GoFundMe Set Up Sabu’s Funeral Expenses

The wrestling world is coming together to help Sabu’s family.

On May 11, the world of professional wrestling lost a legend when Sabu sadly passed away at the age of 60.

His death came just weeks after his retirement match for GCW against Joey Janela during WrestleMania week. In fitting style, the match at GCW Spring Break 9 was a No Rope Barbed Wire Match.

On the latest episode of his 1 Of A Kind podcast, Rob Van Dam paid tribute to his friend and former in-ring rival. He was also quick to dismiss the idea that those at GCW, or his opponent Janela, had anything to do with his untimely passing.

Rob Van Dam Announces Fundraiser For Sabu’s Family

Van Dam also revealed that a GoFundMe had been set up for the family of his long-time friend to help with funeral expenses. That fundraiser is now well underway, and full details can be found below.

The page, set up by Van Dam’s co-host Dominic DeAngelo, is aiming to raise $25,000.

The ECW legend’s family posted the following tribute:

On May 11, 2025, the world lost legendary pro-wrestler, Sabu. Sabu, nephew of the Original Sheik, was a trailblazer who transformed the pro-wrestling business worldwide. His tenure in Japan and the American independents sparked a transformation in the landscape of pro wrestling, which lead to a boom period.

The Attitude Era, Extreme Championship and All Elite Wrestling do not exist but for the contributions of this true original.

Sabu’s humble, generous, and funny demeanor outside of the ring impacted those who knew him just as much as inside it. Sabu gifted the world with his presence and will live on forever. Now that he has left this earth, he will be reunited with his beloved mother, uncle, and Melissa.

This GoFundMe was created to help pay for all funeral expenses during this difficult time. Any donation or sharing of the cause is greatly appreciated. Let’s honor the legendary performer and the unbelievable human being; the one and only Sabu!

At the time of publication, the fundraiser has been running for only a matter of hours, but has already raised over $6000, in large part due to a $5000 donation from Chris Jericho.

Fans wishing to make a donation or get more information can do so here.