The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true icon of the hardcore era, as Terrence Brunk—known to fans across the globe as Sabu—has passed away at the age of 60.
PWInsider was first to report the heartbreaking news, though details surrounding the cause and exact time of death have not yet been made public. What makes this loss even more poignant is that it comes mere weeks after Sabu officially wrestled his final match. On April 18, during WrestleMania weekend, the “Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal” legend stepped into the ring one last time, defeating Joey Janela in the main event of Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9.
Sabu’s legacy is deeply entwined with the roots of extreme wrestling. A second-generation star and the nephew of the legendary Sheik, Sabu broke into the business in 1985, wrestling across various Midwest territories. While he had early stints in WWE and Japan’s FMW, it was in ECW where Sabu became a game-changer. His wild, no-holds-barred style made him a cornerstone of the promotion’s rebellious identity, influencing an entire generation of performers and fans.
His brutal, high-risk matches against the likes of Rob Van Dam and Taz were the stuff of underground legend, passed around on VHS tapes long before streaming made wrestling instantly accessible. Even a brief run in WCW couldn’t keep him away from the chaos of ECW, where he remained until the company’s eventual closure in 2001.
After ECW folded, Sabu continued to bring hardcore wrestling to audiences on the independent scene and through appearances in TNA Wrestling. He returned to WWE during its ECW revival in 2006, briefly rekindling the spirit of the original brand. That run included a notable clash with John Cena at Vengeance 2006, offering mainstream fans a glimpse of what made Sabu a cult hero. He was released from WWE in 2007 but never left the ring for long, continuing to compete well into his later years.
Sabu’s death marks the end of an era. Few wrestlers embodied the raw, dangerous, and unpredictable energy of ‘90s ECW like he did. Whether crashing through tables wrapped in barbed wire or flying through the air with little regard for his own safety, Sabu lived the “hardcore” label in and out of the ring.
From smoky bingo halls to pay-per-view spotlights, his legacy will endure wherever fans celebrate wrestling without limits.
Rest in peace, Sabu.
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