The wrestling world is saddened to announce that Terry Brunk, better known as Sabu, passed away on May 11th, 2025 at age 60. A high-flying, instantly recognizable figure in the world of wrestling, best known for his legitimately-hazardous, crash-and-burn style, Sabu’s ground-breaking run in the sport lasted for several decades and broke a thousand tables. His retirement match against Joey Janela on the April 18, 2025 edition of Dynamite showed that he still had the same passion for wrestling that he had for the first time he stepped inside a ring. (New York Post, PWMania)
Early Life and Career
Terry Brunk was born on December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, New York and was trained by his uncle, the WWE Hall of Famer Ed “The Sheik” Farhat. Sabu was trained by his uncle and adopted a style that featured high-flying moves along with brawling, which set him apart from other aerial specialists. (Wikipedia)
Rise to Prominence in ECW
In 1990s, Sabu became well known under ECW as a result of his appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He used tables, chairs, barbed wire, to the point where he once called himself “The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death–Defying Maniac.” High profile opposition with the likes of Taz, Rob Van Dam and Mick Foley, reinforced his reputation as a hardcore icon. (Newikipedia, TV Insider)
International Career and WWE Release
In addition to ECW, Sabu worked internationally, in promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. He signed a contract with WWE in 2006 during a revival of the ECW brand and had high-profile matches against the likes of John Cena at the Vengeance pay-per-view. (Wikipedia, TV Insider)
Legacy and Influence
The innovative wrestling style of Sabu would go on to influence a generation of wrestlers. His own willingness to test the limits of physical performance paved the way for a reconfiguration of the wrestling ring. He continued to work on the independent circuit even after his prime, working his last match in April 2025. (New York Post, talkSPORT)
Wrestling Community Pays Tribute
Tributes for the wrestling great poured in from the wrestling world after his death. Heartbroken and devastated, Rob Van Dam, who was a friend and tag team partner of Sabu in the ring, said, “Sabu was as irreplaceable in my life, period, as he was in the industry.” Both AEW and WWE recognized his work, describing him as a pioneer of hardcore wrestling. (The Sun, TV Insider, talkSPORT)
Conclusion
Sabu’s passing is the end of an era in pro wrestling. His fearless style of play and commitment to mastering his craft have left a lasting legacy that serves as an inspiration to aspiring players for generations to come. And as fans and colleagues reflect on his legacy, Sabu’s legacy remains eternal through the generations of wrestling. (TV Insider)
FAQs
Q: When did Sabu pass away?
A: Sabu, whose real name was Terry Brunk, passed away on May 11th, 2025 at the age of 60.
Q: What wrestling style was Sabu known for?
A: Sabu was known for his hardcore wrestling style, which involved high-risk maneuvers using tables, chairs, and barbed wire.
Q: Which major wrestling promotions did Sabu work for?
A: Sabu worked for ECW, WWE, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, among others.
Q: Who trained Sabu?
A: Sabu was trained by his uncle, WWE Hall of Famer Ed “The Sheik” Farhat.
Q: What was Sabu’s legacy in wrestling?
A: Sabu is widely credited with revolutionizing hardcore wrestling and influencing a generation of wrestlers with his fearless and unorthodox style.
Reference
Stay updated with all the latest news and insights – News Of US
