ECW Icon Sabu Passes Away

Sabu has passed away.

The hardcore wrestling icon, best known for his work in ECW, passed away at age 60, according to confirmations from multiple sources. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Sabu (Terry Brunk) recently competed in his retirement match against Joey Janela at GCW’s Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 event in Las Vegas. His career began in 1985 under the tutelage of his uncle, Ed “The Sheik” Farhat. Brunk was known for his hardcore wrestling style and later earned the nickname of the “Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death–Defying Maniac.”

Brunk won the ECW World Championship twice. He also won the promotion’s Television title and had three reigns as tag team champion, making him the second ECW Triple Crown Champion.

TNA, AEW and WWE comment on Sabu’s passing

"TNA We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry "Sabu" Brunk, who competed in many memorable matches in TNA history including the iconic first ever Barbed Wire Massacre match against Abyss. We offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family."

“AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of Sabu. 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,” AEW wrote in a statement issued online.

“WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away. The nephew of WWE Hall of Famer, The Sheik, Sabu became a national star as part of ECW, where he was a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, leaping from chairs and driving his opponents through tables and even barbed wire. Many of ECW’s greatest matches featured Sabu doing battle with the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Rob Van Dam and Mick Foley, as well as The Sandman and his greatest rival, Tazz.

In 2006, Sabu signed with WWE as part of WWE’s revival of the ECW brand. Finally unleashed on WWE, Sabu competed in marquee contests with Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship and John Cena for the WWE Championship. One of his greatest accomplishments came when he and fellow ECW Originals, The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and Van Dam were victorious at WrestleMania 23 in Sabu’s native Detroit in front of over 80,000 fans.

Sabu left WWE soon after in 2007 and continued to travel the world as sports-entertainment’s human highlight reel. WWE extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans.”