Rob Van Dam Defends GCW Against Backlash Around Sabu’s Final Match
Rob Van Dam has set the record straight on Sabu.
On May 11, ECW legend 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.
In the days after the legend’s passing, it was reported that he was unable to walk and his feet were bleeding just hours before the match. At this point, he was given “legal opiate” Kratom to get him through the bout.
Joey Janela later denied giving Sabu the substance and pointed to its wide use within wrestling. These insights caused a storm on social media, with some fans suggesting that Janela and GCW were somehow responsible for the ECW legend’s death.
Rob Van Dam Clears Up Sabu Controversy
On a recent episode of his 1 Of A Kind podcast, Sabu’s long-time friend Rob Van Dam paid tribute to the late star and attempted to clear up the growing controversy around his passing. Van Dam began by swiftly dismissing the idea that GCW was responsible for his death.
“I’ve read comments saying, ‘GCW should be arrested on manslaughter.’ Wait, regardless of the cause of death three weeks later? Thank God these people aren’t in control,”
Van Dam explained that Sabu was a regular kratom user, as he is himself, due to its impact on pain management and anxiety.
“First off, they [GCW/Janela] didn’t give him the kratom. It was his own people. For sure, Sabu had some kratom. He eats it every day. I usually eat it every day. It’s good for blocking pain, sleeping, and anxiety.” He emphasized, “It had nothing to do with Sabu dying three weeks later. Ya’ll are basic thinkers.”
The WWE Hall of Famer added that despite what some have said on social media, Sabu was determined to wrestle one more time, and had been training to make sure it happened.
“People are saying, ‘Shame on GCW for allowing a 60-year-old to get in the ring…’ I can tell you… he wanted that… He was training.”
Van Dam added that his friend even told him he felt he’d got one more match left in him after the clash with Janela.
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co