Sabu Howard is a name that might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but for those who are familiar with the world of professional wrestling, Sabu is a legendary figure. Known for his high-flying, daredevil style of wrestling, Sabu’s career has spanned decades and has earned him a loyal following in the wrestling community. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of Sabu Howard, a wrestling icon who has made a significant impact in the sport.
Table of Contents
Who is Sabu Howard?
Sabu Howard, often simply referred to as Sabu, is a retired professional wrestler who gained immense fame in the 1990s. His real name is Terry Michael Sweeney, but he is better known by his ring name, Sabu. He is famous for his hardcore wrestling style, which combines technical wrestling with extreme and often dangerous high spots that left fans in awe.
Sabu’s career is marked by his involvement with promotions like Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Total Nonstop Action (TNA), where he made a name for himself as one of the pioneers of the hardcore wrestling movement. His unique blend of agility, strength, and unorthodox wrestling moves made him one of the most electrifying and beloved figures in wrestling history.
Sabu Howard’s Early Life and Wrestling Career
Born on December 12, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, Sabu came from a family with a wrestling background. His uncle, the legendary The Sheik, was a prominent figure in professional wrestling and played a major role in shaping Sabu’s career. Growing up in a family steeped in the sport, Sabu had wrestling in his blood from a young age.
Sabu’s professional wrestling debut took place in the early 1980s, where he first began wrestling in the independent circuit. It wasn’t long before his unique and aggressive style caught the attention of larger wrestling promotions. His first big break came when he joined ECW in the 1990s, a promotion known for its extreme and often controversial style of wrestling.
Sabu’s Impact in ECW
Sabu is perhaps best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he became one of the promotion’s most iconic figures. ECW was notorious for pushing the boundaries of professional wrestling, featuring hardcore matches that included weapons, blood, and high-risk stunts.
Signature Style
Sabu’s style in the ring was unlike anything wrestling fans had seen before. He embraced the hardcore style of wrestling, using weapons like chairs, tables, and barbed wire. He was known for his high-flying moves, such as the Springboard Moonsault and his Suicide Dive, which added an element of unpredictability to his matches. Sabu’s willingness to take risks in the ring earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.
Iconic Feuds and Matches
Sabu’s time in ECW was marked by memorable feuds and matches that helped solidify his place in wrestling history. One of his most iconic rivalries was with Terry Funk, a legend in the hardcore wrestling scene. Their matches, which often involved extreme stipulations, became legendary and cemented Sabu’s reputation as one of the greatest hardcore wrestlers of all time.
Additionally, Sabu was involved in the famous “Triple Threat Match” with Shane Douglas and Terry Funk, which is often considered one of the defining moments of the promotion. The match was brutal, innovative, and encapsulated everything that ECW was known for.
Sabu’s WWE and TNA Career
While ECW was the promotion where Sabu gained the most recognition, he also had stints with larger promotions like WWE and TNA.
WWE
Sabu made his first appearance in WWE in 2006 during the ECW revival shows. He was part of the new version of ECW, which sought to capture the spirit of the original promotion. Sabu was able to showcase his talents in a more mainstream setting, but unfortunately, his time with WWE was marred by injuries and backstage controversies. However, he did win the WWE Hardcore Championship during his time in the company.
TNA
Sabu also appeared in TNA (now Impact Wrestling) for a brief period in the mid-2000s. While his time in TNA wasn’t as high-profile as his ECW days, he still contributed to the promotion with his hardcore wrestling style, facing off against names like Rhino, Kurt Angle, and Abyss. His matches in TNA were often intense and showcased the same high-risk, high-flying moves that had made him famous.
Sabu’s Legacy in Wrestling
Sabu’s legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable. He was one of the pioneers of the hardcore wrestling movement, helping to define the genre and inspire a new generation of wrestlers. His willingness to put his body on the line for the entertainment of his fans became a hallmark of his career.
Impact on Hardcore Wrestling
Sabu’s contributions to hardcore wrestling cannot be overstated. He brought an innovative and high-flying style to a genre that was traditionally focused on brawling and brutality. His ability to combine athleticism with violence helped to make extreme wrestling mainstream in the 1990s and 2000s.
Influence on Future Generations
Sabu’s influence is still seen in the wrestling world today. Many modern wrestlers cite him as an inspiration, especially those who perform in promotions like AEW and Impact Wrestling, where hardcore wrestling is still a popular aspect of the product.
Personal Life of Sabu Howard
Outside the ring, Sabu has maintained a relatively private life. However, his passion for wrestling and commitment to his craft have always been evident. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Sabu was often described as a straightforward and intense individual. Despite his tough persona, he has always been open about the toll that his wrestling career took on his body, acknowledging that many of the extreme stunts and risks came at a physical price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Sabu Howard’s real name?
Sabu Howard’s real name is Terry Michael Sweeney, though he is more commonly known by his ring name Sabu.
2. What was Sabu known for in professional wrestling?
Sabu is best known for his hardcore wrestling style, which involved high-flying moves, weapons, and extreme risks. He was a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, especially during his time in ECW.
3. Which promotions did Sabu work for?
Sabu worked for several major wrestling promotions, including ECW, WWE, and TNA. He gained the most recognition during his time in ECW, where he became a fan favorite.
4. What are some of Sabu’s most memorable matches?
Some of Sabu’s most memorable matches include his rivalry with Terry Funk, his iconic Triple Threat Match in ECW, and his hardcore bouts in both WWE and TNA.
5. Is Sabu still active in wrestling?
No, Sabu officially retired from wrestling, although he occasionally makes appearances at conventions and for special matches. His legacy continues to influence the wrestling industry.
Conclusion
Sabu Howard (Terry Michael Sweeney) is a wrestling legend whose contributions to the sport, particularly in the hardcore wrestling genre, are immeasurable. With his unique style, daredevil moves, and willingness to push the limits, Sabu became a fan favorite in promotions like ECW, WWE, and TNA. His legacy lives on through the influence he has had on the wrestling industry, inspiring future generations of wrestlers to embrace high-flying, high-risk styles. Despite his physical challenges after a long and hard-fought career, Sabu remains one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history.
