The wrestling world is reeling from the sudden death of Terry Brunk, better known as Sabu, the hardcore wrestling pioneer who defined an era in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and left an indelible mark on WWE. Sabu, aged 60, passed away just weeks after his final match, leaving fans and peers mourning a true icon. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, reports highlight his history of health struggles and the brutal toll of his high-risk career.
Sabu, dubbed the “Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac,” was a trailblazer in professional wrestling, known for his fearless style involving tables, barbed wire, and gravity-defying moves like the Triple Jump Moonsault. His death was confirmed by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and WWE, with tributes pouring in from wrestling legends like Taz, Rob Van Dam, and Francine, as well as fans on social media.
Born in Staten Island and trained by his uncle, WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik, Sabu began wrestling in 1985, honing his craft in Japan’s FMW and New Japan Pro Wrestling before rising to fame in ECW during the 1990s. His innovative, high-risk style made him a two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, ECW World Television Champion, and three-time ECW World Tag Team Champion. Memorable feuds with Taz, Rob Van Dam, and Terry Funk, including a gruesome 1997 barbed wire match, cemented his legacy as a hardcore icon.
Sabu’s brief but impactful WWE stint in 2006-2007, during the ECW revival, saw him challenge for the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships against John Cena and Rey Mysterio. His career highlight included a victory alongside ECW Originals at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit, performing in front of over 80,000 fans.
Sabu’s final match took place on April 18, 2025, during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, where he defeated GCW star Joey Janela in a violent No Rope Barbed Wire match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break. The bout, described as “authentically Sabu,” left him bloodied after taking brutal bumps, including a face-first dive into barbed wire. Fans lauded the match as a fitting sendoff, though some expressed concern over his physical condition.
Reports indicate Sabu battled health issues in recent years, including a serious medical emergency in 2023 at the Squared Circle Expo, which required hospitalization. While he reassured fans at the time, the cumulative damage from decades of hardcore wrestling likely took a toll. His last public appearance was at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena, ECW’s historic home, just days before his death.
The wrestling community expressed profound grief, with AEW posting, “From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling.” WWE echoed, “Sabu was a gamechanger and an extreme maniac,” extending condolences to his family and fans. ECW alum Francine wrote on X, “My heart is broken. Rest in peace to my friend Sabu. I love you always.” Taz, reflecting on their rivalry, shared an emotional video, saying, “It breaks my heart.”
Fans on X recalled Sabu’s fearless performances, with one writing, “Legend went out having one last insane match. God rest Sabu. Now he’s in wrestling heaven throwing chairs at God’s head.” Another praised his influence, stating, “Nobody made me want to be a wrestler more than Sabu.”
Sabu, who was previously married to Hitomi Brunk and later partnered with Melissa Coates until her passing in 2021, leaves behind a legacy as one of wrestling’s most daring performers. His influence on hardcore wrestling and the evolution of matches like WWE’s Tables, Ladders, and Chairs remains undeniable. As the wrestling world mourns, Sabu’s death-defying spirit will continue to inspire generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
0 Comments