Kendo Nagasaki ready for unmasking

When world-famous wrestler and man of mystery Kendo Nagasaki was unmasked on a televised match in Wolverhampton back in 1977, 14 million fans tuned in to get a glimpse.

Click here to see the classic unmasking from 1977.

Now new wrestling fans may get a chance to see the man behind the mask.

The legendary fighter, now 61, will return to the city venue where he created wrestling history for a chance to win the British Championship belt.

He once lived in Wolverhampton but hails from Stoke-on-Trent. He vows to unveil his face and have his mask burned inside the ring if defeated.

The black mask with white stripes was used to strike fear into his opponents and maintain an air of mystery for fans. Thousands of wrestling fans are expected at the Civic Hall to see the star.

Promoters promise an explosive bout between him and current British Champion Yorehos Christotoulos – who, at 21 is 40 years his junior.

But Nagasaki, real name Peter Thornley, is hoping his age will not show when he takes to the ring in front of cameras who will film the fight showing on Sky TV in England, Europe and North America.

Sanjay Bagga, spokesman for LDN Wrestling which is organising the fight, said: "They fought in a tag team three weeks ago and Kendo Nagasaki lost. He jumped his opponent after the match and Yorehos said he would put his belt on the line for a re-match. But if he loses he has to be unmasked in the ring just as he was 30 years ago."

The former WWA world heavyweight champion, who won an army of loyal followers following his first professional fight back in 1964, retired from the wrestling ring back in 2000.

But after a sensational return last year, he insists he is now back to his best.

Ringside seats for the bout on October 29 cost £15 and are available by calling Midlands Box Office on 0870 320 7000. It will be televised two weeks later and a DVD will also be released.