3 top accolades ECW legend Sabu claimed in his wrestling career

Here’s to the hardcore ECW legend, Sabu who passed away at the age of 60 yesterday and the top laurels that he racked up during his days at the ECW.

Terrance Brunk, popularly known as Sabu to pro-wrestling fans, made his journey to the heavenly abode yesterday at the age of 60. Even though the official reason for his death has yet to be disclosed, his demise has left a massive void in the hearts of the fans.

One of those few wrestlers who were a part of ECW at its full bloom, while joining WWE in 2006 when they decided to open a new brand, Sabu had seen it all. He was always up for a good fight, and most importantly, his work ethic is something that always inspired the youngsters. Here are the top three laurels Sabu racked up during his wrestling career:

3. Success in the independent circuit

Thank You Sabu pic.twitter.com/0FuWUf7eSR

— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) May 11, 2025

Sabu has savoured a fine run in the independent circuit. He started it all with the BCW Heavyweight Championship, and then started enhancing the list. He won the BCW Can-Am Heavyweight Championship, EWA European Junior Heavyweight Championship, WWA Martial-Arts Tag Team Championship, IWC Tag Team Championship, IWF Heavyweight Championship, JCW Heavyweight Championship, MECW APW Hardcore Championship, NWC Heavyweight Championship, PWASD Cruiser Core Championship, Pro Wrestling Holland Championship, 3PW World Heavyweight Championship, Stampede Pacific Heavyweight Championship, and the list simply goes on and on. He was also inducted into the 2009 Hardcore Hall of Fame and the 2024 Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame. These laurels are simply a testimony to his incredible brilliance in the ring.

2. NWA World Heavyweight Championship

This picture dates back to the summer of 1995.

I’m holding the UFC Championship and the NWA World Title. Sabu is holding the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and propably the NWA Independent World Title. Sabu is the only person to ever hold that title. pic.twitter.com/5UlNgRv5Vt

— Dan Severn (@danbeastsevern) January 6, 2024

After an excellent run in ECW, Sabu started grappling in the free circuit. It was on November 14, 2000 that Sabu locked horns with Mike Rapada. It was a crazy battle that unfurled, and both superstars showcased their hardcore wrestling flair. Eventually, Sabu had his ‘ten pounds of gold. ' Not only did Sabu win the championship but he also retained the championship at NWA Florida Holiday Spirit: End of Days. However, this title reign came to an end at Nashville Christmas Chaos, where Rapada regained the belt for himself.

1. ECW World Heavyweight Championship

RIP Terry Funk, let's look back when he and Sabu had a brutal ending in a ECW Championship match
* ( GRAPHIC CONTENT ) * pic.twitter.com/yLDu6AFNeR

— POOSHIESTYTATIN (@TROLLTATIN) August 23, 2023

When Eastern Championship Wrestling was still finding its way against a mountain of odds, Terry Funk , a legendary veteran, was brought in to enhance the glamour of the company. His brawling style pitted against the contrasting high-flying offense from Sabu made this a rivalry to remember. The duo was not willing to step back, and eventually, the culminating clash happened at NWA Bloodfest with a No Disqualification stipulation. After an intense back-and-forth, Sabu defeated Terry Funk, clinching the ace of ECW and went on to hold a total of two times.

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