Wrestling News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

WWE and AEW Legends Mourn the Death of Hardcore Icon

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated May 11, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The ECW icon Sabu has passed away at the age of 60, as multiple outlets confirmed Sunday morning. "The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac" had his last match just a few weeks ago against Joey Janela at a GCW event during WrestleMania week.

Sabu's career spanned three decades, wrestling in nearly every major promotion across the globe. His impact on the business is impossible to articulate, but some WWE and AEW legends tried in some heartfelt messages on X.

Rob Van Dam, who teamed with Sabu for years and competed against each other in some of the most legendary hardcore bouts of all time, kept his tribute simple.

☝
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 11, 2025

AEW manager MVP had perhaps the most charming statement.

I thought Sabu would outlive us all...
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 11, 2025

Former WCW and WWE standout Marc Mero shared a more recent flick of the two with some kind words.

I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Brunk, who many of us knew and admired as Sabu. His contributions to the world of professional wrestling were nothing short of legendary. I always looked forward to seeing him at our wrestling conventions, where he was not only… pic.twitter.com/WyfEfHc2P5
— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) May 11, 2025

Current TNA Tag Team Champion and future WWE Hall of Famer Matt Hardy posted a classy memorial.

RIP Sabu

Sabu was a trailblazing groundbreaker who played a major role in the expansion of what a pro wrestling match could be. The fact that tables are commonly utilized in pro wrestling is because of Terry Brunk & how he made an inanimate object like a table a must see… pic.twitter.com/5WbvnMTs8j
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) May 11, 2025

WWE superstar Sami Zayn, who routinely pays his respects to those who paved the way, highlighted Sabu's undeniable influence.

This is a gut punch. I was pushing this agenda again a few weeks ago after Sabu had his final match.

RIP Sabu. One of a kind, absolute legend, and a true game changer for professional wrestling. https://t.co/wVgZ4ao42k
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) May 11, 2025

Current AEW color commentator and former ECW Champion Taz released a heartfelt video.

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

Wrestling great and Busted Open Radio host, Bully Ray, posted some touching throwback pictures.

A brotherhood and bond that very few in our business will ever understand.

And tomorrow on @BustedOpenRadio we will pay respect to one of our own.

RIP Sabu and THANK YOU for being the pioneer and originator of getting the tables!! pic.twitter.com/uV5EFkvip2
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) May 11, 2025

AEW fan-favorite Mark Briscoe credited the revolutionary high-flyer for getting him in the squared circle.

Nobody made me want to be a wrestler more than Sabu.

R.I.P. to a true hardcore legend

Suicidal, homicidal, genocidal 4-ever
— Mark Briscoe (@SussexCoChicken) May 11, 2025

Sabu constantly put his body on the line for the enjoyment of fans. It was clear he had a desire to continually one-up himself and create more jaw-dropping physical feats. His creativity is second to none, and there's something about his ability to always do something spectacular every time he steps in the ring that is impossible to replicate. His wars with RVD, Terry Funk, and Sandman deserve more recognition and hopefully get another moment in the sun.

Expect more formal tributes on the following editions of WWE "Raw" and AEW "Dynamite."

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

More must-reads: