Hardcore Wrestling Icon Sabu Dies at 60 After Legendary Career [WATCH]

Terry Brunk, better known to professional wrestling fans around the world as Sabu, has died at the age of 60, according to an announcement released Sunday by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

“WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away,” the organization said in a statement.

“WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and fans.”

WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away.

WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7EqPs02bWA pic.twitter.com/T7ZjDHGARJ

— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025

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The legendary performer, known for his violent and extreme in-ring style, was widely recognized as a pioneer of hardcore wrestling.

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His last recorded match took place during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, where he participated in a no-ropes barbed wire match against Joey Janela under the Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) banner. Sabu won the bout.

GCW issued its own tribute on Sunday, stating, “He was an outlaw and a gamechanger. He inspired so many that stepped inside a GCW ring and he will continue to inspire for generations to come. His legacy will last forever and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, and… Long Live SABU.”

He was an outlaw and a gamechanger.

He inspired so many that stepped inside a GCW ring and he will continue to inspire for generations to come.

His legacy will last forever and he will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace, and…

Long Live SABU ☝️ pic.twitter.com/xSQuNwo1n1

— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) May 11, 2025

Brunk, a native of Michigan, came from a family deeply rooted in professional wrestling.

He was the nephew of Ed Farhat, who wrestled as “The Sheik,” and trained under his uncle’s guidance.

Brunk adopted a version of that character early in his career, eventually making a name for himself under the ring name Sabu.

Sabu was especially known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he became a central figure during the promotion’s peak in the 1990s.

His high-risk maneuvers, including his use of chairs, tables, and barbed wire, helped define the ECW style and influence the direction of hardcore wrestling in the United States and abroad.

In addition to ECW, Sabu competed in a wide range of wrestling organizations throughout his career, including WWE, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and several major international promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling.

He also performed for promotions including Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW), Stampede Wrestling, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, Border City Wrestling, Former Martial-Arts Wrestling, and the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).

Throughout his multi-decade career, Sabu held multiple championship titles and was known for pushing the limits of physical endurance in matches that often involved barbed wire ropes, broken tables, and steel chairs.

He earned a reputation among fans and colleagues as both fearless and innovative.

No details regarding the cause of death were provided as of Sunday evening.

WWE and other organizations have continued to share tributes recognizing Brunk’s influence on the industry and his contributions to wrestling across multiple continents and promotions.

Sabu is survived by family, friends, and a global fanbase that followed his storied and intense career.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.

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