WWE Legend and Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu Dies at 60

Fans around the globe were stunned early this morning upon hearing the heartbreaking news about Sabu, whose birth name was Terrence Brunk, having passed away at the age of 60. This legendary figure in professional wrestling gained prominence through his intense bouts both in Japan and during his tenure with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). According to an initial report from PW Insider, details regarding the reason for his untimely demise remain scarce.

Sabu's last professional wrestling bout took place against Joey Janela under the Game Changer Wrestling banner. Following this announcement, both avid fans and several of his past peers were taken aback with surprise. The WWE responded by publishing an expression of sympathy on their site directed towards Sabu's kin and acquaintances.

Former opponent Tazz released a brief clip on X expressing his sorrow over Sabu’s death. The ex-ECW champ stated, "I'm reaching out with a heavy heart because you might know this—legendary figure and incredible wrestler Sabu has passed away. He reportedly left us last night at 60 years old, and it really shatters me."

Sabu: A contemporary icon of extreme wrestling

In the late 1980s, following training sessions with his uncle The Sheik, Sabu started his professional wrestling journey at Big Time Wrestling. This organization was run by his uncle, quickly making Sabu an essential part of their roster. By 1991, he had transitioned to the United States Wrestling Association before having short-term engagements with what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation for some untelevised bouts.

The wrestler likewise dedicated several years to competing in Japan under the banner of Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. Paul Heyman’s groundbreaking work ECW Then came along Sabu, who later gained prominence and succeeded in becoming the champion. Notable among his bouts were those with Tazz, Rob Van Dam, and the iconic Terry Funk. Indeed, one of the most memorable contests featured Sabu versus Terry Funk in a brutal barbed-wire match.

Following his tenure with multiple wrestling organizations over several years, Sabu eventually joined Total Nonstop Action (TNA). Then, in 2006, the wrestler went on to sign with another promotion. WWE As part of the revamped ECW brand, he didn’t manage to gain traction. Following his exit from WWE in 2007, the wrestler once more joined various other promotions and briefly participated in All Elite Wrestling as well.