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Date: May 12, 2025

The professional wrestling world is reeling from the loss of one of its most iconic and revolutionary figures. Sabu, born Terrance Michael Brunk, passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. Known as the “pro wrestling legend Sabu,” his fearless, high-risk style and unapologetic embrace of hardcore wrestling made him a cornerstone of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and a global icon. While the Sabu cause of death has not been officially disclosed, his passing comes just weeks after a brutal retirement match, sparking widespread mourning and reflection on his unparalleled contributions to the industry.

In this comprehensive tribute, we delve into the life, career, and enduring impact of Sabu wrestler, exploring how did Sabu die, his rise to fame, and the legacy he leaves behind. From his early days under the tutelage of his uncle, Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, to his groundbreaking work in ECW Sabu and brief stint in WWE Sabu, this is the story of a man who redefined what it meant to be a wrestler.

The Early Years: A Wrestling Prodigy in the Making

Born on December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, New York, Terry Brunk grew up in a family steeped in wrestling tradition. His uncle, Ed Farhat, better known as The Sheik, was a WWE Hall of Famer and a pioneer of hardcore wrestling in his own right. Farhat’s brutal, no-holds-barred style left an indelible mark on young Terry, who began training under his uncle’s guidance in the mid-1980s. Initially billed as a technical wrestler, Brunk debuted in 1985 for Farhat’s Big Time Wrestling promotion, adopting the ring name “Sabu” — a nod to Indian-American actor Sabu Dastagir, whose adventurous persona inspired Farhat.

In his early years, Sabu wrestler was promoted as hailing from Saudi Arabia or Bombay, India, adding an exotic mystique to his character. Ring names like “Sabu the Elephant Boy” and “Terry S.R.” (Sheik’s Revenge) reflected his uncle’s influence, but it was Brunk’s athleticism and willingness to push boundaries that set him apart. Throughout the 1980s, he honed his craft in independent promotions across North America, including Memphis, Michigan, and Ohio, laying the foundation for a career that would soon take him global.

Rising to Fame: Japan and the Birth of a Hardcore Icon

By the early 1990s, Sabu had caught the attention of international promotions. In 1991, he joined Japan’s Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW), where his high-flying maneuvers and willingness to engage in ultraviolent matches earned him a cult following. FMW’s chaotic, weapon-heavy style was a perfect fit for Brunk, who began incorporating tables, chairs, and barbed wire into his matches. His scars, earned from these grueling encounters, became a badge of honor, though rumors of self-inflicted injuries were quickly debunked by those close to him.

During this period, Sabu wrestler also competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility as both a high-flyer and a hardcore competitor. His international success laid the groundwork for his return to the United States, where he would find his true calling in ECW.

The ECW Revolution: Sabu’s Defining Era

In 1993, Sabu joined Eastern Championship Wrestling, which soon became Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) under the visionary leadership of Paul Heyman. It was here that ECW Sabu became a household name, revolutionizing professional wrestling with his trademark style of hardcore wrestling. Nicknamed “The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac,” Sabu combined acrobatic leaps with ultraviolent tactics, creating a spectacle that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Sabu’s matches in ECW were unlike anything fans had seen before. He dove off chairs, executed moonsaults through tables, and fearlessly tangled with barbed wire, earning a reputation as a performer who left it all in the ring. His signature moves, such as the Air Sabu (a heel kick assisted by a steel chair) and the Arabian Facebuster (a diving leg drop driving a chair into an opponent’s face), became iconic.

During his ECW tenure from 1993 to 2000, Sabu achieved unparalleled success. He became a two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, a one-time ECW World Television Champion, and a three-time ECW World Tag Team Champion, partnering with the likes of Rob Van Dam and Taz. His feuds with Rob Van Dam, Taz, and Terry Funk were legendary, blending athleticism, brutality, and storytelling in a way that captivated audiences. Sabu’s influence extended beyond titles; he was a key figure in making hardcore wrestling mainstream, inspiring a generation of wrestlers to push the boundaries of the sport.

As pro wrestling legend Sabu, he was instrumental in ECW’s rise as a countercultural force in the 1990s, challenging the dominance of WWE and WCW. His matches, often described as “barbaric” or “chaotic,” set a new standard for intensity and risk-taking, cementing his status as a trailblazer.

Beyond ECW: Global Adventures and WWE Stint

After ECW’s closure in 2001, Sabu continued to compete in promotions worldwide. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 2000, further solidifying his status as a global star. From 2002 to 2006, he was a regular in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where his Barbed Wire Massacre match against Abyss in 2005 was named Match of the Year. Sabu’s ability to adapt his hardcore style to different promotions showcased his versatility and enduring appeal.

In 2006, Sabu WWE became a reality when he joined World Wrestling Entertainment as part of the relaunched ECW brand. His signing was a coup for WWE, which sought to capitalize on the nostalgia of ECW’s hardcore roots. Sabu competed in high-profile matches against Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship and John Cena for the WWE Championship, showcasing his ability to hang with the industry’s biggest names.

One of WWE Sabu’s most memorable moments came at WrestleMania 23 in 2007, where he teamed with ECW Originals Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman to defeat The New Breed in front of 80,000 fans in Detroit, his hometown. The victory was a triumphant homecoming, but his WWE tenure was short-lived. In May 2007, Sabu was released, reportedly due to a combination of creative differences and a drug-related incident involving him and Rob Van Dam.

The Independent Circuit and Final Years

Following his departure from WWE, Sabu returned to the independent circuit, competing in promotions like Juggalo Championship Wrestling, Xtreme Pro Wrestling, and international organizations in Mexico, Newfoundland, and Holland. His resilience and passion for wrestling kept him active long after many of his peers had retired. In 2016, fans raised nearly $28,000 to help cover the costs of his hip replacement surgery, a testament to his enduring popularity.

In 2021, Sabu wrestler announced his retirement, citing health concerns and the physical toll of his career. However, his love for the ring brought him back for sporadic appearances, including two in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2023, where he served as a special enforcer for a match between Chris Jericho and Adam Cole.

Sabu’s final match took place on April 18, 2025, at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. Facing GCW star Joey Janela in a No Ropes Barbed Wire match, Sabu delivered a performance that was quintessentially him — bloody, chaotic, and fearless. Despite emerging with a bloodied face and enduring brutal bumps, he emerged victorious, earning praise for going out on his terms. GCW owner Brett Lauderdale described the match as “100 percent authentic Sabu,” a fitting sendoff for a legend.

Just days before his passing, Sabu made a final public appearance at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion convention at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, formerly the ECW Arena. The event was a poignant moment, allowing fans to celebrate his contributions to wrestling’s most rebellious promotion.

The Tragic Passing: Questions Surrounding Sabu’s Death

On May 11, 2025, the wrestling world was stunned by the news of Sabu’s death. Both WWE and AEW confirmed the passing of Terry Brunk, with tributes pouring in from fans, wrestlers, and promotions worldwide. As of now, the Sabu cause of death remains undisclosed, leading to speculation among fans and media.

While no official statement has clarified how did Sabu die, reports indicate that Sabu wrestler had been battling health issues in recent years. In 2023, he suffered a “serious medical emergency” at the Squared Circle Expo in Indianapolis, requiring hospitalization. Though he later assured fans he was recovering, the incident highlighted the physical toll of his career.

The timing of Sabu’s death, just weeks after his grueling retirement match, has raised questions about whether the physical demands of the bout contributed to his passing. Videos from the match show Sabu enduring significant punishment, including being thrown into barbed wire, which left him bloodied. However, without official confirmation, these remain speculations.

Tributes and Legacy: The Impact of Sabu

The announcement of Sabu dead prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration. WWE described him as a “pioneer of hardcore wrestling,” while AEW praised his “unforgettable high-risk moments.” Triple H, a WWE executive, called Sabu “the original ECW whose innovative style helped bring the entire wrestling world to a new extreme.”

Fellow wrestlers shared personal tributes, emphasizing Sabu’s influence. Taz, a longtime rival and friend, credited [ECW Sabu]( Neues Inhaltselement
https://www.si.com/wrestling/2025/05/11/ecw-legend-sabu-dies-60) with shaping his career, stating, “I would not have had the career I have had if it wasn’t for Sabu.” Matt Hardy noted that Sabu wrestler popularized the use of tables in wrestling, while Sami Zayn called him “a true game changer.”

Sabu’s legacy extends far beyond titles and matches. He was a revolutionary who expanded the possibilities of professional wrestling, blending high-flying athleticism with hardcore violence in a way that felt authentic and groundbreaking. His work in ECW paved the way for modern wrestling styles, influencing promotions like AEW and inspiring wrestlers who thrive on risk-taking. As wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted, “If you take Sabu out of history, things change greatly.”

Personal Life and Cultural Impact

Beyond the ring, Terry Brunk was a private individual who rarely spoke about himself. He was married to Hitomi, a Japanese woman, in 1997, with a second ceremony in Tokyo in 1998. His heritage — Irish and German from his father, Lebanese from his mother — added depth to his enigmatic persona.

Sabu also left a mark on pop culture, appearing in video games like ECW Hardcore Revolution and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, as well as the Viceland show Traveling the Stars alongside Rob Van Dam. His 2019 book, Scars, Silence, and Superglue, co-authored with Kenny Casanova, offered a candid look at his battles with addiction, financial struggles, and the physical toll of his career.

Conclusion: A Legend Immortalized

The passing of Sabu marks the end of an era, but his influence on professional wrestling will endure for generations. As the “pro wrestling legend Sabu,” he pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the ring, leaving behind a legacy of fearlessness, innovation, and authenticity. While questions linger about the Sabu wrestler cause of death, what remains undeniable is his impact on the industry and the love he inspired in fans worldwide.

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As we mourn Sabu died, we also celebrate a man who lived for the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the fight. From ECW Sabu to WWE Sabu, his story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unrelenting passion. Rest in peace, Sabu wrestler — your scars tell a story that will never be forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who was Sabu in professional wrestling?
A: Sabu, born Terry Brunk, was a professional wrestler known for his hardcore, high-flying style. He rose to fame in ECW, where he won multiple championships, and later competed in WWE, TNA, and other promotions.

Q: What was Sabu’s cause of death?
A: The Sabu cause of death has not been officially disclosed. Reports suggest he had been battling health issues, including a medical emergency in 2023, but no specific details have been confirmed.

Q: When and how did Sabu die?
A: Sabu died on May 11, 2025. The exact circumstances of how did Sabu die are unclear, as the cause of death remains undisclosed.

Q: What made Sabu a wrestling legend?
A: Pro wrestling legend Sabu revolutionized hardcore wrestling with his high-risk, ultraviolent style in ECW Sabu. His innovative use of tables, chairs, and barbed wire, combined with acrobatic maneuvers, influenced modern wrestling.

Q: Did Sabu compete in WWE?
A: Yes, WWE Sabu joined WWE in 2006 as part of the ECW relaunch. He competed at WrestleMania 23 and faced stars like John Cena and Rey Mysterio before his release in 2007.

Reference:

• WWE Official Statement on Sabu’s Passing
• ESPN: Hardcore Pro Wrestling Legend Sabu Dies at 60
• NBC News: Sabu, Legend of Pro Wrestling’s Hardcore Style
• Wikipedia: Sabu Wrestler
• Wrestling Inc.: Sabu Dead, Former ECW Champion