Key points
- His final match took place in Las Vegas
- Sabu was a rebel and a gamechanger: GCW
- He popularised hardcore wrestling
ISLAMABAD: Wrestling icon Sabu, renowned for transforming hardcore wrestling with his relentless and extreme in-ring style, has died at the age of 60, WWE confirmed on Sunday.
Born Terry Brunk, Sabu developed a cult following thanks to his fearless, high-risk performances and brutally violent bouts that redefined the boundaries of professional wrestling.
His final match took place in Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend, where he faced Game Changer Wrestling’s Joey Janela in a no-ropes barbed wire contest—a fitting tribute to his hardcore legacy.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away,” the company said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and supporters.”
Game Changer Wrestling
Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) also paid tribute, stating: “He was a rebel and a gamechanger. He inspired countless wrestlers who stepped into a GCW ring, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
“His legacy is everlasting, and he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, and… Long Live SABU.”
Sabu was the nephew of wrestling great Ed Farhat, better known to WWE fans as The Sheik, and proudly carried on the family’s legacy with his intense style.
Throughout a career spanning several decades, he wrestled for numerous promotions across the globe, including ECW, WCW, WWE, NJPW, FMW, TNA, XPW, AJPW, BJW, and AEW, among many others.
Popularising hardcore wrestling
He made an unforgettable impact on Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he played a pivotal role in shaping and popularising hardcore wrestling.
Sabu achieved ECW’s Triple Crown, winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice, the ECW World Tag Team Championship three times, and the ECW World Television Championship. He also held the FTW Heavyweight Title.
During his time with WWE, he took part in standout matches against John Cena for the WWE Championship and Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship.
