ring in Blackpool this weekend!

[@KenWrestle]

Kendos return at LDN wrestling this year was awesome to see 💪

[@johnmcgahan1001]

absolutely loved the character that was Kendo Nagasaki, even to this day i have a terrible habit of calling people called kenny Kendo😂. really enjoyed this mini doc thanks!

[@MxMoondoggie]

I saw Kendo Nagasaki In about 1990/91 and he was mesmerising to 5 year old me. They ran an angle where he threw salt in Pat Roach's eyes and he ended up chasing him and his seconds out of the ring with a chair and they were holding the door to the dressing room shut while Pat Roach was threatening them. I decided this was bad so I went to the time keeper and told on him XD. It was still real to me dammit!

[@thomascook3734]

We had Asian kendo Nagasaki in Florida was outstanding…Great performer .

[@pappy374]

Had one of the best finishers in the business: the Kamikaze Crash

[@Ian-lp1pr]

Brilliant piece.

[@thegunslinger8806]

Absolute fucking mad lad, This was fucking funny as shit.

[@jeffdecker627]

1:06 Looks like Walt Longmire in wrestling trunks

[@brianbrooks4448]

When I was a kid I absolutely loved Kendo Nagasaki. I remember when wrestling was on every Saturday and I loved it when he was on. I was fascinated by his mysterious and enigmatic character and this was only increased by his secrecy and refusal to show his face. He was a great showman in my opinion and well ahead of his time when you consider the modern American derivatives, and Mexican Luchadores. He was my hero when I was a kid.

[@thehighlander8407]

This is the best wrestling video ever 🤩🤩😂😂

[@arostwocents]

I dont think he feels he is possessed, i think he is just fully committed to the gimmick and in modern times where we dont have committed guys anymore, it seems like he is nutty. But i believe that like most British wrestlers of that era he is just fully committed to kayfabe and it stands out a lot more due to his outlandish gimmick. A true legend of the ring. I love how cheap the mask looked and how it reflected British society at the time. He should get more credit and be in the WWE hall of fame. I know WWE will not induct Big Daddy or Giant Haystacks despite campaigns but perhaps Kendo Nagasaki may be possible given he is more closely aligned to a modern style. I hope it happens while he is still alive. Perhaps you and the other wrestling youtube channels can start a campaign of Kendo Nagasaki for the Hall of Fame?? It would be awesome to have a representative of true British wrestling in there.

[@Narendra--Modi]

You guys just spoilt the mystery for me, Kendo was amazing.

[@Ange65230]

Great times, what an iconic character. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@ukphone4183]

He was my fav great wrestler 🎉🎉

[@andyunsworth113]

Guys could you please create some playlists

[@WrestleMe]

Will do!

[@andyunsworth113]

Thanks guys,the narrative is comedy genius,I swear big daddy's last match is the best wrestling vid I've ever seen,I haven't laughed like that in a long time

[@Brando-Lee3725]

There was an actual Japanese wrestler who went by the same name too , Am I correct ? He wore face paint spit the mist and had a kendo stick . This was in the 80s . I'm positive of this unless its some Mandela effect !! LOL !

[@brianwarden7250]

Imagine being on the road with him and Judo Al Hayes in 68.

[@marksylvester3021]

My mum worked for him in a care home he owned.

[@bazzatheblue]

Kendo was a pretty handsome guy as a younger man,and what an interesting fellow ,in the annals of the domestic British wrestler he’s up there with Big D,Haystacks,McManus Rollerball and Les Kellett for me.

[@borderlands6606]

It's difficult to imagine two more contrasting wrestlers than Les Kellett and Kendo Nagasaki.

[@danielcraig4974]

More World of sport wrestling, really fascinating.

[@keatonsellen9679]

Kendo is going to wrestle in November of 2024 at the age of 84 years old, making his career 60 years. Absolute madness

[@Bishopspipes]

Bloody brilliant.

[@johngroves3251]

The drumming to end it killed it Great Job

[@MajorCaptainCabron]

I remember him. I saw him in Puerto Rico. WWC

[@farleysmoke5130]

Saw Kendo hit like before the video even started 😎👍🏼

[@danielcraig4974]

This is gonna be good

[@MagicMartin666]

I don't know if you've been following his appearances over the last few months (April-May-June 2023) but he has fully embraced the queer side of his character and metamorphosed into Rainbow Nagasaki. He was also photographed for a high end men's fashion magazine and looks like an absolute pimp daddy!

[@WrestleMe]

We went to see him in Liverpool at Effy's Big Gay Brunch last month. Big hands, he's 82 now but looks like he's in his 40s (although, yep, the mask helps)

[@josephclarke645]

Great video. Does anyone know the music at the end of the video? I think it is played at the beginning as well

[@langback381]

She’s the main man in the city and she treats me like I’m just another lackie, but I can press a tennis racket up against my face and pretend that I am kendo nagasaki

[@hatednyc]

How did I miss this episode?!

[@punchy5668]

The fan who gave HBK money was tony khan💀

[@Wyrmknave]

"Who do you think you are, Kendo Nagasaki" is gonna be one of those phrases that keeps rattling around in my skull until I eventually start saying it around friends who not only will not be familiar with the Wrestle Me podcast but who will not know the fuck Kendo Nagasaki is

[@jaylong4705]

Sweet mask, bro

[@rogermoore-gd9do]

Peter Thornley, Oakamoor's answer to John Wayne Gacy.

[@jubeaumont6305]

Nowadays he looks like a cross between Peter beardsley and Paul Weller.

[@majtechtings]

Kayfabe through the fucking roof! I've always heard things about him here and there and knew the kayfabe was strong but I didn't know it was THIS invested in. What a character. I love Kendo Nagasaki.

[@MsDboyy]

Wow lmao 😂 i’m learning about this guy for the first time lol 👏👏

[@nicklomas181]

Back watching this one, wearing my Red Kendo mask. brilliant stuff *EDIT* I've heard from Kendo himself (a video) that he lost his finger because someone bit it, it got infected and had to be amputated.

[@Alex_Varriale]

This guy's kayfabe is off the wall brilliant

[@MeMe-td1ye]

Love the old school British content. Keep it up

[@MrSteed13]

Legend

[@SquawkMonk]

What an incredible story. Wrestling will never be as great as it was then.

[@danielcraig4974]

Always remember the unmasking ceremony. Kendo Nagasaki was a copied character at other promotions too.

[@MadisonCarter]

I don't know how much meat there would be on this particular bone, but I've always been fascinated by the various wrestlers in the 1970s and '80s who used the "Undertaker" moniker before the famous WWE one (Savoldi had a tag team by that name, Memphis had a manager using it, etc). I'm vaguely familiar with at least one tag team from the UK in the late '70s(?) that went by this name and maybe a 3rd solo guy sometime after. Obviously, their gimmicks were not anything like the famous one. Are these familiar to you at all and if so, anything worth covering on your channel?

[@PtolemyJones]

I wonder if he ever won any titles, or made it into any wrestling halls of fame.

[@trash80media]

He won the golden disco challenge against Iron Fist, he got a gold painted disk