Remembering Sabu: The Death-Defying Legacy of an ECW Legend

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Terry Brunk, better known to fans as Sabu. The news of his passing on May 11, 2025, has prompted an outpouring of tributes and reflections on his groundbreaking career. Sabu, the "Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac," left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, particularly through his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

A Career Forged in Hardship and Innovation

Sabu's career was defined by his willingness to push the limits, often at great personal cost. His matches were known for their brutal intensity, innovative offense, and a disregard for his own well-being that captivated audiences. From his early days in the independent circuit to his rise in ECW, WCW, WWE and later AEW, Sabu consistently delivered a brand of wrestling unlike any other.

Early Career: Sabu honed his craft in various promotions, developing his unique style and building a reputation as a fearless performer.
ECW Icon: It was in ECW that Sabu truly became a star. His matches with the likes of Rob Van Dam, Terry Funk, and The Tazmaniac (later Taz) became legendary for their extreme violence and innovative spots.
WCW Stint: Sabu had a brief run in WCW, showcasing his talents on a larger stage, though his style sometimes clashed with the more traditional WCW product.
WWE Run: Sabu had a stint with WWE as part of the revived ECW brand, bringing his extreme style to a new generation of fans.
AEW Appearance: In his later years, Sabu made an appearance in AEW, aligning himself with Adam Cole.

Key Moments and Matches

Sabu's career is filled with memorable moments that highlight his unique contributions to wrestling. Here are a few standout examples:

vs. Terry Funk - Born to be Wired (ECW): This no-rope barbed wire match is infamous for the gruesome injury Sabu sustained when he legitimately tore open his bicep. Despite the injury, Sabu taped it up and finished the match, showcasing his unparalleled toughness. A video of this match can be found on Archive.org.
vs. Rob Van Dam - Various ECW Matches: Sabu and RVD had a chemistry that produced some of the most exciting and innovative matches in wrestling history. Their styles meshed perfectly, creating a series of classics. A stretcher match between the two can be seen here.
vs. Hayabusa - FMW (Japan): Sabu's international work included a stint in Japan's Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW), where he had a series of brutal matches against Hayabusa. Their match on August 28, 1994, is a prime example of the extreme style that defined both wrestlers. Watch the match here.
AEW Debut with Adam Cole: One of Sabu's last appearances was in AEW where he was introduced by Adam Cole as his enforcer. The video is available on YouTube.
WCW Debut vs. Alex Wright (WCW Monday Nitro 9/11/95): Sabu's WCW debut against Alex Wright showcased his high-flying and unpredictable style, though his time in WCW was short-lived. See the match here.

Tributes Pour In

The news of Sabu's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and respect from the wrestling community. Fellow wrestlers, promoters, and fans have taken to social media to share their memories and express their condolences.

Here are a few examples of the tributes:

Many fans are sharing their favorite Sabu moments, highlighting his extreme matches and unforgettable spots.
Some are posting artwork and paintings dedicated to Sabu, showcasing the impact he had on their lives. A painting of Sabu can be seen here.
Others are remembering his underrated WWE theme song, a testament to his unique character and presence.

One Reddit user wrote:

"Today we mourn the passing of ECW legend Sabu. Man I loved Sabu when I first saw him in WWE when he DDT'd Rey Mysterio through a table. I became so much of a fan of his I started researching his old matches. This guy was a legit badass, I saw that brutal match he had againts Terry Funk in a no rope barbed wire match, he legitimately ripped open his bicep, taped it up with surgical tape to close it and finished the match with barbedwire tangled with Terry Funk. This guy deserves all the respect considering what he put himself through for our entertainment."

The Legacy of the Death-Defying Maniac

Sabu's legacy extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He inspired a generation of wrestlers with his fearless style and willingness to take risks. He helped to popularize the hardcore style of wrestling that became a major force in the industry. His influence can be seen in the many wrestlers who have emulated his moves and adopted his attitude.

Sabu's final match took place over Wrestlemania weekend in Las Vegas, where he defeated Joey Janela. His last public appearance was at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion show convention at the 2300 (ECW) Arena.

Terry Brunk, as Sabu, will be remembered as a true original, a performer who defied expectations and left everything in the ring. His contributions to professional wrestling will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Sabu's Impact on Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)

Sabu's name is practically synonymous with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). His time in the promotion cemented his status as a hardcore icon and greatly influenced the company's identity. Here's a deeper look at his contributions to ECW:

Defining the Extreme

ECW was known for pushing the boundaries of professional wrestling, and Sabu was at the forefront of this movement. His matches were characterized by:

Brutal Violence: Sabu was never one to shy away from using weapons or taking extreme bumps. Tables, chairs, and barbed wire were common elements in his matches.
Innovative Offense: Sabu's high-flying and unpredictable style was unlike anything seen before in wrestling. He was known for his creative use of the environment and his willingness to take risks.
Unpredictability: Sabu's matches were always unpredictable, with a sense that anything could happen. This made him a must-see attraction for ECW fans.

Iconic Feuds and Partnerships

Sabu's time in ECW was defined by his memorable feuds and partnerships. These rivalries helped to shape the landscape of the promotion and created some of its most enduring moments.

Rob Van Dam: The rivalry and partnership between Sabu and Rob Van Dam (RVD) is one of the most iconic in ECW history. Their styles meshed perfectly, creating a series of innovative and exciting matches. They were also frequent tag team partners, often dominating the competition.
Terry Funk: Sabu's feud with Terry Funk was a clash of generations and styles. Funk, a grizzled veteran, and Sabu, a young upstart, engaged in a series of brutal matches that tested the limits of both men.
The Tazmaniac (Taz): Sabu and The Tazmaniac (later known as Taz) had a heated rivalry that was built on Taz's desire to prove himself as the ultimate submission expert. Their matches were intense and physical, with Taz often targeting Sabu's injured neck.

Championship Success

Sabu's success in ECW was not limited to his memorable matches. He also held several championships, solidifying his status as one of the promotion's top stars.

ECW World Heavyweight Championship: Sabu won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship on two occasions, defeating Shane Douglas and Chris Benoit.
ECW World Television Championship: Sabu also held the ECW World Television Championship, further demonstrating his versatility and dominance in the promotion.

Lasting Impact

Sabu's impact on ECW cannot be overstated. He helped to define the promotion's extreme style and contributed to its rise as a major force in professional wrestling. His matches continue to be celebrated by fans, and his influence can be seen in the many wrestlers who have followed in his footsteps. He was, without a doubt, a true ECW original.

Remembering Terry Brunk

As the wrestling world reflects on the passing of Sabu, it's important to remember the man behind the persona, Terry Brunk. While Sabu was known for his wild and unpredictable style, Brunk was said to be a private and thoughtful individual. His dedication to the wrestling business and his willingness to sacrifice his body for the entertainment of fans is a testament to his passion and commitment.

The legacy of Sabu will live on through his memorable matches and the countless wrestlers he inspired. He will be remembered as a true innovator, a fearless performer, and a legend of extreme wrestling.

Videos

Here are some videos to remember Sabu