WWE star Sabu dies aged 60 just weeks after final match as tributes paid to wrestling legend

Sabu, a wrestling star who fought in WWE among other promotions, has died. The New York born star, born Terrance Michael Brunk, was 60.

Sabu was the nephew of fellow wrestler The Sheik, who was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. He spent time in WWE himself, as part of a revival of the ECW brand, and his matches with the likes of Rob Van Dam and Mick Foley have lived long in the memory.

"WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away," the promotion said. "The nephew of WWE Hall of Famer, The Sheik, Sabu became a national star as part of ECW, where he was a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, leaping from chairs and driving his opponents through tables and even barbed wire."

The WWE also remembered Sabu's "marquee" encounters, against Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship and John Cena for the WWE Championship. "One of his greatest accomplishments came when he and fellow ECW Originals, The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and Van Dam were victorious at WrestleMania 23 in Sabu’s native Detroit in front of over 80,000 fans," the tribute continued.

"Sabu left WWE soon after in 2007 and continued to travel the world as sports-entertainment’s human highlight reel. WWE extends its condolences to Sabu’s family, friends and fans."

AEW paid its own tributes to the late wrestler. "AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of Sabu," a social media post from the promotion read.

" 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."

Sabu's retirement match had come less than a month before his death as part of the line-up at Joey Janela's Spring Break 9, an event held by Game Changer Wrestling on April 18. The 60-year-old took on Janela in the final event of the night, defeating his opponent by pinfall.

Rob Van Dam was another to pay tribute to Sabu, sharing a recent photo of them together. "You never know when it’s the last time you’ll be together when it comes to this," he wrote on social media.

"Sabu was as irreplaceable in my life as he was in the industry. You all know how important he was to my career, and you know how much he meant to me personally. He’s been a tremendous influence since I was 18 years old , when I met him. Learning to be an adult, while you’re in the crazy environment of this business can go several different ways.

" I’m proud to have been able to carry on so many of Sheik and Sabu’s values, both in and out of the ring. Sabu helped make me the wrestler I am, the person I am, and I’ll always be proud of that and grateful. And because he loved the business more than anyone I know… wRESTle IN PEACE."