When it comes to innovative performers, there are an elite list of competitors that have changed the business through their accomplishments and sometimes, they pay the price to sacrifice themselves. Ray Stevens took bumps during his prime in the 1960s that wouldn't become common place for another 20 years. The Dynamite Kid bought a completely different style to the United States and the risk of that style, along with some of his own choices, resulted in him being confined to a wheel chair in his home country of England. There were many competitors that contributed to the industry and sacrificed their health in the process.
However, Sabu has arguably sacrificed more than some of the competitors previously mentioned and a road map of scars tells the story of his nearly three decade career. Similar to his legendary uncle The Original Sheik from Detroit, Sabu rarely spoke during his career and developed an aura similar to The Sheik as well. What could drive someone to throw themselves into barbed wire? Why would someone super glue wounds closed instead of seeking medical help? What is the thought process behind dives into the third row? The name Sabu is known to millions of fans around the globe, but who is Terry Brunk?
Kayfabe Commentaries is one of the premiere video companies that produces shoot interviews and their "Breaking Kayfabe" series focuses on a competitor's story outside of the ring. Sabu has done a few interviews in the past, but he was relatively quiet for most of them and he actually explains why during this Breaking Kayfabe interview. Speaking of kayfabe, Sabu tells some interesting stories about just how far his uncle would do to protect the business and some insight into the Eddie Farhat away from the arena.
Sabu also addresses the injuries that he complied during his prime and how they effect him today. He has a very intriguing view on if the wrestling business has any responsibility for the performers that harm themselves either physically or through the use of substances during their wrestling career. Brunk also gives his side of the story of the infamous Extreme Rising incident in 2012 when various news outlets reported the story of his possible overdose in a hotel room prior to the show. I don't necessarily agree with the explanation, but it's extremely interesting to hear the story directly from Sabu after the news reports.
Sabu also talks about if he's given enough credit for his accomplishments and his risky style. While he's really humble during the interview, I have to say that Sabu probably still doesn't get the credit he deserves and he should be a millionaire. It's somewhat sad to hear him talk about the financial problems, especially at this point in his career after he sacrificed his body for the wrestling business. However, there's a quote during the interview that should suggest Sabu wouldn't have taken a different career path, "If I would have become typical I would have made for money, but I wouldn't have been proud of myself." and it speaks volumes about his dedication to the industry. Ultimately, the reason Sabu isn't a millionaire today is a combination of not getting the recognition he deserved during the prime of his career and some of his own choices that prevented him from working for a major promotion for an extended time frame. Regardless, it's a tremendous interview and the Kayfabe Commentaries Sabu interviews are some of the best of his career so I would recommend them, as it gives some insight into one of the most performers in the history of the wrestling business.
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