As the wrestling world continues to mourn ECW legend Sabu, CM Punk honored him with a heartfelt tribute. Punk opened Monday Night Raw by doing Sabu’s signature point to the sky before heading to the ring to address Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins, and Bron Breakker.
CM Punk and Sabu’s Connection
Over the weekend, it was announced that Sabu passed away at 61 years old. PWInsider reported they were “extremely saddened to report that former ECW World Champion Sabu, one of the most vibrant and groundbreaking professional wrestlers of his era, Sabu (real name Terry Brunk) has passed away.”
Punk and Sabu shared a bond from their ECW days. Sabu was supposed to main event of ECW’s “December to Dismember,” but he was pulled from the match and replaced by Hardcore Holly. The next week, CM Punk and Rob Van Dam dedicated their match to him in a sign of respect.
CM Punk pays tribute to late legend Sabu.#WWERAWpic.twitter.com/mMSeuXv7aH
— 𝕸𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖗𝖈𝖍𝖔 (@_monarcho)
Sabu’s death came just weeks after he wrestled his final match with Joey Janela during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. Known for his high-risk, hardcore style in the ’90s and 2000s, Sabu was a true pioneer of extreme wrestling.
A cause of death hasn’t been shared yet. WWE released a statement saying, “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.
“Sabu joined WWE in 2006 and was there for a year, where he performed in his hometown of Detroit at WrestleMania 23. May Sabu rest in peace.”