Who Was Sabu? The Story Behind the ECW Legend's Indian Name and Wild Career

The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most fearless trailblazers. Terrence Brunk, better known by his ring name Sabu, has passed away at the age of 60. While the cause of his sudden death has not been disclosed, tributes continue to pour in for the man who helped redefine the meaning of hardcore wrestling.

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.https://t.co/7EqPs02bWA pic.twitter.com/T7ZjDHGARJ

— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025

How did Sabu became Sabu ?

Sabu made his wrestling debut in 1985, heavily inspired and mentored by his uncle, the legendary Ed “The Sheik” Farhat. It was The Sheik who saw the potential in his nephew and gave him the name “Sabu” — a nod to Indian-American actor Sabu Dastagir, a swashbuckling film star of the 1930s and ’40s known for roles in The Thief of Bagdad and Jungle Book. The name fit perfectly, helping to build the mysterious, wild, and unpredictable character Sabu portrayed in the ring.

Sabu's wrestling career

Sabu wasn't just another performer he was an innovator. Known for his daredevil style, he became one of the key figures in popularising hardcore wrestling, especially in the '90s when he joined the now-iconic Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). His high-risk maneuvers, chaotic matches, and brutal rivalries, especially against names like Taz and Rob Van Dam were central to ECW’s rise as the anti-mainstream alternative that changed the wrestling landscape.

Throughout his career, Sabu competed in several major promotions, including brief but memorable appearances in WCW and WWE. One of his standout WWE moments came in 2006 at Vengeance, where he clashed with WWE Champion John Cena in a match that brought hardcore back to the mainstream spotlight.

Relive the greatest and most extreme moments from the legendary Sabu: https://t.co/kduC6KOlor pic.twitter.com/L73Z5ta7b1

— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025

Even after his time in the major leagues, Sabu didn’t hang up his boots. He continued thrilling fans on the independent circuit worldwide, proving his passion for the business never wavered. His final match came during WrestleMania 41 weekend at Joey Janela’s Spring Break, where he faced Joey Janela in a brutal no-rope barbed wire match. Bloodied but victorious, it was a fitting end to a career built on pain, sacrifice, and unrelenting intensity.