Wrestling Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60: A Hardcore Icon Remembered

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Wrestling Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60

The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most fearless and unforgettable stars. Sabu, whose real name was Terry Brunk, passed away at the age of 60. His death was reported by PWInsider.com on May 11, 2025. As of now, the cause of his death has not been shared with the public.

Sabu was a legendary figure in the world of hardcore wrestling. Fans of the 1990s wrestling scene will remember him for his wild and risky style inside the ring. Known as “the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death–defying maniac,” Sabu made a name for himself by taking extreme risks during his matches.

A Career Full of Daring Moments

Sabu first gained fame during his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the 1990s. ECW was known for its no-rules, hardcore matches, and Sabu was one of the biggest stars of that era. His matches often involved tables, ladders, chairs, and even barbed wire. Sabu would dive through tables and take dangerous bumps that left fans both amazed and horrified. He wasn’t afraid to bleed, get hurt, or put his body on the line if it meant entertaining the audience.

He was also the nephew of the legendary wrestler The Sheik, one of the most famous hardcore wrestlers from an earlier generation. It’s clear that wrestling and extreme fighting ran in Sabu’s blood.

During his time in ECW, Sabu became a two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion. He also won the ECW World Television Championship and held the ECW Tag Team Championship three times. These titles showed not only his popularity with fans but also his skill and toughness as a competitor.

Later Years and WWE Run

After his unforgettable run in ECW, Sabu continued to wrestle in other promotions, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). There, he faced a new generation of stars but still kept his hardcore style alive.

In 2006, Sabu joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) when the company relaunched ECW as its third brand. While the WWE version of ECW was a more toned-down version of the original, Sabu’s hardcore reputation followed him there. He participated in some memorable matches, continuing to wow fans with his risky moves and fearless attitude.

Though his WWE run was shorter than his ECW days, many fans were thrilled to see him on the bigger stage of WWE television.

Final Match and Retirement

Sabu had his final match just last month against Joey Janela, a wrestler known for his own hardcore style. The match was a fitting end to Sabu’s long and brutal career. Even in his final performance, Sabu gave it his all, proving he still had the heart of a fighter.

After decades of battling in the ring, taking risks that most wrestlers wouldn’t dare to, and leaving a lasting mark on the wrestling business, Sabu stepped away from the ring, leaving behind a legacy that hardcore wrestling fans will never forget.

A Legacy That Will Never Die

Sabu wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a daredevil, a showman, and a true pioneer of hardcore wrestling. During a time when wrestling was becoming more mainstream and safe, Sabu reminded fans of what it meant to be wild and unpredictable. His matches were brutal, bloody, and unforgettable.

Fans loved him not because he was the biggest or the strongest, but because he was fearless. He would jump off ropes, crash through tables, and wrap himself in barbed wire just to give the fans a show. Sabu’s style influenced countless wrestlers who came after him, especially those who worked in independent promotions and hardcore matches.

Wrestling World Reacts

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans, fellow wrestlers, and wrestling promotions around the world. Many called him one of the greatest hardcore wrestlers of all time. Others shared personal stories of how kind and passionate Sabu was behind the scenes.

While Sabu may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere. Every time a wrestler dives through a table or risks it all in a dangerous match, a little bit of Sabu’s legacy shines through.

Rest in peace to the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death–defying maniac. Wrestling will never forget you.