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Kendo Nagasaki and the Man Behind the Mask
This honest and absorbing autobiography gives a fascinating, revealing, no-holds-barred account of the life of the man behind Kendo Nagasaki’s mask, Peter Thornley, from his challenging origins and early life, to his natural sporting ability which was honed in judo and Zen, to training in the world’s toughest Catch Wrestling gym, to Kendo’s debut and becoming an icon of professional wrestling of the 1970s which was watched by millions. This book lifts the lid on his personal life, the world of wrestling behind the cameras, his success with different businesses, and his current endeavours with the Lee Rigby Foundation – indeed, all the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Foundation to support its work – it’s a must-read!
- GenresBiography
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2018
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 21, 2022
This is a strange one.
In many ways, it's fascinating and full of very not-run-of-the-mill details, both about Thornley's life and his career. But - and, as the book progresses, it becomes a big BUT - you can't help thinking that another mask is being put between you and the truth yet again.
Not being a conventional autobiography - not a bad thing at all - means this is a different type of read, rather uneven but full of more interesting nooks and crannies that the usual blather. But, again, in the later stages of the book it meanders and other characters and people come in with their take on the action and - frankly - it loses its way. It can obtuse, too, which sounds contradictory, but that's just the way it is.
It's a hard one to call.
I'm glad I read it and it was enlightening and mostly interesting but it ain't perfect and you finish it with a mixture of relief and mild frustration.
In many ways, it's fascinating and full of very not-run-of-the-mill details, both about Thornley's life and his career. But - and, as the book progresses, it becomes a big BUT - you can't help thinking that another mask is being put between you and the truth yet again.
Not being a conventional autobiography - not a bad thing at all - means this is a different type of read, rather uneven but full of more interesting nooks and crannies that the usual blather. But, again, in the later stages of the book it meanders and other characters and people come in with their take on the action and - frankly - it loses its way. It can obtuse, too, which sounds contradictory, but that's just the way it is.
It's a hard one to call.
I'm glad I read it and it was enlightening and mostly interesting but it ain't perfect and you finish it with a mixture of relief and mild frustration.
September 17, 2025
A very engaging read about a key figure in wrestling history.
The book gives plenty of detail about how Kendo was created, where he wrestled, and the state of the business at the time. I especially enjoyed the backstory to Peter and his journey into wrestling.
My only criticism is that, as a wrestling fan, I felt there was a bit too much focus on the music industry and his other ventures, which wasn’t really what I came for. That said, I’m sure many readers will enjoy those sections.
The cover is excellent, and the photos inside are a great addition!!
The book gives plenty of detail about how Kendo was created, where he wrestled, and the state of the business at the time. I especially enjoyed the backstory to Peter and his journey into wrestling.
My only criticism is that, as a wrestling fan, I felt there was a bit too much focus on the music industry and his other ventures, which wasn’t really what I came for. That said, I’m sure many readers will enjoy those sections.
The cover is excellent, and the photos inside are a great addition!!
May 2, 2019
There was a lot of mystery around Kendo Nagasaki the wrestler when I was growing up watching wrestling. Now it is nice to know who is behind the mask and what a life he had and what lead to him becoming Kendo. Great book!!
September 11, 2020
a truly odd work befitting peter "kendo nagasaki" thornley, a bisexual occult figure/judoka/olympic weightlifter who loomed large over the UK wrestling scene for 20 years or so
May 10, 2019
Brought back memories of my much younger years, watching the magnificent Kendo Nagasaki on the wrestling during World of Sport on Saturday afternoons, whilst awaiting the score of my beloved Blades. This is a very engaging informative read, from his very early family life until present day. Behind the scenes stories of his Wrestling career many full of humour, but also his dabbling in car sales and property renovation, and even more surprising music business, health therapy and charity work. Throughout he writes with honesty humility and most endearing of all talks of 'Kendo' as a separate person.
A very well written entertaining read about a special human being.
Recommended.
A very well written entertaining read about a special human being.
Recommended.
July 7, 2024
I’m glad a read this. It was a good read and there was a lot to know about the author and some of the colourful characters he has crossed paths with.
It felt like it could’ve been edited to flow with a little more smoothness and to be a little shorter. But I’m glad he shared his story and that I discovered this book.
It felt like it could’ve been edited to flow with a little more smoothness and to be a little shorter. But I’m glad he shared his story and that I discovered this book.
July 19, 2025
I really enjoyed the stories of the wrestling scene, as well as his relationship with George. However the fall down comes, like it does with most wrestling books, he seems to believe his farts don't stink and comes across as too superior.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews