Sabu’s Final Match Raises Questions
The professional wrestling community is grappling with renewed scrutiny over wrestler Sabu’s final in-ring appearance following revelations about his condition and the use of the herbal supplement kratom shortly before his death.
Sabu, whose real name was Terry Brunk, competed in his retirement match against Joey Janela at GCW’s “Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9” event in Philadelphia on April 18, during WrestleMania 41 weekend. According to Janela and GCW officials, Sabu was reportedly immobile due to locked knees and bleeding feet prior to the match. In order to allow him to perform, his team administered kratom, a legal but controversial supplement known for its opioid-like and stimulant effects.
Janela later described Sabu’s condition during the match as being “on a different planet,” attributing it to the kratom use. He said the supplement had long been part of Sabu’s efforts to manage chronic pain and to cope with the effects of past opioid use.
Sabu died on May 11 at the age of 59. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but the timing of his passing and the circumstances of his final match have led to questions about the decision to allow him to compete.
Critics have questioned whether GCW and others involved prioritized the event over Sabu’s health. GCW owner Brett Lauderdale responded to the backlash by saying Sabu was determined to wrestle and that the decision to move forward was made with respect for the wrestler’s wishes. Lauderdale and Janela both emphasized that the use of kratom was initiated by Sabu’s team and not by the promotion itself.
Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, is legal in most U.S. states but banned in some due to safety concerns. The Food and Drug Administration has warned against its use, citing risks that include liver damage, seizures and potential addiction. It is not approved for medical use by federal regulators.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about pain management and the use of unregulated substances in professional sports. Wrestling, in particular, has long faced challenges in protecting the health of performers, many of whom continue working despite serious injuries and limited access to healthcare support.
Sabu, a former ECW icon known for his extreme style, had battled a series of injuries and health issues in the later stages of his career. His death has prompted reflection within the industry about performer safety and the pressures of legacy performances.
Sources: Cageside Seats, Cultaholic, Yahoo Sports