15-05-2025
Heartbreaking moment wrestling legend fights tears in tribute to his biggest rival who died at age 60
Professional wrestling legend Taz fought back tears as he paid tribute to his greatest rival, Sabu, on live television, as the squared-circle icon passed away at age 60 on Sunday.
Taz, who now works as a color commentator for All Elite Wrestling, was asked about his bitter rivalry with Sabu, whose real name was Terry Brunk, from the 1990s during Wednesday's broadcast of 'Dynamite'.
The duo turned real-life drama into a storyline that lasted multiple years in former cult-favorite promotion Extreme Championship Wrestling. Two decades later, it is clear Taz has plenty of love for the late grappler.
'I'm gonna try and do this the best I can,' Taz began. 'But this guy, he was a machine. His work ethic was off the charts. His presence was always amazing. His energy was freaking infectious. And when I wrestled him, every time he brought the best out of me.'
'Sabu was aura, before aura was aura, before aura was cool. That's what this man was. And behind the curtain I promise you, he was loved by his peers worldwide. I'm gonna miss you brother. I love you.'
The duo were given the huge honor of squaring off during ECW's first-ever pay-per-view in 1997. Taz and Sabu wrestled for a final time in 1999 in a brutal match won by the late high-flyer over 'The Human Suplex Machine'.
Sabu wrestled in his retirement match last month against former AEW talent Joey Janela during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas.
During the match, Sabu was driven from the ring to the hardwood floor and through a barbed-wire laced table.
According to reports, he made what is believed to have been his last public appearance at last weekend's Tri-State Wrestling Alliance reunion convention in Philadelphia.
Sabu reached the most fans at once during a brief tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment as part of a revived ECW brand.
During that span, he wrestled John Cena and squared off with Rey Mysterio in a match for the World Heavyweight Championship.
On the same show where Mysterio faced Sabu in June 2006 was Taz's retirement match, submitting Jerry Lawler in a matter of seconds.
