May 11, 2025 - A poster of Sabu with news of his passing away, Image Credits:- WWE official site

Sabu Cause of Death – How Did the Pro Wrestling Legend Sabu Die?

Get To Know All the Details Behind the Death of ECW and WWF/WWE Legend Sabu.

May 11, 2025 - A poster of Sabu with news of his passing away, Image Credits:- WWE official site

Pro Wrestling fans are mourning the loss of a prominent legend in the pro wrestling fans. Sabu, also known as Terry Brunk had passed away while being 60 years old on May 11, 2025.

Sabu has been one of the most notable pro wrestlers of the past decade. He had competed in ECW, NWA, WWF/WWE, NJPW and TNA amongst other promtions. He was not only a high flyer but also an excellent hardcore wrestler. Notably, the late Sabu had wrestled all over the world in major promotions. So what led to the cause of this legendary’s wrestler’s death? Read on more to find out.

Sabu Wrestler Cause of Death

Sabu, the late ECW and WWF/WWE legend died on May 11, 2025. However, the cause of his death has not yet been revealed to the pro wrestling fans as per reports. Sabu, notably had wrestled and defeated Joey Janela at Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) a few weeks before his death. He had described that match as his “retirement match”.

The WWE has released a tribute post to the late Sabu on their official site. They called him an ECW original and a pioneer of harcore wrestling. This is due to Sabu leaping from chairs and driving his opponents through chairs and even barbed wires. The Stamford based company extended their condolences to the late Sabu’s family, friends and fans. They even posted a tribute to the late Sabu on their official X account. They have also prepared some of Sabu’s greatest and dangerous moments in wrestling (via WWE Vault on YouTube)-

Notably, Sabu’s biggest rivalry within the WWF/WWE had been with other Hall of Famers like Mick Foley, The Sandman, Rob Van Dam and Tazz. Sabu also competed against John Cena for the WWE Championship. He also fought Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight title. His biggest success however was at WrestleMania 23. Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Rob Van Dam and The Sandman (ECW Originals) defeated the New Breed (Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, Kevin Thorn and Marcus Cor Von) in front of 80,000 fans. Notably, Tazz and Rob Van Dam had also expressed their sadness at the passing of their fellow rival. WrestleRush has also posted this heartbreaking news on their official Instagram post.

Sabu’s Legacy in Pro Wrestling

The late Sabu had been one of the best hardcore wrestlers in the ring during his career. He was known as “the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death-defying maniac” in pro wrestling. Sabu had competed in major promotions all over the world. These included ECW, NWA, NJPW, WWF/WWE and TNA.

Sabu had been a two-time ECW World Heavyweight champion, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Champion amongst others. His Barbed Wire Massacre match against Abyss in TNA on December 11, 2005 was chosen as the Match of the Year. The TNA paid their tribute to the legendary Sabu with reference to his match on their official X account–

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/9TM4BQIjs5
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 11, 2025

There will never be another hardcore wrestler with skills like the late Sabu. His death has dealt a major blow to the concept of hardcore wrestling in the world.

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Arka Mukherjee

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mma

wrestling

I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.