Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ECW and WWE Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated May 11, 2025 3:05 PM ET

Former ECW and WWE icon Sabu has reportedly passed away at the age of 60.

PWInsider reported the news on Sunday. Details on the passing are sparse at this time. Sabu wrestled his final match during "WrestleMania Weekend." He defeated Joey Janela on April 18.

Before truly building his legacy, Sabu made a few appearances for WWE in 1993, but they were all dark matches. In numerous shoot interviews, Sabu has said that WWE later pitched the role of The Sultan, but he turned down the offer. The gimmick ended up going to Samoan legend Rikishi.

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

Sabu made his ECW debut shortly after his WWE dark matches. He worked dates for NJPW and WCW before returning to "The Land of Extreme." Sabu ended up capturing the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice.

In 2006, Sabu made his return to WWE. At "ECW One Night Stand," Sabu challenged Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match was ruled a no contest when both men crashed onto a table.

Sabu's final match under the WWE banner took place on May 1, 2007. He took on Tommy Dreamer, Sandman, and Rob Van Dam to determine the No. 1 contender for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. Van Dam won the match, and Sabu was out of WWE just 15 days later.

Following his WWE departure, Sabu made several appearances on the independent circuit. He even returned to TNA Wrestling for some matches and segments. A key story in the wrestling world during "WrestleMania 41 Weekend" was the aforementioned retirement match against Janela. The match lasted just over 17 minutes, and it was a no-rope barbed wire match.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: