Wrestling fans around the world are mourning the death of Terry Brunk, better known by his ring name Sabu. Just three weeks after his retirement match, both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and WWE confirmed his passing on Sunday. At 60 years old, Sabu had recently competed in his final bout, a victory over GCW star Joey Janela at the ninth annual Joey Janela’s Spring Break event. Details surrounding the cause or exact time of his death have not yet been made public.
Sabu gained a reputation as one of the most daring and fearless wrestlers in the industry. Known for his extreme high-risk style, he often pushed physical boundaries, regularly involving himself in brutal matches featuring barbed wire and dangerous stunts. AEW noted that these intense performances became a hallmark of Sabu’s identity, solidifying his status as a pioneer in the hardcore wrestling genre. His willingness to sacrifice his body for entertainment earned him a dedicated fan base and widespread respect.
Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu Dies at 60, Just Weeks After Final MatchA Storied Career Spanning Wrestling’s Biggest Promotions and Hardcore Wrestling Legacy
Over the course of his career, Sabu competed in many of wrestling’s top organizations, including ECW, WCW, WWE, and AEW. He was especially prominent in ECW, where his brutal style aligned perfectly with the promotion’s hardcore image. He also made a notable appearance at WrestleMania 23, teaming with the ECW Originals to defeat The New Breed. Although his time in WWE was brief, it added another major promotion to his extensive résumé and further demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
Sabu’s list of accomplishments is both extensive and remarkable. He held titles such as the two-time World Heavyweight Champion, FTW Heavyweight Champion, World Television Champion, and was a three-time World Tag Team Champion. His accolades also include earning the distinction of ECW Triple Crown Champion, along with reigns as NWA and XPW World Heavyweight Champion. Sabu’s impact as a pioneer of hardcore wrestling remains significant, with many wrestlers drawing inspiration from his daring and unconventional style.