One of the stars of British wrestling in the 1970s, Kendo Nagasaki, is planning a sensational return to the ring at 83 years old.
The masked samurai character was a household name thanks to the success of ITV’s World of Sport, where the likes of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks performed.
Nagasaki was portrayed by Englishman Peter Thornley, who donned the famous mask and wielded the Sword of Excellence, strikign fear into his opponents.
Thornley has not wrestled since 2008 but he plans to don the mask once again and step between the ropes after his 83rd birthday later this month.
He intends to break the world record for the oldest professional wrestler and for the longest wrestling career as he looks to mark the 60th anniversary of his first match.
‘I’m as fit as a butcher’s dog. I still train every day, eat well and look after myself,’ he told The Sun.
‘I’m not worried. Nobody can hurt me. I’m a dinosaur with teeth.
‘I’ve kept the training up over the years. Of course, some people are special. It’s genetics. There’s not many 82-year-olds taking on a fight like me, so I am special.’
Nagasaki made an appearance at LDN Wrestling earlier this year, teasing a bout with Sanjay Bagga.
The veteran grappler wrestled and beat the biggest stars of his time, back in his pomp, becoming the first person to defeat the mighty Andre the Giant.
‘I beat him three times and that was before Hulk Hogan beat him in America,’ he said. ‘He was a bit green. He came here to learn the business.
‘And he was a genuine monster, you know, 6ft 11 or bigger.’
Thornley has gone on to pursue numerous business ventures since his wrestling heyday, including a car dealership and music studio.
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