The world of wrestling sadly said goodbye to one of the most dying defiant performers of all time, as Sub’s real name Terry Blank passed away at the age of 60. With that in mind, many people in the business pay tribute to the late star of X (formerly known as Twitter), with one of Sabu’s best friends, Rob Van Dam, leading the tribute with one simple emoji.
☝🏼
– Rob Van Dam (@therealrvd) May 11, 2025
Many other former ECW stars paid homage to Bully Ray (better known in ECW as Buh Buh Ray Dudley), “The Queen of Extreme” Francine, former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Masato Tanaka and Blue Meanie.
The fraternal love and bonds of only a few in our business will be understood to date.
And tomorrow @bustedopenradio We respect one of our own.
Thank you Rip Sabu and the pioneer and founder of getting the table!! pic.twitter.com/uv5efkvip2
– Bully (@bullyray5150) May 11, 2025
My heart is broken. 💔Please rest peacefully on my friend sub. I always love you.
– Francine (@ecwdivafrancine) May 11, 2025
I was fine the other day when we met, and I saw footage of last month’s retirement match and they were doing amazing things.
I don’t want to believe it.
Without Sabu I would have been lonely and would not have lived in a small town in Michigan for six months.
Thank you so much as always.
I love it.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/ip28ximdor— Tanaka Masato (@masato_dangan01) May 11, 2025
Please rest in peace.
Thank you, I love you, I miss you… I’m totally devastated. pic.twitter.com/lxtv2upop6– Brian Hefron aka The Blue Meanie (@bluemianiebwo) May 11, 2025
Sub is one of the few performers who have worked on almost every major wrestling promotion currently active by WWE, AEW and TNA in honor.
WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Blank, known to wrestling with fans as a sub, has passed away.
WWE expresses sadness to sub’s family, friends and fans. https://t.co/7eqps02bwa pic.twitter.com/t7zjdhgarj
-WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025
The world of AEW and wrestling lament the passage of the sub.
From the barbed wire fight to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sub gave everything to wrestling.
Our thoughts lie in his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/jpgbyj2kkl
– All Elite Wrestling (@aew) May 11, 2025
We learned of Terry “Sub” Blank’s passing, played in many memorable matches in TNA history, including the iconic first barbed wire match with Abyss. We express sincere and pitiful dol to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/hf5hyax6ni
– TNA Wrestling (@thisistna) May 11, 2025
However, his final match, a barbed wire match on the ropes with Joey Janela over WrestleMania 41 weekend, was GCW’s official X account, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), where company owner Brett Lauderdale writes his tribute, and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW).
He was an outlaw and a game changer.
He has inspired so many people that he stepped into the GCW ring and continues to inspire for future generations.
His legacy will last forever and he will never forget.
Please rest in peace and…
Long Live Sub☝️ pic.twitter.com/xsqunwo1n1
– GameChangerWrestling (@gcwrestling_) May 11, 2025
Pioneers, rebels, outsiders. It’s too extreme for the mainstream. It has inspired me so much to capture and count the imagination of multiple generations.
Undoubtedly, one of the most influential wrestlers of *all* time.
Thank you for everything, and God bless you with the sub. pic.twitter.com/jnqgqxbivy
– Brett Lauderdale (@lauderdale11) May 11, 2025
Undoubtedly his most famous ECW rival, current AEW commentator Taz, has posted a heartfelt video telling the world how much his own Sabu means to him.
Sorry, my words are a bit surprising in this video, I’m trying to speak from my heart… I don’t know what else to say. #ripsabu pic.twitter.com/o6ehka0ijk
-Taz (@official) May 11, 2025
I’ve heard the news that his heart has broken and that Sub has passed away. He always treated me great, so we shared some special moments in the ring. He made me laugh many times over the past 20 years. Rest in peace and speed up the Holy Sub.
– abyss (@therealabyss) May 11, 2025
Finally, given the number of people Sabu has influenced over the years, stars all over the world pay tribute to the hardcore icon.
This is a gut punch. After Sub had his final match, he was pushing the agenda again a few weeks ago.
rip sabu. One of kind and absolute legends, a true game changer for professional wrestling. https://t.co/wvgz4ao42k
– Samizayn (@samizayn) May 11, 2025
rip sabu
A true shit legend! pic.twitter.com/dv3nwri0c5
– Matt Cardona (@themattcardona) May 11, 2025
No one wanted me to be a wrestler than a sub.
Rip into a true hardcore legend
Suicide, Murder, Genocidal 4-ever
– Mark Brisco (@sussexcochicken) May 11, 2025
💔Rest Easy Legend #sabu ☝☝️
– Priest Damien (@archerofinfamy) May 11, 2025
Sub, you were the most unlikely friend I’ve ever made in the wrestling business. I’m going to miss the random text checking in with each other. Sorry, I have been giving so many autographs over the years and have no regrets. I will cherish them and our friendship forever. I… pic.twitter.com/ft3uoctalo
– Brian Myers (@myers_wrestling) May 11, 2025
