WWE icon Sabu dies at 60: Here's how the ECW legend got his Indian name

Wrestling fans, it’s a tough one to take in—Terry Brunk, better known as Sabu, has passed away at the age of 60. And if you’ve ever watched even one of his matches, you already know: this guy wasn’t just a wrestler. He was one of the true pioneers of hardcore wrestling .

The cause of the death has not been disclosed.

Sabu was the kind of wrestler who didn’t just blur the line between sanity and showmanship—he flew off it, often through a table. With his wild leaps, and unmistakable charisma, he carved out a legacy that made him unforgettable. And yeah, for those who grew up watching ECW, he wasn’t just part of the show—he was the show.

How did Sabu become “Sabu”?
Let’s talk about the name for a second because it’s got a pretty cool backstory. Sabu wasn’t just a random moniker plucked out of thin air. It was a tribute to Indian-American actor Sabu Dastagir, a film star from the ‘30s and ‘40s who made waves in classics like The Thief of Bagdad and Jungle Book.

Sabu's uncle—and wrestling legend—Ed “The Sheik” Farhat was a fan of Dastagir’s exotic and adventurous screen persona. He figured the name would be perfect for his nephew’s mysterious, no-nonsense wrestling character. And honestly, he was spot on. Add in the kayfabe origins—Sabu was billed as hailing from “Bombay, India” or “Saudi Arabia” at different points—and you had a character dripping with intrigue, danger, and just enough wildness to keep everyone on edge.

The legacy of a hardcore icon
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Sabu was hardcore before that word got trendy. He was doing dives off chairs, moonsaulting through tables, and barbed-wire brawling when most wrestlers were still playing it safe. If there was a way to bleed for the business, Sabu probably invented it.

In ECW during the ‘90s, he wasn’t just a top guy—he was a revolution. He made you believe every single match might end in disaster, and that unpredictability? That was the magic. He held the ECW World Heavyweight and Television titles, but titles were just a part of his story. The real prize was the respect and awe he earned from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

He also took his talents around the world—wrestling in New Japan, WCW, TNA, and WWE. No matter where he went, one thing stayed the same: when Sabu was in the ring, you paid attention.

His last match happened during WrestleMania weekend in Vegas, where he faced off against Joey Janela at Spring Break 9. And of course, even at 60, he brought the fire. It was gritty, it was raw, and it was pure Sabu.

As we say goodbye, let’s remember him not just for the scars and chair shots, but for the fearlessness, the dedication, and the wild energy he brought to every single match. Sabu didn’t just wrestle—he went to war every time he stepped in the ring.