Did Sabu struggle financially in later years? Details explored as legendary ECW wrestler passes away

Pro wrestling legend, Sabu, whose real name of Terry Banks, passed away on May 11, 2025. He was 60. NBC News confirmed his demise though, according to reports, the cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Sabu's illustrious career spanned decades, and his death has naturally ignited curiosity about his net worth and the fortune he left behind. He was considered a pioneer of the hardcore wrestling style. He was a two-time ECW champion, ECW tag team champion and ECW world television champion.

Despite his successful career, Sabu’s later years were marked by financial struggles, according to The Sportster. He never received the financial rewards that many wrestlers did in the late 1990s, when the wrestling boom brought big money to the industry.

According to the reports, he needed support from WWE to cover his medical costs, and continued to outdo in the ring for the sake of his reputation, despite health struggles.

Exploring the financial struggles of WWE pro wrestler Sabu

Sabu struggled financially in his later years primarily due to a combination of persistent health problems, high medical expenses, and the physical toll of his wrestling style, which limited his ability to perform.

According to a report in Merca 20, Sabu was trained by his uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, The Sheik. His career started in 1985 but he entered WWE in 2006, and was there only for 13 months. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Sabu said:

“I had a little regret over [not going to WWE sooner], but I’m happy where I’m at now. There’s a few things I wish I would have done differently, but for the most part, I did things my way. I achieved some things that were told to me to be unachievable.”

According to a report in The Sportster, Sabu had to ask WWE for medical assistance during an operation, which he desperately needed to improve his health. Through his stunts, Sabu became known as:

“The suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death–defying maniac.”

Reportedly, he suffered a medical emergency in 2023 during the Squared Circle Expo. He was rushed to the hospital after what was described by organizers as a "serious medical emergency" on the show floor. At that time, he took to Twitter (now X) to reassure his fans of his recovery.

In 2016, Sabu asked for help from his fans to cover his medical expenses for a hip surgery. He reportedly established a GoFundMe page with the help his friend, James Ryder. The fundraiser stated:

“He has also accrued back and shoulder issue, but his left hip has been excruciating over the past few years, and is now left him unable to sleep and with a noticeable limp. His first priority, as it always has been, is to keep entertain his plethora of fans to the best of his ability, so his hip needs to be repaired as soon as possible.”

His hardcore wrestling style definitely took a toll on his health and career. Discussing about his last match, Dave Meltzer told Ring Side News,

“Sabu had a lot of issues from, you know, the painkillers from what he did. He did take what looked like a bad bump in that match too where he kind of fell backwards to the floor, and he’s 60 years old. You know, I mean, I know he hadn’t wrestled in years.”

He also told that how while growing up in his career he never received the financial benefits as wrestlers did in the late '90s. He said:

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“By the time, you know, the big money was there, I mean, he didn’t quite get that big money during the late 90s run that perhaps he could have had things worked out differently.”

According to a report in NBC News, he competed with many notable names in professional wrestling such as Rob Van Dam, Taz, and Mick Foley.

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