Sabu (Terrance Michael Brunk) – The Hardcore Icon
Born: December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, New York, USA
Died: May 11, 2025 (aged 60)
Height: 5’10”–6’0” (178–183 cm) | Weight: 224–235 lbs (102–107 kg)
Nicknames: “The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac”, “ECW’s Evel Knievel”, “Human Highlight Reel” .
Early Life & Training
- Family & Roots: Nephew of WWE Hall of Famer Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, Sabu was trained by his uncle in Big Time Wrestling (1985) and adopted a silent, mysterious gimmick inspired by The Sheik’s kayfabe persona .
- Ring Name Origin: Initially billed as “Sabu the Elephant Boy” (a nod to actor Sabu Dastagir) and “Terry S.R.” (“Sheik’s Revenge”), he later simplified it to Sabu .
Career Highlights
1. Pioneering Hardcore Wrestling
- ECW (1993–2000): Sabu became the face of Extreme Championship Wrestling with his high-risk style, incorporating tables, barbed wire, and aerial moves. Key achievements:
- 2-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion (1993, 1997).
- ECW Tag Team Champion (with Rob Van Dam & Tazmaniac) .
- Iconic Feuds: Battled Taz, Terry Funk (notably in the brutal No-Rope Barbed Wire Match at Born to Be Wired), and teamed with RVD .
2. Global Impact
- Japan (FMW/NJPW): Gained scars from barbed wire deathmatches and won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship .
- WCW/WWE/TNA: Brief stints in WCW’s cruiserweight division (1995), WWE’s ECW revival (2006–2007), and TNA (2002–2010) .
3. Independent Circuit & Legacy
- Retirement Match: Wrestled his final match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 (April 2025) .
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame (2009) and Indie Hall of Fame (2024) .
Personal Life & Death
- Marriage: Married Hitomi Brunk (1997–divorced) .
- Injuries: Suffered two broken necks, multiple fractures, and famously taped a 10-inch bicep gash mid-match .
- Death: Passed away on May 11, 2025, weeks after his retirement. Cause of death undisclosed .
Legacy
Sabu redefined hardcore wrestling, blending high-flying agility with ultraviolence. His influence persists in promotions like AEW and GCW, and he remains a cult hero for his fearless in-ring style .
