The professional wrestling world lost a true trail blazer when Sabu sadly passed away at the age of 60.
A two-time ECW World Champion, Sabu revolutionized the business with his extreme and high-flying style.
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
Naturally, countless fans and wrestlers have paid tribute to the Houdini of Hardcore, including promotions like WWE.
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On the May 12 episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE kicked off the show with a segment from commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, recognizing Sabu and his contributions to the pro wrestling business.
Honoring the life and remembering the legendary career of SABU.#ThankYouSabu pic.twitter.com/DqS4wSHGlR
— WWE (@WWE) May 13, 2025
While the tribute was appreciated by fans online, one pro wrestling legend noted that Sabu may not have been a fan.
During an episode of Busted Open, ECW original and hardcore icon Bubba Ray pointed out that this kind of tribute is the exact kind of thing that Sabu would hate for various reasons.
“I hope Jericho does not get made at me for this, but I’m gonna pull back the curtain a little bit,” Bully Ray said, per Nishant Jayaram of Wrestling Inc.
“When WWE put up the whole thing last night about ‘in memory of’ and it said Terrance Brunk, Jericho texted me and he said, ‘Sabu would’ve hated this. He would’ve never have appreciated it.’
“And I understand what Chris is talking about just knowing Sabu, whether it was the use of the name Terry, [Sabu saying] ‘that’s not who I am,’ or ‘now you put me over 1747266847 that I’m dead.’”
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Seemingly, this wouldn’t be the only issue that Sabu had with WWE. He had previously called out the WWE Hall of Fame, noting that it’s not relevant if it allows non-wrestling celebrities like Drew Carey.
“Rob Van Dam is Hall of Fame material too, but is Drew Carey?” Sabu asked, per DonutShopChronicles365. “Is Drew Carey Hall of Fame material? He goes in it, that means it’s going to be bulls—. If he’s in it, it’s bulls—.”
Despite this, multiple wrestlers have stated that they believe Sabu is more than deserving of entry into the WWE Hall of Fame, including Rob Van Dam and Sami Zayn.
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