The wrestling world misplaced when its most “homicidal, genocidal, and death-defying” figures in Could 2025 when ECW legend Sabu, actual identify Terrance Brunk, handed away on the age of 60. In a tragic type of irony, Darkish Facet of the Ring, probably the greatest reveals on the 2025 TV schedule and a program each wrestling fan ought to watch, got here out with an episode about Sabu’s uncle, The Unique Sheik, just lately.
This was at all times one of many most anticipated tales from the present’s sixth season, and that anticipation led to one of many emotional experiences I’ve had with wresting in a while with its exploration of The Unique Sheik, his influence on wrestling, and the way he modified the lifetime of the person we all know as Sabu.
Although Most Of The Episode Is About The Unique Sheik, It Spends A Lot Of Time With Sabu
If you happen to haven’t already, return and watch the newest episode of Darkish Facet of the Ring (after which watch each different episode of the long-running docuseries), particularly in the event you aren’t too conversant in The Unique Sheik. The episode does an incredible job of explaining the life and legacy of Edward Farhat, aka The Sheik, how he reworked the enterprise, turned Detroit into one of many largest wrestling markets within the nation, and stayed on high for many years.
Contemplating Sabu was the nephew of the WWE Corridor of Famer and realized the enterprise throughout their time collectively, the episode additionally centered closely on the person who’d develop into one of many largest trailblazers of the ‘90s. From his time in Japan’s FMW to stints in WCW earlier than changing into an ECW mainstay, lots of Saub’s profession was coated, which was an superior bonus.
Watching Sabu Speak About The Impression His Uncle Had On His Life And Profession Was So Poignant Now That The ECW Legend Has Handed Away
Although Sabu was by no means actually a talker all through his profession, his enter supplied for therefore many nice moments all through Darkish Facet of the Ring. Each a wrestler, member of the family, and apprentice of The Unique Sheik, Sabu had one unimaginable commentary after one other concerning the man, the parable, the legend. Watching the late wrestler get emotional whereas speaking about how his uncle not solely taught him the ropes of the enterprise but in addition modified his life was extremely poignant and supplied an excessive amount of coronary heart.
Not Solely Did I Depart The Episode With A Better Understanding Of The Unique Sheik, I Left With Even Extra Respect For Sabu Than Earlier than
I knew about The Unique Sheik earlier than trying out the hour-long deep dive into his profession and legacy, however I left the episode with a larger understanding of his accomplishments and contributions to the game {of professional} wrestling. And the identical may be mentioned concerning the late Sabu. Listening to him discuss his struggles as a child, his early days within the ring, and all the things he went by means of together with his uncle by his facet made me respect him a complete lot greater than I did earlier than (which was loads, by the best way).
It wasn’t simply the wrestler who put himself by means of barbed wire weeks earlier than his loss of life, the loopy man who would soar by means of tables with reckless abandon, or the ECW legend who advised a technology of younger wrestling followers that it was okay to be totally different; it was the person who was behind all of it. The overall bundle.
All in all, I simply need to say relaxation in peace to Sabu and The Unique Sheik and thank them for all of the blood, sweat, and tears they shed within the ring for many years. Although their intense and hardcore fashion isn’t for everybody, there’s no denying how a lot they modified the sport.