Terry Brunk, best known by wrestling fans as Sabu, has died at 60. The news was confirmed by both WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), sparking tributes across the wrestling world. Famous for pushing his body to the limit, Sabu redefined hardcore wrestling with his extreme matches and fearless performances.
“From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling,” AEW shared in a moving tribute. WWE also mourned his death, calling him “a pioneer of hardcore wrestling.”
The cause of Sabu’s death has not been made public. This has led to widespread speculation and a surge in online searches, as fans try to understand what happened to one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
Sabu: From ECW Glory to WWE Spotlight
Trained by his uncle, the legendary Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, Sabu stepped into the wrestling world in the early 1990s. His name became synonymous with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he became a fan favorite for his wild, weapon-filled matches. Known for using tables, barbed wire, and steel chairs, Sabu earned the nickname: “the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death–defying maniac.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025
WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7EqPs02bWA pic.twitter.com/T7ZjDHGARJ
His resume in ECW includes two ECW World Heavyweight Championship reigns, a run with the World Television title, and three ECW Tag Team Championship victories. His intense feuds with Rob Van Dam and Taz were crucial to building ECW’s legendary status in the 1990s.
Beyond ECW, Sabu competed in WCW, TNA, and even Japan’s NJPW. He briefly signed with WWE in 2006 during the revival of the ECW brand. His most notable WWE moment came at WrestleMania 23, where he joined the ECW Originals to defeat The New Breed. Just a month later, he was released from the company.
More recently, in 2023, Sabu made two appearances for AEW, including a role as special enforcer in a match between Chris Jericho and Adam Cole.
Late-Life Struggles and Financial Hardship
In the wake of his death, interest in Sabu’s net worth has spiked. However, sources like Celebrity Net Worth offer no verified information. According to The Sportster, Sabu faced serious financial struggles in his later years and reportedly relied on WWE to help with medical bills.
While this reality challenges common perceptions about retired wrestling stars living comfortably, it sheds light on the difficult post-career paths many wrestlers face.
Sabu’s fearless approach inside the ring transformed the industry. His influence is still visible today in the performances of wrestlers who thrive on danger and spectacle. Though his final years were tough, Sabu’s mark on professional wrestling is permanent and profound.
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