ECW Legend Sabu has passed away at the age of 60. He had his retirement match on April 18, where he defeated former AEW wrestler Joey Janela in a brutal Barbed Wire Rope Match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9, part of the GCW Collective events on WrestleMania 41 Eve at the Palm’s Casino in Las Vegas.
Here’s how the wrestling world reacted to this sad news:
Missy Hyatt: I just heard that Sabu passed away. He innovated and inspired so much in wrestling over the last 30 years. He never got the credit he deserved and the million dollar contract based on his efforts in the ring. He helped put ECW on the map. Shy, yet funny guy if you got to know him.
Francine: My heart is broken. Rest in peace to my friend Sabu. I love you always.
Rob Van Dam: (Finger pointing up emoji)
The Blue Meanie: Rest In Peace Sabu…. Thank you, I love you, I’ll miss you…I’m totally devastated.
CW Anderson: Lost another ECW brother today. Rest in Power Sabu. Always an honor to have shared the ring with you.
Michael PS Hayes: I am really sorry to hear of the passing of one of the most innovating performers EVER, Sabu. My condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fans.
Taz:
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
Justin Credible: I love you. You taught me so much. You made me better both in the ring and as a human being. You will be missed my friend.
Crowbar: THIS MATCH opened all doors that would follow for me. Sabu allowed a young, green, nobody kid to shine, and show what I could do. Always grateful, Always thankful. Without Sabu, there would have never been a “Crowbar” RIP SABU – LEGEND.
Crowbar has had a tremendous 25+ year career, and if you were attending indie shows in the 90's and you saw the name Devon Storm on the card, you'd knew you'd be seeing the absolute cutting edge of American wrestling. @wcwcrowbar & @TheRealSabuECW tear up Woodbury, NJ! (10.28.95) pic.twitter.com/cVZJzFV5de
— Vintage Puroresu プロレス (@vintagepuro) July 9, 2021
Gail Kim: 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.
Damian Priest: rest easy legend
Matt Cardona: RIP SABU. A true f**king legend!
WWE: 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.
AEW: 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.
Robert Stone: 1 of my first road loops in TNA years ago I traveled w/ Raven, Rhino and Sabu. Sabu was always a super cool guy and I enjoyed being around him. Rest in Peace.
Evil Uno: RIP Sabu
Big Damo: RIP Sabu. So so so many of my generation and the generation before heavily influenced by him. Innovator and tough as old boots.
Fuego Del Sol:
Only photo I ever got with the legend was blurry, but the memories and moments will live in my mind clear as day forever. RIP Sabu pic.twitter.com/lV4bDBbViV
— KJ Orso FKA Fuego Del Sol (@KJOrso) May 11, 2025
Mark Briscoe: Nobody made me want to be a wrestler more than Sabu. R.I.P. to a true hardcore legend. Suicidal, homicidal, genocidal 4-ever
GCW: 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
Moose: RIP SABU
Sammy Guevara: RIP SABU. Watching you put Cena through a table blew little kid me’s mind. Rest easy Legend!
Rocky Romero: One of my all time favorites. RIP SABU
Mike Santana: PIONEER. In every sense of the word. RIP to the great SABU
Ryback: RIP Sabu and positive thoughts, energy and prayers to all close family and friends.
Aiden English: Sabu was absolutely a renegade in the best way and inspired many in his style and attitude. A real legend.
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