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Sub tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 60, and since then, the wrestling community has been sharing numerous anecdotes about this iconic figure. Chris Jericho recently revealed that Sabu reached out to him about the possibility of wrestling another match before he died.
During a conversation, Jericho recounted Sabu’s final match at GCW Spring Break 9, where he faced off against Joey Janela. Following that match, Sabu sent Jericho a message expressing his desire to face him in six months.
Jericho noted that this was the last communication he received from Sabu, just a week prior to his passing. Even though Sabu had a retirement match, he still longed to step back into the ring. He also mentioned to Rob Van Dam that wrestling again would feel strange since their bond was so close.
“Regarding his last match on his own terms, I won’t forget that I received a text from him shortly before he passed,” Jericho shared. “I said, ‘Yes, let’s wrestle again six months from now.’ It shows that he wanted to continue even after his retirement, and Rob (Van Dam) has discussed this too.”
Jericho also reminisced about Sabu’s interactions on the Jericho cruises. Sabu had been messaging Jericho for years, proposing a match where the loser would have to jump off the ship.
Jericho laughed while recalling that, although he believed Sabu would emerge victorious, he would still take the plunge off the boat regardless. When Sabu finally attended the cruise, he participated in a live podcast and reconnected with his old friend Luther from FMW. Jericho mentioned that Sabu brought an incredible energy and enthusiasm to the event.
“When Sabu sent me those DMs, he was enthusiastic and truly enjoyed being back on the Jericho cruise. His podcast was fantastic, and he was thrilled to reunite with his old friend, Luther. He humorously suggested, ‘I might beat you, but I’ll still jump into the water afterward… I’ll triumph on your cruise and then essentially leap to my doom.’
Sabu’s legacy is not solely defined by his intense matches and innovative wrestling style, but also by his unwavering passion for the sport, which remained strong until the end. Whether he was longing for another match or dreaming up wild scenarios like leaping off a cruise ship, Sabu’s love for wrestling was undeniable. Fans will forever cherish and honor Sabu for all he contributed to the business, and that admiration will endure.
What are your favorite memories of Sabu’s illustrious wrestling career? Do you believe his final match warranted a postponement? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: Sabu’s impact on wrestling extends beyond the ring; his enthusiasm and creativity resonate with fans and fellow wrestlers alike. His desire to continue performing shows the relentless spirit of the sport and serves as an inspiration for future generations of wrestlers.
