PWInsider is reporting the heartbreaking news that former ECW World Champion Sabu, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and revolutionary performers in professional wrestling history, has passed away. Sabu, born Terry Brunk, was 60 years old.

The nephew of hardcore wrestling pioneer The Sheik, Sabu entered the wrestling world in 1985, working primarily in Midwest territories. His early career saw brief stops in WWE and Japan’s FMW before he found his true home in the rebellious ECW promotion during the mid-1990s. Known for his wild, risk-heavy offense and a disregard for his own body, Sabu quickly became a defining figure of the hardcore movement. His storied rivalries with the likes of Taz and Rob Van Dam earned him cult status among tape-trading fans, and even landed him a short stint in WCW before ultimately returning to ECW, where he stayed until its closure.

Following ECW’s demise, Sabu remained active across the independent scene and appeared regularly for TNA Wrestling during the 2000s. He made a high-profile return to WWE in 2006 as part of their ECW revival, joining other hardcore icons like The Sandman. This run included a memorable match against then-WWE Champion John Cena at Vengeance 2006. Sabu departed WWE the following year and resumed his work on the independent circuit.

Sabu had just competed in what would be his final match over WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, where he defeated Joey Janela. He also appeared last weekend at the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion show convention held at the 2300 Arena, widely known as the ECW Arena, which now appears to have been his final public appearance.

We are currently working to gather additional details surrounding his passing.

Our deepest condolences go out to Sabu’s family, friends, and fans around the world during this incredibly difficult time.

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