Wrestling Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60: ECW Icon Remembered for His Fearless Legacy

The wrestling world is grieving the loss of one of its most daring performers. Terry Brunk, widely known by his ring name Sabu, passed away on May 11 at the age of 60.

Famous for his fearless, high-risk style, Sabu was a former ECW World Heavyweight Champion and a key figure in the hardcore wrestling scene.

Final Match and Public Appearance

According to PWInsider, the cause of Sabu’s death has not yet been made public.

The news comes just weeks after he wrestled his last match during WrestleMania 41 Weekend in Las Vegas. In what he had declared his retirement match, he faced Joey Janela and walked away victorious.

Sabu made his final public appearance only days before his death at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion convention. The event took place at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, formerly known as the ECW Arena, a location closely tied to his legacy.

Health Scare in the Past

While details of his death remain limited, fans recall a serious health scare in 2013 during the Squared Circle Expo. At the time, Sabu was rushed to the hospital following a “serious medical emergency” on the show floor.

He later reassured fans via social media that he was feeling better, though he never revealed the nature of the emergency.

A Hardcore Pioneer

Sabu’s contribution to professional wrestling was unmatched. A three-time World Heavyweight Champion, he was recognized for his brutal, unfiltered wrestling style. He began his wrestling career in 1985, trained by his uncle, the legendary Ed “The Sheik” Farhat.

Initially wrestling in the United States, Sabu gained international fame through stints with Japan’s FMW and New Japan Pro Wrestling.

His original run with ECW lasted from 1993 to 1995, and he returned later that same year for a pivotal five-year stretch. His matches often featured chairs, tables, and acrobatic leaps, which helped define the hardcore wrestling genre and inspired countless wrestlers.

Industry Tributes and Reactions

Tributes from the wrestling world poured in after news of his death. ECW alum Francine wrote, “My heart is broken. Rest in peace to my friend Sabu. I love you always.” Rob Van Dam, both a rival and ally of Sabu, paid tribute with a simple upward-pointing finger emoji—Sabu’s signature pose.

The Blue Meanie (Brian Heffron) posted, “Rest In Peace Sabu… Thank you, I love you, I’ll miss you… I’m totally devastated.” WWE star Damian Priest echoed the sentiment with a broken heart emoji and the iconic finger-pointing gesture.

A Lasting Legacy in Wrestling

Sabu’s legacy is deeply embedded in professional wrestling history. He wasn’t just a fan favorite but an innovator who pushed the limits of what could happen inside and outside the ring. His influence will be remembered across generations of wrestling fans and performers.

Sabu was a three-time World Heavyweight Champion and held the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice. WWE confirmed his death, stating, “WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away.” The statement added, “WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and fans.”

Remembering the “Outlaw” of Wrestling

Gamechanger Wrestling (GCW), where Sabu had his final match, paid tribute by saying, “He was an outlaw and a gamechanger. He inspired so many that stepped inside a GCW ring and he will continue to inspire for generations to come. His legacy will last forever and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, and… Long Live SABU.”

Sabu was the nephew of Ed Farhat, known in WWE as The Sheik, and captured multiple championships throughout his career.

His career spanned several major wrestling organizations, including the United States Wrestling Association, Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, ECW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WCW, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Xtreme Pro Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, Border City Wrestling, TNA, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, and AEW, among others.

Champion and Innovator

Sabu left an unforgettable mark on ECW by participating in some of the most violent matches in the sport and helping pioneer hardcore wrestling.

During his time with ECW, he became a triple crown champion—winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice, the ECW World Television Championship, and the FTW Heavyweight Championship. He also held the ECW World Tag Team Championship three times.

Sabu’s impact continues to resonate through the wrestling world, and his legacy as one of the most fearless performers in sports entertainment will live on.