XMNews: Wrestling Legend Sabu, Real Name Terry Brunk, Passes Away at 60

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Terry Brunk, better known by his ring name Sabu, who passed away at the age of 60. Sabu, a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, was renowned for his time with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he became a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, holding the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once.

Born on December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, New York, Brunk was trained by his uncle, Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, and began his career in 1985 under the ring name Sabu. His early years were marked by stints in various independent promotions before he gained international fame in Japan with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he won several championships, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Sabu’s career took a significant turn when he joined ECW in 1993, where his high-risk, hardcore style became legendary. His matches often featured barbed wire, tables, and chairs, earning him the nicknames “The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac” and “ECW’s Evel Knievel.” His innovative approach to wrestling, characterized by aerial maneuvers and extreme violence, left an indelible mark on the sport.

After leaving ECW, Sabu continued to wrestle in various promotions, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he was part of the rebooted ECW brand in 2006. His final match took place just weeks before his death, during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, where he faced Joey Janela at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9, marking his retirement rumble.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) confirmed Sabu’s passing, stating, “From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans.” The organization did not disclose the cause of death, but the wrestling community has been quick to honor his legacy.

Sabu’s personal life included a relationship with fellow wrestler Melissa Coates during the 2010s, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 due to complications from COVID-19. His death at 60 has left fans and colleagues reflecting on his contributions to wrestling, with many describing him as a legend whose impact will be felt for generations.

XMNews extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends, and the wrestling community as they grieve the loss of a true icon. His career, marked by both physical and emotional intensity, will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of hardcore wrestling history.