BREAKING: Wrestling Legend Sabu, Known for Pioneering Hardcore Wrestling in ECW, Passes Away at 60 Just Three Weeks After His Retirement Match Against Joey Janela During WrestleMania 41 Weekend in Las Vegas

Wrestling Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60, Weeks After Iconic Retirement Match

Philadelphia, PA – May 11, 2025 – The wrestling world is in mourning today following the sudden passing of Terry Brunk, better known to fans as Sabu, at the age of 60. The news, first reported by TMZ Sports, comes just three weeks after Sabu’s retirement match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 during WrestleMania 41 Weekend in Las Vegas, and mere days after an emotional appearance at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion in Philadelphia. Sabu, a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, leaves behind a legacy that transformed the sport and inspired generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

A Trailblazer in Hardcore Wrestling

Born on December 12, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, Terry Brunk was destined for a life in professional wrestling. Trained by his uncle, Ed Farhat—better known as the legendary hardcore wrestler “The Sheik”—Sabu adopted a high-risk, high-flying style that would come to define his career. Debuting in 1985, he initially wrestled under his uncle’s guidance, but it was in the early 1990s that Sabu truly made his mark, becoming a cornerstone of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and a global icon in the hardcore wrestling scene.

Sabu’s tenure in ECW, particularly from 1993 to 2000, cemented his status as a legend. Known as “The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac,” he captivated audiences with his refusal to speak on-screen, instead letting his daring in-ring performances tell his story. His matches were a spectacle of innovation, often involving barbed wire, tables, and high-flying maneuvers that pushed the boundaries of what professional wrestling could be. On October 2, 1993, at NWA Bloodfest Part 2, Sabu defeated Shane Douglas to win the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, a title he would capture again in 1997 after a brutal Barbed Wire Match against Terry Funk at Born To Be Wired.

Beyond ECW, Sabu’s career took him to promotions around the world, including Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) in Japan, where he earned many of the scars that became a defining part of his persona. Participating in over two dozen no-rope barbed wire death matches, Sabu’s body bore the marks of his relentless dedication to the craft. He also had stints in WWE, TNA (later Impact Wrestling), and various independent promotions, showcasing his versatility while remaining true to his hardcore roots. His final run with Impact Wrestling in 2019 saw him team with longtime friend and rival Rob Van Dam, a nod to their storied history in ECW.

A Career Capped by a Final, Brutal Match

Sabu’s retirement match on April 18, 2025, was a fitting end to his storied career. Taking place at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 during WrestleMania 41 Weekend at The Palms in Las Vegas, the no-ropes barbed wire match against Joey Janela was a brutal affair that encapsulated everything Sabu stood for. The match featured appearances from ECW alumni like manager Bill Alfonso, who handed Sabu a chair for one of his signature spots. Despite the physical toll of the match—Janela at one point whipped Sabu through a barbed wire-covered board—the veteran emerged victorious, putting Janela through a barbed wire-covered door to secure the win. The crowd’s chants of “Holy Shit!” echoed through the venue, a testament to the intensity of Sabu’s final performance.

Just days before his passing, Sabu made what would be his last public appearance at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (TWA) reunion in Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena, the same venue where he had thrilled ECW fans decades earlier. The event, a nostalgic gathering of wrestling veterans, allowed Sabu to reconnect with peers and fans, offering a poignant moment of reflection on a career that spanned nearly four decades.

A Lasting Legacy in Wrestling

Sabu’s influence on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. He was among the first to bring a blend of high-flying athleticism and hardcore violence to the mainstream, paving the way for modern wrestling’s emphasis on extreme and dynamic performances. His feuds with wrestlers like Rob Van Dam, Taz, and Terry Funk are still regarded as some of the most iconic in ECW history, with matches like his 1996 Hardcore Heaven victory over RVD and his 1997 three-way dance at Hardcore Heaven against Funk and Shane Douglas remaining fan favorites.

Off the ring, Sabu faced personal challenges, including the loss of his longtime partner and wrestling valet, Melissa Coates, who passed away in June 2021 due to COVID-19 complications at the age of 52. Despite these hardships, Sabu remained a beloved figure in the wrestling community, known for his quiet demeanor and unwavering commitment to his craft.

Tributes Pour In

Following the announcement of his passing, tributes from the wrestling world flooded social media. Rob Van Dam, who shared countless battles with Sabu, wrote on X, “Lost a brother today. Sabu pushed me to be better every time we stepped in the ring. His scars told a story of sacrifice. Rest in peace, my friend.” Joey Janela, Sabu’s final opponent, shared, “I’m heartbroken. Wrestling Sabu was an honor I’ll never forget. He gave everything in that ring, even at 60. A true legend.”

Wrestling promotions also honored Sabu’s memory. Impact Wrestling released a statement: “Sabu was a revolutionary who brought an unparalleled intensity to the ring. His contributions to ECW and beyond will live on forever.” WWE, where Sabu had a brief but memorable run in 2006-2007, echoed the sentiment, calling him “a trailblazer whose influence is felt in every corner of the industry.”

A Final Farewell

Sabu’s death at the age of 60 marks the end of an era in professional wrestling. From his early days in Detroit to his groundbreaking work in ECW, Japan, and beyond, he leaves behind a legacy of fearlessness and innovation. His final match, a testament to his enduring passion, and his last appearance at the 2300 Arena, a fitting bookend to his career, will remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.

As the wrestling community gathers to honor his memory, Sabu’s nickname—“The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac”—feels more fitting than ever. He defied expectations, defied pain, and defied the limits of what wrestling could be. Sabu may be gone, but his impact on the sport will never fade.

Details regarding Sabu’s cause of death have not been disclosed, and funeral arrangements are pending. Fans are encouraged to share their memories of the hardcore legend using #ThankYouSabu on social media.