Kendo Nagasaki never socialed with other wrestlers, remaining dedicated to his gimmick.
The masked Japanese wrestler was portrayed by Stoke’s Peter Thornley. He infamously unmasked in 1977, but returned to it later on until he retired.
He wrestled from 1964 until 2008, and was the first man to beat Andre The Giant in the wrestling ring.
Kendo Nagasaki spoke with BBC Radio Stoke, promoting his upcoming return to the ring at the age of 83.
The wrestling legend revealed that he never socialised with his fellow wrestlers, preferring to stay in character to preserve his own aura.
“I’ll put it this way.” Kendo Nagasaki said. “Certain lads used to mix together. I never did. I’ve never ever socialised with wrestlers, ever.”
“Because of the character and the persona I projected, I was really totally and utterly dedicated Kendo Nagasaki.”
“I never mixed with wrestlers. I never spoke to them unless I had to.”
Kendo Nagasaki was then asked if he ever spoke to the fans, noting how secretive he was about himself during his time in the ring.
“Not to the public. Obviously, I had to speak behind the scenes as me. But once I took on that persona, that it was.” Kendo Nagasaki told him.
When asked why he took on the persona of Kendo Nagasaki, Thornley simply replied, “It was good box office. As we say, bums on seats!”.
