The news of Sabu’s sudden death has shocked the entire wrestling world. Here are some of the thoughts and tributes.
The WWE released this statement:
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 Sabu’s family, friends and fans.
They also posted this tribute video:
AEW sent this message:
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. pic.twitter.com/JpgbYj2KKl
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 11, 2025
TNA posted these words:
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. pic.twitter.com/hf5HYax6NI
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 11, 2025
GCW wrote:
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
MLW remembered Sabu:
Rest in Peace, Sabu👆 pic.twitter.com/boSSilLZao
— MLW (@MLW) May 11, 2025
Joel Gertner wrote:
We’re all blowing off steam at a hotel room party after a show.
The room was ground floor motel with a back screen door.
All of a sudden I make a long rapid noise with my tongue and lips.
Sabu looks around and yells THERE’S A TURKEY IN THE ROOM !!!!!!!!!!!
I just saw Sabu last week at the Arena.
Told him I was waiting for his next retirement match.
Told him I hoped he’d stay busy and active because we need him.
Told him Rudy from Insane Clown Posse gave me some BIG TIME WRESTLING trading cards from Sabu’s uncle’s territory that look great.
Probably didn’t mention the audio version of his book that I’ve been “working on” for years now.
Told him I loved him.
I’m devastated.
To all those who loved and knew and admired him, I’m so very sorry for your loss.
From the Blue Meanie:
Rest In Peace Sabu….
Thank you, I love you, I’ll miss you…I’m totally devastated.
Tazz had this to say:
Sorry, my words are a little frazzled in this vid, I am trying to speak from my heart…I dunno what else to say. #RIPSabu pic.twitter.com/o6ehKa0IjK
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) May 11, 2025
Matt Cardona posted this message:
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. pic.twitter.com/JpgbYj2KKl
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 11, 2025
Bully Ray wrote this:
A brotherhood and bond that very few in our business will ever understand.
And tomorrow on @BustedOpenRadio we will pay respect to one of our own.
RIP Sabu and THANK YOU for being the pioneer and originator of getting the tables!! pic.twitter.com/uV5EFkvip2
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) May 11, 2025
TNA’s Brian Myers remembered Sabu with these words:
Sabu, you were the most unlikely friend I ever made in the wrestling business. I’m gonna miss our random texts checking in on each other. I’m sorry I bugged you for so many autographs over the years, but I certainly don’t regret it. I’ll cherish them & our friendship forever. I… pic.twitter.com/FT3uoCtAlO
— Brian Myers (@Myers_Wrestling) May 11, 2025
TNA’s Masha Slamovich wrote:
Rest in peace Sabu, an absolute LEGEND.
His memory and inspiration will live on and make people feel for years to come & there will never be another. pic.twitter.com/vjIwwcT3Lu
— Masha Slamovich マーシャ・スラモビッチ (@mashaslamovich) May 11, 2025
AEW’s Sammy Guevara posted:
RIP SABU
Watching you put Cena through a table blew little kid me’s mind 🤯
rest easy Legend! pic.twitter.com/jsri1yPJ5H
— Sammy Guevara (@sammyguevara) May 11, 2025
Dark Side of Wrestling posted this tribute:
Sabu gave his body and heart to the business night after night. The scars he wore served as a reminder of all the unforgettable moments he gave us. Thank you Sabu, RIP.👆
This news comes as a shock as Sabu is in Tuesday’s episode paying tribute to his uncle The Original Sheik. pic.twitter.com/ix7EdI7tYE
— Dark Side of the Ring (@DarkSideOfRing) May 11, 2025
CW Anderson remembered Sabu fondly:
Lost another ECW brother today. Rest in Power Sabu. Always an honor to have shared the ring with you. 💔 pic.twitter.com/vefYe8XG4G
— CW Anderson (@ECWAnderson) May 11, 2025
Gail Kim wrote this:
I’m just seeing the news now and do not know what happened but kind of shocking. He was one of the regular faces I always saw making my way through the indies and was always kind and respectful. Thank you and RIP Sabu 🙏🏼❤️❤️
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) May 11, 2025
Cauliflower Alley Club posted this tribute:
Today, the Cauliflower Alley Club along with the entire wrestling world mourns the loss of Terry “Sabu” Brunk, a wrestling legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his fearless and innovative style, Sabu redefined hardcore wrestling. Rest in peace, Sir. pic.twitter.com/a76Xe8pKkA
— Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) May 11, 2025
Francine wrote this about her friend:
My heart is broken. 💔 Rest in peace to my friend Sabu. I love you always.
— Francine (@ECWDivaFrancine) May 11, 2025
Sami Zayne posted this:
This is a gut punch. I was pushing this agenda again a few weeks ago after Sabu had his final match.
RIP Sabu. One of a kind, absolute legend, and a true game changer for professional wrestling. https://t.co/wVgZ4ao42k
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) May 11, 2025
Top Photo By: George Tahinos, Slam Wrestling, georgetahinos.smugmug.com.