The Hardcore Icon Leaves Behind a Legacy of Risk, Impact, and Innovation
Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans around the world as Sabu, has passed away at the age of 60, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced on Sunday.
"WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away," the company stated.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) also paid tribute on social media:
"From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans."
As of Sunday, the cause of death has not been made public, and the exact date of his passing remains unclear.
A Hardcore Pioneer
Sabu rose to prominence in the 1990s through Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he became one of the defining faces of hardcore wrestling. Inspired by his legendary uncle, Hall of Famer Ed "The Sheik" Farhat, Sabu created a legacy based on extreme risks, launching from chairs, crashing through tables, and wrapping himself in barbed wire to deliver unforgettable matches.
In ECW, he squared off against wrestling greats like Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, and Taz. Even in a company known for pushing boundaries, Sabu stood out with his fearless, chaotic, yet captivating in-ring style.
WWE & International Career
Sabu joined WWE in 2006 during the company's revival of the ECW brand. In 2007, he participated in a memorable WrestleMania 23 match, teaming with Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman to defeat the New Breed before a crowd of 80,000 fans in Detroit. He left WWE later that same year.
Before and after WWE, Sabu wrestled across the globe in top promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling, AAA, and CMLL, as well as numerous independent federations. He continued wrestling well into his late 50s, long after many of his peers had retired.
His Final Match
Sabu’s final recorded match took place on April 18, 2025, against Joey Janela, in a bout that — true to his legacy — included a brutal spot through a table and into barbed wire. It was his first match since 2021, according to Cage Match.
Janela honored him on X, saying:
"My idol, a trailblazer, a gamechanger, and an icon."
An Influencer Beyond Recognition
Respected wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called Sabu the “king of the death matches” on Wrestling Observer Radio and credited him with helping popularize hardcore wrestling in the U.S.
“He was the godfather of it in every way,” Meltzer said.
In a heartfelt video on X, Taz said:
“His death breaks my heart. I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve been blessed with if it wasn’t for Sabu,”reminding fans that the two debuted against each other in ECW back in 1993.
A Lasting Legacy
The creators of the documentary series Dark Side of the Ring noted that Sabu’s passing was especially shocking, as he features in the episode airing this Tuesday, which pays tribute to his uncle, The Sheik.
Wrestling star Matt Hardy wrote on X:
“Sabu was a trailblazing groundbreaker who played a major role in the expansion of what a pro wrestling match could be.”
Hardy added that Sabu's influence is seen everywhere in today’s wrestling, especially in the use of tables:
“The fact that tables are commonly used in pro wrestling is because of Terry Brunk. He made that inanimate object a must-see component of his matches.”
AEW’s Mark Briscoe also posted a touching message:
“Nobody made me want to be a wrestler more than Sabu. R.I.P. to a true hardcore legend.”
📌 Article by: Kikiri-Kou Blogspot
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