Wrestling legend and World of Sport star Kendo Nagasaki will be appearing at an LGBTQ+ wrestling event in Liverpool during Eurovision weekend, it has been confirmed.
The stalwart of British wrestling will be making a special guest appearance at TNT Extreme Wrestling’s show, Effy’s Big Gay Brunch UK, on the 12th of May at Hangar34 in the Baltic Triangle area just outside Liverpool’s city centre.
Kendo, real name Peter Thornley, was known for his battles on ITV at 4pm every Saturday on World of Sport with stars such as Count Bartelli and Billy Robinson, where the program attracted eight million viewers at its peak in the 70s and 80s. This made him and other fixtures such as Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, and Mick McManus household names. In recent years, he has come out as bisexual and now owns and operates a hotel and bar in Blackpool.
Kendo was known for his mysterious persona, allegedly capability of hypnosis in the ring, and was very rarely seen without his distinctive mask.
“We can’t wait to welcome Kendo Nagasaki to Liverpool,” said TNT owner Jay Apter. “Kendo is a wrestling legend and we feel proud that he’s here overlooking the next generation of LGBTQ+ talent, especially when, not that long ago, it wasn’t seen as acceptable to be out and proud as an LGBTQ+ wrestler.”
“We pride ourselves on being an inclusive place where everyone is welcome, and we celebrate talent from all backgrounds.”
Effy’s Big Gay Brunch UK is the continuation of the highly successful Big Gay Brunch series of professional wrestling shows in the United States which primarily focuses on giving LGBTQ+ wrestlers the spotlight. Effy, a professional wrestler from the United States, has worked prolifically across the world as a performer in promotions such as Game Changer Wrestling, and has worked tirelessly to change the perception of queer talent in wrestling – he will also be appearing in Liverpool on May 12th.
Professional wrestling historically featured characters and tropes considered homophobic, such as WWE’s Billy and Chuck. However, Big Gay Brunch shows have been lauded for creating and promoting positive representation, showcasing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer athletes plying their trade in the squared circle.
The Liverpool show will feature talent such as Effy, Allie Katch, Visage, Che Monet, Commander Sterling, Kamille Hansen, and many more.
Tickets for Effy’s Big Gay Brunch UK on the 12th of May are available here: https://www.ringsideworld.co.uk/event3387/login.php
TNT Extreme Wrestling started life in 2015 and was created by Jay Apter. The company started life by promoting professional wrestling events to grown-up fans and has since expanded to family-friendly shows and international pay-per-views.
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For more information, please contact info@tnt-wrestling.co.uk.