ECW legend Sabu to be honored with several public memorial services.
The ECW legend passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 61. Sabu’s death came as a shock to both his fans and his family. Just a few weeks before his passing, he wrestled his final match against Joey Janela on April 18 in GCW.
Following Sabu’s passing, ECW legend Rob Van Dam took the initiative to support the hardcore wrestler’s family. He revealed that a GoFundMe had been set up to help Sabu’s family cover funeral expenses. Recently, another ECW legend, The Blue Meanie, revealed that a memorial is planned for Sabu. He also revealed that it will be open to the public.
He wrote, “Join us Wednesday night, June 25, from 7-11 pm at the 2300 Arena (2300 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA) as we celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary Sabu! This memorial is open to the public. Please share.”
The 2300 Arena event is one of three that have been announced. Rob Van Dam also confirmed that one will be held in Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, June 21st at 3 PM ET at Copper Moon. Additionally, Joey Janela also said that a third will be held near Sabu’s home in Las Vegas, but those details have not been confirmed yet.
Rob Van Dam addresses Sabu’s GoFundMe criticism
On his “1 of a Kind” podcast, Rob Van Dam shared that a second memorial for Sabu will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the wrestling hardcore legend had been living prior to his passing. “Sabu is going to have services in Lansing, Michigan, open to family, friends and fans… June 21 is that day that you want to know. More information on a service that will be here as well, of course, in Las Vegas. So far, not much has changed with the status of what we’re waiting on [regarding cause of death and body recovery].” He confirmed he plans on “going to both services.”
Addressing the criticism about the GoFundMe campaign, he clarified that the situation was not as it had been portrayed. He explained that many people felt honored to contribute. Someone was like, how come Sabu family not have 10k for a funeral, or whatever it was… it came across real negative… And I just respond like, that’s not the case. You know, like a lot of people, feel honored to be able to, to contribute. He didn’t want to do it. It’s embarrassing. But finally, you know, he decided to go ahead and do it, and he was really broke and needed the money this time.” [H/T: wrestlingnews]
