The ECW Legend That Started Wrestling Due To A Near Death Experience

ECW legend Sabu unveiled a pivotal moment that shaped his life and wrestling trajectory.

The former ECW World Champion, who gained notoriety for his hardcore style, recounted a life-altering incident at the age of 19 during a recent interview on Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw. Sabu’s narrative unfolded with a shocking account of being shot in the face, the bullets striking his teeth and leaving an indelible mark on his early years. Reflecting on the traumatic experience, he disclosed:

When I was 19, I got shot. Coming up, I wanted to be a wrestler then all of a sudden I got shot.

Sabu showcased extraordinary resilience following his release from the hospital, he forged ahead on a resolute path to realize his wrestling dreams. Under the mentorship of his uncle, the legendary Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, Sabu began intensive training. Recalling those challenging days, he shared:

As soon as I got out of the hospital, I said, ‘I’mma be a wrestler now.’ So, I started lifting weights, then I went up to my uncle’s about six weeks after that, and then I moved out there a few months after that, and then I started to go.

Despite the setback caused by the shooting, Sabu credited the incident with serving as a powerful catalyst, propelling him to pursue his wrestling aspirations with newfound determination. He explained:

I got shot first, and that kind of sparked me to do it now. Because I kept saying, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ or ‘next year.’

Sabu detailed the harrowing circumstances surrounding the shooting, which unfolded during a house party. Amidst the chaos, he recounted witnessing a gunman firing at his friend and, in a bold move, intervened to protect his companion, only to become a victim himself.

I see this guy coming down with two guns. Boom, boom, boom, shoots my friend in the stomach, boom, boom, boom, and took off running, and I ran behind him, picked him up and threw him down. Then I came on top of him, and he pushed the gun on top of my face and shot me.

Who Does ECW Icon Sabu Want To Have His Retirement Match With?

Sabu stated that he wanted to win the FTW title and then lose it to Hook in his retirement match. Sabu is a former FTW Champion having won the belt from Taz in ECW back in 1998.

H/t to itrwrestling.com