Photo credit : NBC
Terry Brunk, famously known as Sabu, has passed away at the age of 60. The wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its most daring and influential figures. His death was confirmed on Sunday by both AEW and WWE. No cause of death has been disclosed yet.
Sabu’s journey was filled with grit, danger, and unforgettable moments that reshaped hardcore wrestling forever.
A Final Farewell in the Ring
Just weeks ago, Sabu wrestled his final match. It happened during WrestleMania Weekend in Las Vegas. He faced off against Joey Janela at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9, marking his official retirement.
GCW owner Brett Lauderdale, who promoted the match, called it “100 percent authentic Sabu.” He added, “It was an honor to give him the sendoff he deserved.”
The match served as a fitting tribute. Fans saw the hardcore legend one last time, doing what he loved most.
Born to Be a Hardcore Legend
Sabu’s wrestling roots run deep. He was trained by his uncle, Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, a legend in his own right. Under his uncle’s guidance, Sabu quickly made a name for himself.
He rose to fame in the 1990s with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). There, he became a symbol of hardcore wrestling. His matches were brutal, high-flying, and often involved barbed wire, chairs, and broken tables.
Sabu wasn’t just wild — he was skilled. He captured multiple titles in ECW, including the ECW World Championship twice. He also held the ECW Tag Team and Television titles.
Iconic Rivalries and Global Appearances
Fans will never forget his feuds with Rob Van Dam and Taz. These rivalries helped define ECW’s extreme identity.
Sabu’s influence wasn’t limited to ECW. He also performed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, WCW, TNA, and even had a run in WWE. His WWE stint in the 2000s followed WWE’s acquisition of ECW.
At WrestleMania 23 in 2007, Sabu appeared with the ECW Originals, defeating The New Breed in a multi-man tag match. However, he was released shortly after.
Return to AEW and Final Appearances
In 2023, Sabu made a surprise appearance in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He served as a special enforcer for a match between Chris Jericho and Adam Cole.
AEW honored him on social media, saying, “From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling.”
A Lasting Legacy in Hardcore Wrestling
Sabu’s contribution to professional wrestling is undeniable. He wasn’t just a performer — he was a pioneer of hardcore wrestling. His fearless style inspired countless wrestlers and captivated fans worldwide.
Though his matches were violent, his creativity and commitment stood out. Sabu’s name became synonymous with extreme wrestling.
Remembering a True Wrestling Original
Terry “Sabu” Brunk leaves behind a legacy that will never fade. He gave his body and soul to wrestling. And in return, he earned a place in the hearts of fans forever.
His death marks the end of an era. But his legacy as a hardcore wrestling icon will live on for generations.
